14.11.2001
Wide range of in-car communications systems in the new Vectra
The new Vectra, with its comprehensive range of the very latest in infotainment and communication systems, continues to raise the standard in its class.
In the last few years the requirements of information technology, entertainment, and communication in the car have been on the rise. The new Vectra, with its comprehensive range of the very latest in infotainment and communication systems, continues to raise the standard in its class. The range goes from a hi-fi center with integrated GSM telephone, on to the latest-generation GPS navigation system, to OnStar, the optional telematics service. The integrated systems increase driving comfort and safety and let the driver communicate with the outside world.
All units have been designed to perfectly match the instrument panel design. Large controls with a clear layout guarantee simple and safe handling. While individual modules and functional units in the previous Vectra were positioned decentrally – in the glove compartment or trunk, for example – now all the components designed in double DIN format are in the instrument panel. They therefore take up no additional storage space and can be accessed at all times. An additional speaker is placed on the upper side of the dashboard to ensure excellent acoustics.
Options on the new Vectra include five different audio units, three of which have navigation systems. All versions have features such as RDS radio, a CD player, and a speed-dependent volume regulator, and can be remote controlled from the steering wheel to further increase driving safety. Depending on the model, a 4-x CD changer and a cassette player, for instance, may also be on board.
The CCRT 2008 and NCDC 2015 versions are combined with an integrated GSM telephone. The SIM card is inserted easily into the center console. No cables or additional consoles are required with this device.
The GPS navigation system for the Opel Vectra is a state-of-the-art development. The acoustic guidance in seven languages and an easy-to-read color monitor show the way ahead. The zoom on the map can be shown with different scales on the five-inch screen. The system also has an atlas function.
Current traffic information can also be obtained with the RDS (Radio Data System) and TMC (Traffic Message Channel). If the driver wishes, the navigation system will auto-matically work out an alternative route. This makes dynamic route guidance possible. Along with precise determination of locations, the electronic pathfinder also provides information on remaining driving time and the distance to the destination. The many memory options are also an aid to comfortable operation: the driver can store a total of 20 addresses, and the last seven destinations visited are recorded by the system.
The road networks of 13 countries are now available in digitized format on eight CDs. Represented are Germany, France, Italy, Great Britain, Switzerland/Austria, Luxembourg/Belgium/Netherlands, Spain/Portugal, and Sweden/Denmark. This software, for which permanent updates are available, also has a host of useful additional functions. The navigation system, for instance, indicates local sights and finds hotels, restaurants, fuel stations, car parks, police stations, hospitals, airports, and much more.