[Guest]

Hi there. First post so be gentle! Took a new Astra out for a test drive on Saturday and was really impressed, especially coming from an Adam which has underwhelmed me tbh. Couple of questions on the Navi 900 IntelliLink system which I'm thinking of getting if I order the car:

• Does it play video and if so what file formats?
  
  It currently doesn't support Android Auto but it mentions in a fleet guide I found that it will do from "Spring 2016" - will this be via a software update do you think, or if I want it should I wait to order until it's available?

Finally, unrelated to Intellilink, I can't find elbow/shoulder room measurements anywhere. Have they been published?

 

[UKtekkie]

Hi Mark and welcome to the forum.

I've not seen anything to say existing devices will be updated but the OnStar agreement suggests over the air updates are possible and I would assume it's likely.

Regardless of what Vauxhall say, your contract is with your dealer. If you order now, I suggest getting something definite in writing from them, if you can, or at least give them a written order stating that the order is subject to Android Auto being provided as an upgrade within 6 months of delivery. That would cover you, and put the risk onto the dealer, so in the unlikely event it's not available as a software update they'd have to fit a new unit with Android Auto (assuming Vauxhall don't abandon it altogether).

For example, I wrote:

Please accept this as my firm purchase order for the SRi Nav 1.4i Turbo (150) as per your quotation 6273/56722, subject to the following conditions:

1. Final price is as per the quotation and not subject to change.
2. Specification and optional extras conform to the New Astra Price/Specification Guide 26 Nov 2015, Model Year 2016.5, including the rear view camera which should be included in the Parking Pack (as shown on page 9).
3. Delivery will be in March 2016 with "16" registration.
4. My Vectra SXi will be traded in when the Astra SRi is collected from your office.

This covered my small concerns as their quote said the final price may be adjusted if Vauxhall changed their price before delivery and also it didn't mention the rear view camera which another dealer thought might not be included.

Feel free to copy this but reference the new 1 January 2016 guide if you do and include any additional terms.

Alternatively, you can save £700 and get the non-Nav model with "R4.0 IntelliLink touch-screen infotainment system" which does support Android Auto but it has a smaller main screen and a monochrome driver information screen with less functions instead of the colour screen that the Nav offers.

Even better, you could abandon the dark side, join us and sign up for the church of Apple, but remember to budget for the Steve Jobs black mock turtleneck and rimless glasses... ;-)

 

[UKtekkie]

This old Opel announcement from May 2015 says "Android Auto compatibility on Touch R 700 and Navi 900 IntelliLink systems scheduled to arrive in the course of 2016":

http://media.opel.com/media/intl/en/opel/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/intl/en/2015/opel/05-28-leader-android-auto-apple-carplay.html

 

[Guest]

Thanks for that and the friendly welcome! Tbh I do have an iPhone at the moment, no turtleneck mind you, but I guess I didn't want to be stuck with a system that's not compatible with my phone if I decide to change it in the future. And also because I still think as much as I love my iPhone that Google Maps is way better than Apple's which plonked us about 15 minutes away from our destination last time I used it in Yorkshire.

Good idea though about getting something in writing - I'd assume it could be done via a software update but I'm not sure what the issue is with it at the moment.

 

[UKtekkie]

Google Maps is available for iPhones in the Apple App Store, but I suspect it won't work via CarPlay? Is that right?

I wonder is Apple are deliberately blocking non-Apple navigation Apps? That would be a pity if it's the case.

 

[UKtekkie]

I'm hoping we'll get an update that offers CarPlay via Bluetooth.

Appe support it now but I've seen no mention of it from Vauxhall so it's not possible to use CarPlay with an iPhone in the dash phone holder plugged into the Powerflex bar - it has to be plugged in to the armrest between the seats.

 

[SwissTJ]

Does it play video and if so what file formats?

Yes it does, supported formats are .avi .mpg .mp4 .xvid & .wmd

Device must be formatted for FAT32 (whatever that is), DRM protected material won't be played and the vehicle must be stationary with the handbrake applied..

Elbow room: taking a line with elbow on the armrest to the other side it's 58"
Shoulder room: a line from B-pillar across is 52"

Measurements are very approximate and done with a very cheap tape measure by a man with a wobbly hand, so don't base a purchase solely on this info!

Hope this helps.

 

[UKtekkie]

Thanks TJ - that's useful. Do you have measurements for the rear seats too please?

I'm keen to know our three kids will fit comfortably (hopefully similar width to our Vectra).

 

[SwissTJ]

same system - armrest to armrest - 57"

 

[Razormatt]

just a standard MP4 copied from my itunes folder to a memory stick its actually better quality then the pics show

 

[MarcR]

I saw this post earlier today pn my phone (apple variety!!!!) and for once the technology let me down as it wouldn't let me reply.

I have an iphone for personal use and a samsung for work (Don't ask why, but its easier to have two!).

I currently drive an Insignia SRI Nav which has bult in sat nav and I have to say that thet easily beats both phones for getting me to the right destination and not once has it put me somewhere I don't want to be.

Therefore, if the nav system in the New Astra is anywhere near as good, then you won't need to use a phone .

And if in doubt / lost................................ Onstar!

Hope this helps.

PS welcome to the forum!

 

[Guest]

Thanks so much everyone, particularly for the measurements and screenshots - really very helpful. Has answered all my questions, just need to work out which trim now

 

[cornishtaz]

I've got a quick question. When your fuel lvl drops to when the light comes on you get a message in the speedo screen but has anyone seen a message come up on the Nav system asking if you want to find a petrol station like it used to do in the Astra J Nav system

 

[Razormatt]

I've got a quick question. When your fuel lvl drops to when the light comes on you get a message in the speedo screen but has anyone seen a message come up on the Nav system asking if you want to find a petrol station like it used to do in the Astra J Nav system

I use to get this on my GTC and i know the other half gets that on her mokka but i dont think i have let my fuel get that low either that or i just havent been paying attention

down to about half a tank at the moment so when the light comes on i will keep an eye out

 

[UKtekkie]

How good is the integration?

If listening to music from an iPhone, via Bluetooth or via cable and CarPlay while using the car's navigation will the spoken directions still be heard?

Will the music be paused or will it just be muted while the directions are spoken?

 

[Razormatt]

The directions come over the top louder very good in my opinion

 

[Guest]

Sorry I have one more question which I can't seem to find answer to in manual. Is there a slot for an SD card or is everything through 1 USB connection?

 

[SwissTJ]

Strange that, the manual is very, very good...

No SD card slot, but obvs there's nowt to stop you using a card reader in the USB

 

[Guest]

No it is very good, I was looking for "sd card slot" in it but obviously the reason I didn't find it is because there's not one! Thanks for your help.

 

[SwissTJ]

No worries, the manual isn't the most comprehensive thing in the world, and you'll find that most folks on here know the answers to most things usually through trial & error. For instance, the quick way to mute/unmute the Nav's voice is buried in the manual when it should really be highlighted. Same with how to stop/restart the directions.