Vauxhall has announced that its new Electric Astra will include the Intelli-Air technology, an air filtration system that can help drivers and passengers breathe easier during hay fever season. Hay fever affects up to one in five people in the UK at some point in their lives, and the new Intelli-Air technology can remove particulates and pollen from the cabin's air.
The Intelli-Air technology actively monitors the air quality and initiates an automatic exchange when the air becomes stale. The recirculation vent's position controls the air quality, and the car's air quality sensor (AQS) closes the vent when the exterior air quality is poor. On the other hand, if the interior air is stale or tainted, the vent opens to supply fresher air.
The technology is not only useful for hay fever sufferers but also for reducing safety hazards. Sneezing while driving can cause a safety hazard, with cars traveling up to 20 meters in urban driving conditions in the time it takes a driver to sneeze. According to the Department for Transport, in 2021, 11,434 road accidents in the UK had ‘impairment or distraction' as a contributing factor to the collision taking place.
The Intelli-Air technology works in combination with Vauxhall's original particulate and activated carbon combination filters, which are available across multiple Vauxhall models. The activated carbon combination filters consist of two layers, which not only keep particulates at bay but also filter out external odours and gases.
The filter material is water-repellent, preventing it from freezing in winter or becoming home to bacteria during warm spells. Despite the high filter performance, good air permeability is ensured. The filter should be changed once every 12 months to ensure clean interior air all year round. A filter management system informs the driver when an exchange is necessary.
The Intelli-Air technology informs the driver of the air quality via the large colour touchscreen. It displays a car-shaped emoji that changes colour based on the standard of the air in the interior. The technology improves safety and comfort for drivers and passengers, and it also contributes to reducing the effects of hay fever.
For anyone who suffers from hay fever, the thought of getting into an air-conditioned car with a dual filtration system for pollutants like pollen – will be highly attractive. It will be interesting to see just how effective it will prove in the real world. You can see for yourself over here.
Alongside the promise of clean air, the Electric Astra will have a battery that's around 10% bigger than its Stellantis cousins. which will give drivers a WLTP of 258 miles (up from 198 miles when the original Stellantis models like the Mokka-e launched).
Driving performance should also be a little more ‘hot hatch' exciting with a motor that develops 115kW – up from the 100kW motor in the e-C4 X etc. Most of that power seems to have been directed toward the top speed, which is 106mph – possibly making the car more attractive to autobahn users. It will hit 60mph in less than 8.5 seconds – which is around 1 second slower than the old exec cars like a 2 litre Jaguar XE.