Manufacturer Opel (General Motors) | Assembly Poland: Gliwice | |
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Also called Buick Cascada (USA)
Vauxhall Cascada (UK)
Holden Cascada (Australia and New Zealand)
Opel Cabrio (Spain) Production March 2013–present (Europe)/January 2016–present (United States) Designer Andrew Dyson
Elizabeth Wetzel Class Mid-size convertible (S) | ||
The Opel Cascada (Spanish for "waterfall") is a Mid-size convertible engineered and manufactured by the German automaker Opel since 2013. It is also marketed as the Opel Cabrio in Spain, Vauxhall Cascada in the United Kingdom, the Holden Cascada in Australia and New Zealand, and the Buick Cascada in the United States and China.
Contents
Launch
The Opel Cascada was unveiled in Late 2012 for a 2013 European launch. At launch Opel offered the Cascada with a two choices of 4 cylinder petrol, a 1.4L or 1.6L engine. These were offered with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. A 2.0L Diesel was also available at launch. Opel touted that the body of the Cascada was 43% stiffer then that of the previous generation Astra TwinTop and works in tandem with the HiPer Strut suspension layout.
In January 2015, the Buick Cascada was unveiled at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in January 2015. It went on sale in January 2016 and is the brand's first factory convertible since the 1991 Buick Reatta and first 2-door model since the 1999 Buick Riviera. The Cascada was available in two trims, the 1SV and Premium. Additionally, the Buick is only available with the 1.6L inline 4.
In April 2015, the Holden Cascada went on sale and is Holden's most recent convertible since the Astra TwinTop was discontinued in 2009. At launch the Cascada was offered with only the 1.6L petrol engine and a six-speed automatic. Two trim levels were available which are base and launch edition. The Launch edition offered 20-inch alloys, nappa leather sport seats, ventilated front seats, adaptive bi-xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights.
Interior
The Cascada shares much of its interior design with the Opel Astra J on which it is based. Specifications vary between brands however standard features shared between brands include electric park brake, sport seats, DAB Radio, auto headlights and wipers, cruise control, electric folding roof and 7.0" Intellelink Infotainment System branded as MyLink for the Holden.
Regional differences include ISOFIX points standard both Opel, Vauxhall and Holden models while the Holden Cascada also has top-tether mounts. Excluding Holden all Buick, Opel and Vauxhall (2016-onward Elite trim) Cascadas include GM's OnStar System as of 2016 as GM expands the service into Europe.
Engines
The Cascada has a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder Medium Gasoline Engine with Spark Ignition Direct Injection technology, which reduces fuel consumption. Its relatively low power output in the Cascada's mass lets it achieve a modest 0-60 mph time in the 8-9 second range.
The only available engine in the Buick and Holden Cascada is the 200 hp turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with Spark Ignition Direct Injection technology and Variable Valve Timing.
The engine produces 170 PS (125 kW) of power and 280 N·m (207 lbf·ft) of torque between 1650-3200 rpm. Other engines, not available in the US, include two 1.4 L Family 0 petrol with 120 PS (88 kW) and 140 PS (103 kW) both with 200 Nm (220 Nm with overboost) and 2.0 L CDTI diesel with 165 PS (121 kW) and 380 N·m (280 lbf·ft).