Inside Vauxhall's new Astra

• Design echoes exterior
• Wrap-around dash
• Lots of storage areas

More Information

• More pictures

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These are the first pictures of the interior of the new Vauxhall Astra.

As with the exterior, the design has been influenced by the larger Insignia, with swooping shapes, a recurring 'blade' motif and a distinctive wrap-around dashboard.

The classy look is enhanced by ambient lighting and lots of metallic trim. Vauxhall says that the aim was to make the Astra's interior quality a match for the Insignia's.

Practicality was also a major goal. Vauxhall says that it researched the 20 most common items that are likely to be stored on board and came up with solutions to accommodate them.

The glovebox has two removable compartments, for example, and the centre console can accommodate nine CD cases. There's also a second smaller glovebox below the light switch.

Vauxhall also claims that the new Astra's seats have 'industry-leading levels of adjustment'. It says the front seats can be raised by up to 65mm, with a 280mm range of fore and aft adjustment.

The new Vauxhall Astra goes on sale in late 2009.