Opel would prefer to distance its new Cascada from the rest of the Astra range--likely so it can charge a nice premium--though there’s no hiding the fact that the Cascada shares much in common with the Astra, and to a lesser extent the Astra’s Buick Verano platform-mate here in the U.S.
Almost all of the body panels on the Cascada are unique, however, and the vehicle stretches some 15.4 feet in length. That makes it longer than the Audi A5 Cabrio, as well as the regular Astra hatch.
In line with its premium positioning, the Cascada features a sophisticated front suspension borrowed from the 325-horsepower Insignia OPC, featuring Opel’s HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut) up front, Watt’s link rear axle and adaptive damping.
The soft-top roof is fully automatic and takes just 17 seconds to go up or down, even at speeds of up to 31 mph. Wheel sizes measure from 17 to 20-inches in diameter.
Engine offerings include both gasoline and diesel options, all with the aid of turbocharging. Drive is sent to the front wheels only, via a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic.
Topping the range is a new 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with direct-injection and turbocharging technologies. It delivers 170 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque (with an Overboost function). The most powerful diesel is a 2.0-liter turbodiesel with 165 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque on tap, but Opel promises we'll see more powerful versions, both gasoline and diesel, in the near future.
As for luxury goodies, you’ll find, either standard or available, electric seat belt pretensioners, Nappa leather trim, heating and ventilation systems for the seats, generous space for four adults, electric adjustment of the seats, plus a host of active and passive safety features including camera monitoring systems, blind-spot warning, park and hill assist, and numerous airbags.
