OnStar arrives at Opel to improve safety and connectivity in your Opel

Connectivity is one of the most sought-after features when buying a car. We already mentioned in a previous article that this added value would become even more important than the choice of engine within just a few years. This is surely what has led Opel to equip its models with the new Opel OnStar.

This connectivity system will begin to be introduced in Opel models from August, and soon all of them will be able to have it installed to improve connectivity and safety at the wheel. In fact, the first to fit it as standard will be the Opel Astra, whose new generation will be presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show next September. For now, it can be ordered as an option on all models except the KARL, which will have it available from December.

To show buyers all the advantages of this system, Opel will offer all the functions of Opel OnStar free of charge for 12 months after activation. With Opel OnStar there will be a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot, although initially it will not yet be available in countries such as Spain. This hotspot will allow up to seven devices to connect to the car’s Wi-Fi, which will be able to access the internet and use the network at full speed. The three markets where it will initially be enabled are Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

One of the most interesting things about this system is that if any problem occurs, for example if an airbag deploys, the Opel OnStar would receive an alert and connect to an emergency system. Through it, a service agent will call to check that there is no damage and, if necessary, will send the emergency services. In addition, the SOS service can be activated at any time from the button located on the car’s overhead console or on the interior rear-view mirror.

Furthermore, through the smartphone you can access various car controls, such as remotely locating it, locking or unlocking it, checking oil and tyre levels, and managing the car’s Wi-Fi hotspot. You can also immobilise the engine from the control centre or receive maintenance reports on a monthly basis. And as the finishing touch, the user can choose when to show their location and when not to, since they have at their disposal a privacy button that prevents their position from being disclosed. This protects the driver’s privacy if they prefer. Useful, right?

The price of Opel OnStar as an option is 500 euros in Spain, although, as we have mentioned, it will be standard on the brand’s highest-range cars.

Source | Opel