Being able to drive is an important step towards
independence, not only for the young ones, but also for people with a physical
disability. Opel is targeting the second
group with new hand controls that allow them to drive a car without using their
feet, which can be fitted, ex-factory, to the Astra, Cascada, and Zafira, and
to the new Insgnia in the near future.
Available directly from the dealership, or selected
using the configurator, these include the Veigel Commander, a system fitted to
the hand throttle lever that allows drivers to operate the turn indicators,
horn, lights, and windshield wipers via a radio remote control.
The automaker sees this as a major improvement over
the previous system that allowed users to control only the gas and pedal brakes
with their hand. When equipped with these options, the car facilitates
one-handed steering, thanks to a turning knob that can be easily mounted on the
steering wheel, and removed, along with the pedal cover from the footwell,
transforming the vehicle into one suitable for a physically unrestricted
partner.
This also applies to the Multima Pro hand control
unit, which helps retain the entire forward adjustment path of the driver's
seat, as well as the MFD Touch multi-function turning knob that provides access
to the turn indicators to the turn indicators, windshield wipers, horn, and
lights, just like the Veigel Commander.
There are some comfort options that could make
driving more pleasant, such as the stationary heater and power tailgate, to
which the numerous Opel assistance systems can be added, from the options list.
