What is it?
The most recent addition to the Vauxhall Cascada convertible line-up, with a new 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine under the bonnet.
We’ve been quite impressed by the Luton manufacturer’s mid-sized convertible since it first arrived in early 2013, pitched as a sleek rival for the likes of the Audi A5 cabriolet and Volkswagen Eos.
Based on Vauxhall Astra underpinnings – but not as close a relative as the little-loved Astra TwinTop that preceded it – the Cascada’s strongest suit is its value-for-money compared to the (admittedly ritzier) drop-top Audi A5.
The petrol engine range was limited at launch, with a choice of a 1.4-litre turbo with a modest 138bhp or a 1.6-litre direct injection unit offering 168bhp that came attached to an automatic transmission.
Hence the reason for the introduction of this 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, which produces maximum power and torque outputs of 197bhp and 207lb ft respectively. Teamed with a six-speed manual gearbox, this version of the Cascada is capable of a 0-62mph sprint of 8.5sec.
Available in two trim levels, SE and Elite, equipment levels are generous, with features such as air-con, 18-inch alloys, a DAB tuner, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, rear parking sensors, an aux-in port and a USB connection all included.
Our test Cascada was a range-topping Elite model, which comes with additional kit that includes climate control, heated electric sports seats with leather trim and automatic lights and wipers.
The test car also rode on 19in five-spoke alloys (a £500 option), and included other options that swelled the on-the-road price of £28,310 up to £32,520.
Join the debate
Add your comment
@mdouth258
If viewed in terms of price paid, I can see why a Vauxhall will make a lot of sense to a lot of people as a sub Skoda, Ford brand but a notch above the likes of Dacia.
I suppose for GM to preserve the impression that Vauxhall as a BRAND are on a par with Skoda and Ford, you have to give them credit for rather good marketing.
But of course, if viewed in terms of RRP, or on an equal playing field to Skoda / Ford / Hyundai / Kia without taking price into account, they are S**T.
Some people are being a little bit unkind to Vauxhall
As for the Cascada (not sure about that name): well it appears to be reasonably well screwed together, but it just doesn't have the class of its rivals (Really Vauxhall? The A5? You have seen the A5, right?). I've not seen a Cascada on the road yet and I'm not hugely surprised. They are going to struggle to sell it as a premium product.
As for describing all Vauxhall products as 's**t', sort yourself out and open your eyes. They have their faults, granted, but they really aren't all that bad. They serve a purpose. I have a 93k mile old Corsa, and it isn't the most inspiring vehicle by any stretch of the imagination and I would far rather a Fiesta; but it is what it is, and has only let me down once when it sheared a coolant hose connector. That's not bad for a 's**t' car over 93k. It's cheap as chips to run and at the moment, that is exactly what I need. I can't honestly say I would choose another Vauxhall though.
Would do well in America