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.

PHOTO GALLERY