Firestyle Magazine Issue 4 - Summer 2016 | Page 42

MOTORING Vauxhall Cascada Vauxhall has returned to the 4-seater convertible/cabrio market with the introduction of the stylish new Cascada, writes Bob Hickman. Their last entry in to this market was with the ill-fated Astra Twin-top, which never really lived up to expectations, which was quite sad because my family actually owned one for a time and found it quite a delightful vehicle. The Cascada is a proper 4-seater convertible, the rear seats will accommodate adults but probably not for a lengthy journey and if they undertake a journey with the roof in the down mode they will certainly have the wind in your hair windswept look. The only other negative is with the roof up rear passengers have restricted headroom, but lets not overlook the fact that that at last a 4-seater affordable car, away from the premier market has been introduced. The Cascada features a fabric roof which in itself is a work of art, whilst ensconced inside the vehicle with the roof up it is difficult to appreciate this is indeed a cabrio, it has superb acoustic 42 and thermal insulation, thanks to a special layer of a polyester fleece being between the inner and outer linings and this makes the vehicle a practical all-year round. The hood/roof can be opened in a mere 17 seconds and it can be done in speed up to 30mph, although I have to be honest I wouldn’t like to try and do that. I think it is fair to say that most convertible cars look pretty good when the roof is down it is probably the designers forte but they do seem a bit out of fashion or even clumsy when you put the roof up, I believe the Cascada looks better with its roof up than down and on my particular test vehicle the maroon coloured roof contrasted beautifully with the silver paint work. The sweeping lines of the car are started by the hugely raked windscreen and this carries on through the body panels to give an aerodynamic clean, seamless profile and it makes the vehicle look quite handsome.The roof itself can be specified in one of 3 colours and it can then be co-ordinated in to any one of ten body colours to make your bespoke vehicle. The interior is well equipped, it has a functional feel to it, not being too exciting, I like the contrasting stitching which always lifts seats and dashboard. One feature that I hope you will never have to encounter, in the event of an unfortunate incident and the vehicle rolls over there is an inbuilt pyrotechnical system which should operate 2 ram devices that will give protection from a roll-over. One hopes you will never to test this particular feature. The cabin has several large storage spaces in each door and under the instrumental panel and due to there being no handbrake lever, the Cascada has an electric device fitted which gives you extra space to be utilised between the front driver’s seats.