The old Astra convertible soft top and "Twin Top" metal folding roof models have long gone.
In their place comes the Cascada.
From GM's Opel stable in Europe the Cascada looks the part. There's some hint of Peugeot 308 cc in that steeply raked windscreen and that's not a bad thing..
A drive with the top down up the freeway at 110 kmh to the Adelaide hills produced a fair bit of wind buffeting. (windows up.) Hunkering myself down further, the rush of air became less.
However the windscreen header rail is quite low. Being around 183 cm or (six feet 2 inches tall ) I found myself looking through the top five percent of the screen, even with the driver's seat at its lowest setting.
I wished I could have sat a couple of centimetres lower, or that the screen was a bit taller and not so in my face.
The top operation is impressive. It takes just 15 seconds or so to raise or lower and fasten securely automatically to the windscreen.
There are some grumbles.
In their place comes the Cascada.
From GM's Opel stable in Europe the Cascada looks the part. There's some hint of Peugeot 308 cc in that steeply raked windscreen and that's not a bad thing..
However the windscreen header rail is quite low. Being around 183 cm or (six feet 2 inches tall ) I found myself looking through the top five percent of the screen, even with the driver's seat at its lowest setting.
I wished I could have sat a couple of centimetres lower, or that the screen was a bit taller and not so in my face.
The top operation is impressive. It takes just 15 seconds or so to raise or lower and fasten securely automatically to the windscreen.
There are some grumbles.
With the front seats adjusted forward enough for shorter people, it's still pretty squeezy in the back for legroom although I just managed it with my knees jammed into the back of the seat and my head brushing the roof.
VW's EOS and the old Astra convertibles seem better packaged in this respect.
But moving on.Top in place at highway speeds, the Cascada's interior is quiet and refined.
Build quality is good, and I liked the classy stitching on seats and dashboard. One welcome winter feature is a heated steering wheel. Boot space is minimal with the top down but opens up considerably when the roof is up. If you need more room, the rear seats snap down, operated by buttons in the boot.
The Cascada has a rear view camera and you'll need it. Roof up, rear visibility is terrible.
A tiny back window and wide C pillars create huge blind spots.
The low roofline also makes the dark interior a little claustrophobic, but that's just my opinion.
A tiny back window and wide C pillars create huge blind spots.
The Cascada's dashboard layout is identical to the Astra VXR tested in the previous report. And it has the same premium digital sound system.
I liked the seat belt system for front seat occupants.
An arm swings out and presents the belt to you, similar to that in Mercedes convertibles. It saves you groping around behind you to find the belt. I like the boomerang shaped tail lights, but the rear
indicator lens is tiny...it's not as noticeable as it should be, especially in the daytime.
On the road the Cascada's 1.6 litre turbo engine is a reasonable performer, delivering 125 kw and 360nm. Because the car is quite heavy, acceleration from rest is a bit lacklustre, but more than adequate for the laid back summer cruiser it is. Cascada has a six speed automatic gearbox.
Ride and seat comfort is excellent, the suspension easily absorbing most bumps and it handles quite well also.
So, the Cascada is a very pleasant drive, and should please those wanting a reasonably priced, elegant and stylish soft top.
It sells for around 42K.
I liked the seat belt system for front seat occupants.
An arm swings out and presents the belt to you, similar to that in Mercedes convertibles. It saves you groping around behind you to find the belt. I like the boomerang shaped tail lights, but the rear
indicator lens is tiny...it's not as noticeable as it should be, especially in the daytime.
So, the Cascada is a very pleasant drive, and should please those wanting a reasonably priced, elegant and stylish soft top.
It sells for around 42K.
Peter Sellen
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