Overview:
It is obvious that the masterpieces are rebadged. But sometimes the ordinary pieces are rebadged as well. It is much like there is no other option that is why the ordinary version is marketed through another brand as well.
The Opel is one of the pioneers of the auto-making from Europe. But it does not that mean that they would not create the ordinary cars. Well, they do create a lot of them, and almost every next of their vehicle is rebadged are marketed under a different brand. The one we have here is the Opel Cascada, that you would have seen here as the Buick Cascada.
The Cascada was introduced in 2012. This car was introduced as the successor of the Opel Astra (twin top version only). Well, the configurations were pretty simple. There were two gasoline options and one diesel option. Further, it has a stiffer design.
Following that introduction, the Cascada was launched into the European market. While for Spain, the Cascada was introduced as the Opel Cabrio. After three years, the Cascada was displayed at the North American International Auto Show under the banner of Buick. And by the start of 2016, this car was launched into the US market.
During the same year, the Cascada was even launched under the banner of Holden and Vauxhall. The Holden went for the Oceanic markets and the Vauxhall stayed in the UK.
Well, the present day Opel Cascada is usually available in 2 trim levels. While some markets just get a single model. Further, the base price for this car is rated at around $79,670 only. And the available upper trim levels might top 85 grands.
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Specifications:
| Engine | Transmission | HP | Torque |
| 1.4 – 2.0 L | 6 – speed manual 6 – speed automatic | 118 – 197 hp | 146 – 295 lb – ft |
| 0 – 62 MPH | Top Speed | Body Style | MPG |
| 8.4s | 126 mph | Convertible | 22 city/ 28 highway |
Performance:
The Opel offered the Cascada in the North American market with 1.6 L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine. The over-boost technology is included in the drivetrain which adds additional power to the performance. Well, the power is rated at 197 hp with 207 lb-ft of torque. While at the over-boost mode the torque is rated at 221 lb-ft. And this drivetrain comes mated with 6-speed automatic only.
Well, that is what you find in the Buick Cascada. While the Opel Cascada is offered with 4 more drivetrain options. The base model comes with the 1.4 L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. This model is available in the markets other than North America and UK. Well, this is a 118 hp engine with 148 lb-ft of torque. Ahead of that, the tuned version comes with 20 more horses at the same torque ratio.
For the diesel version, the Opel Cascada comes with the 2.0 L 4-cylinder engine. The naturally aspirated version offers 163 hp of power with 258 lb-ft of torque. While the bi-turbo version gets 192 horses pounding at 295 lb-ft of torque. Well, there is not much difference between the natural and the bi-turbo models. It just moves a few miles faster.
Besides the North American models, the Cascada is comes mated with the 6-speed manual transmission. While the 6-speed automatic transmission is optionally available.
Further, the Cascada does have a decent market reception. But when it comes to the performance, it is just another tortoise longing for pace.
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Exterior:
All the Cascadas have the same design. There is only the badge that is different in these vehicles. Well, as per Opel, these Cascadas are almost 43% stronger than its predecessors. And even it is utilizing the HiPer Struts. While, when you weigh the Cascada, it is certainly double in weight than the conventional convertibles.
Further, the exterior cosmetics include the bi-xenon headlights paired with the LED DRLs and the fog lights. Along with that, the 18-inch alloy wheels are standard. While the 20-inch wheels stay optional.
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Interior:
The Opel Cascada offers space for four. The front row is fine in terms of spacing. But the rear row is not that much comfortable. Though the seating ingredients are fine, the spacing kills all the joy. Further, the interior appointment is fine in this car. The front row seats are comfortable and are covered with leather. Optionally the ergonomic sports seats are also available. Ahead of that, the up trim levels are available with the exquisite leather upholstery with stitching on them.
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Features:
The Cascada comes with the 7-inch touchscreen infotainment. And it has the Opel’s custom system. Well, this infotainment system is optionally available. While normally you just the AUX radio system. If you get the infotainment system, you do get the telephony and multimedia options. But the navigation stays optional. Ahead of that, there is even an option for the 24/7 Opel OnStar service with SOS response system, stolen vehicle reporting, and vehicle diagnostics.
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Safety:
The safety column includes the safety cage installed to cut down the collision impact. Further, the passive safety equipment includes several frontal airbags and electric powered seatbelt presenter. Further, the Opel Cascada includes a premium parking suite with cameras and sensors. Along with that, the Cascada even features adaptive lighting.
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Competitors:
The Audi A3 Cabriolet is one of the next options available. You would certainly admire the interior, exterior design and the drivetrain of the A3. And nevertheless, she is definitely a fantastic car.
But if you are considering the pricing issue and the styling matter, then the Cascada is certainly pretty awesome. While the powertrain is something that kills the appearance of this car.
Sources:
https://www.opel.com.cy/vehicles/opel_range/cars/cascada/index.html
https://www.opel.com.cy/vehicles/opel_range/cars/cascada/models-specification.html
https://www.opel.com.cy/onstar/onstar.html
