Internet services and digital helpers should make life easier - even on board modern cars. As a rule, this works quite well. But sometimes you can be happy if you don't rely on bits and bytes alone, like a two-week test by Opel Astra Sports Tourer teaches. The compact station wagon from Rüsselsheim is one of the best connected cars in its class, but still doesn't rely solely on digital technology.
Opel's unique selling point in networking, which is also promoted by other manufacturers, is "On Star", a kind of concierge service by phone. In addition to various emergency, remote maintenance and location services, the service, which is subject to a surcharge, primarily offers two interesting functions. On the one hand, the installed SIM card not only provides a connection to the outside, but also spans a WLAN network inside the vehicle. Fast and pleasantly uncomplicated compared to some of its competitors.
On the other hand, you can be connected by phone to a call center where a human partner is waiting. In times of clever chat bots and talking machines, this is almost touchingly analogous. But it has definite advantages - but more on that later.
First of all, one enjoys the Internet connection for the mobile phone. This is nice for streaming music while driving or just surfing while waiting in the parking lot. The system only realizes its full potential by connecting the cell phone to the on-board electronics. At Opel, this works via both Apple's Car Play and Google’s Anrdoid Auto. The result is similar in both cases: the user interface known from the telephone is reflected on the on-board screen of the vehicle and can also be operated via its touchscreen function or the hands-free function of the car. At least in part - because the app offer is limited to programs with little distraction.
Google's Android app hijacks the entire display and replaces Opel's navigation and telephone menus with its own "Google Maps" offerings or the telephone operating system known from cell phones. The whole thing looks much fancier, more colorful and more modern than Opel's own graphic interface, and can also be operated quickly and intuitively. In the long run, automakers like Opel will have to be careful that Google and Co. don't completely push them out of the cockpit. This is not the case in the short term. Because the collaboration between on-board IT, mobile phone and the Android app is not yet running smoothly.
It is not possible to determine which of these components are responsible for the occasional failures or whether the system user is the real "bug". It doesn't matter either, because after a week and a half the Android auto system including “Google Maps” route guidance with a briefly flashing error message (something with “graphics card…”) says goodbye completely and permanently. Unfortunately, of course, while driving and of course on unknown terrain, amidst the bustle of freeway, federal highway and commercial area access. Well, you think, we can quickly program the on-board GPS with a voice command.
You could have known from other test vehicles that this rarely works right away. The Opel system is initially stubborn and incomprehensible, which may also be due to the growing panic in the operator's voice. Unusual navigation systems make him nervous - even if the worst possible consequence would be an annoying detour. In the old analogue times, when the passenger still had to do duty on the atlas and road map, marriages and friendships broke up.
However, the relationship with the Astra does not break. Because this is where “On Star” comes into play again. In addition to the WLAN hotspot, the system offers a hotline to a friendly call center, where a person is actually (still) sitting by the receiver. The operator therefore immediately understands the desired address - mumbling, incorrect pronunciation or stagnant speech flow do not bother him. And in the next moment he immediately sends the location and street to the navigation system in the car. Once confirmed with the push of a button, done. The destination is reached two exits and one turn later.
"On Star" is on board the Astra from the third trim level "Dynamic" (from 21.460 euros), otherwise costs from 490 euros. After the first year there are fees for the telematics service (99,50 euros), and the internet connection for the WLAN costs extra (not yet known). If you want to use Apple Car Play or Android Auto, you need at least the R 4.0 Intelli Link radio (series from "Edition", in the basic model "Selection" 800 euros).
Has Opel ever thought that the Internet and voice control system is not yet fully developed? Probably not. "On Star" is new for Germany, but has been in the US for years - and comes from a time when Apple and Google were mostly on the desk, maybe in your pocket, but rarely in the car were found.
The fact that Opel does not really trust the new era can still be seen in the Astra. The USB connection for connecting the mobile phone to the on-board system is ergonomically unfavorable and suboptimal in the armrest for cable routing. Opel has a practical mobile phone holder ("Power Flex Adapter") in the accessories. The only problem is that your USB connection is mysteriously not connected to the infotainment system. Or is there an operating error here? Will give a quick call to the friendly on-star operator.