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
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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.