VAUXHALL is promising that the dynamic new look of the Astra will be reflected in the driving experience, when the new model goes in sale in May next year. Building on the foundations of the current Astra - a car which already has one of the best chassis in class - the new Astra will take chassis technology in the segment to a new level.

Features will include state-of-the-art, adaptive suspension technology and a press-button Sport mode for an even more sporting drive.

Vauxhall's new compact competitor is the first car in its segment with an integrated chassis control network: in addition to ABS and ESP, the network includes CDC (Continuous Damping Control), a major component of the IDS system which first appeared on Vectra. It is the first time that CDC - a feature usually reserved for luxury cars - has become available to so many potential customers, underlining Vauxhall's philosophy of offering advanced and practical engineering in the popular market segments. Selected models in the Astra range will feature a 'sport' switch, so that at the touch of a button suspension settings and steering and accelerator response can be adapted according to the mood of the driver.

With the IDS (Interactive Driving System) adaptive chassis system - which will be optional on selected cars - the new Astra opens a new dimension of suspension performance, to achieve the perfect balance between driving comfort and active safety.