08 Sep 04 17:01
Vauxhall is to offer a 'panoramic' windscreen on its new 3-door Astra hatchback from late summer next year. The innovative windscreen, which will be on display at the Paris motor show later this month, extends from the bonnet to behind the driver's head as far as the B-pillar near the backs of the doors, without any cross-members to obstruct the view. 'Only flying is better,' claims Matthias Hallik, who came up with the concept. 'This makes driving through beautiful scenery of a brightly-lit city at night a really special experience.'
Vauxhall claims that tests show the windscreen doesn't affect the Astra's safety level because there's an extra cross-member in the middle of the roof, while the model weighs around 10kg more than the standard car. Two fold-out sun blinds and heat-absorbing glass are said to prevent the car from becoming too greenhouse-like. The standard 3dr hatch goes on sale early summer 2005.
