Opel/Vauhxall Cascada

2013 Opel Cascada

2013 Vauxhall Cascada

Now let's talk about the Opel Cascada (or Vauxhall Cascada if you live in Blighty). This is a brand new convertible which is based on the current generation Opel/Vauxhall Astra J and the strange fact that this German-born machine was built by Polish. Uh-huh, it was made in Poland, which I think it's a country which is near the German border. Check the world atlas and you'll see...

So what's in the name? Well, originally this would be the additional lineup of the Astra range but Opel or Vauxhall managed to consider it a spin-off to the Astra J (which now consists of the GTC, a high-performance model, a 5-door hatch, a station wagon, and a sedan not available in right-hand drive markets) and they called it Cascada. Don't know why but it rhymes like cicada to me...

Anyway, it's like a normal Astra J hatchback but with the roof that can be opened or closed at the push of a button. You can still expect a host of engine choices such as a 1.4L Turbo Ecotec I4 petrol, a 1.6L Turbo Ecotec SIDI I4 petrol, or a 2.0L Turbo Ecotec CDTI I4 diesel engine. The 1.4 Turbo engine, equipped with a 6-speed manual, offers a combined fuel economy of 6.5L/100km, meaning this is the fuel efficient of the petrol range while the 2.0 CDTi engine with the 6-speed manual will have a combined fuel economy of 5.2L/100km, meaning this is the frugal of the diesel lineup as of now. Yes, most of the engine types come with a 6-speed manual but some models do come with a 6-speed automatic if you want something for a bit of easy-driving on the outdoors.

As for the pricing, the Cascada starts at around 29,545 Euros, which is about thousands cheaper than its main rival, the Volkswagen Eos. That makes it great value for money, meaning that if you can't afford a Volkswagen Eos should consider this. It's also much more good-looking than the Eos as well.

2013 Opel Cascada interior

2013 Vauxhall Cascada interior

In terms of being an everyday driver's car, the Cascada seems to be friendly to the driver. It's like being as posh as a large cup of caramel macchiato or when you're stressed, you might as well eat some chocolates to calm you down. On the open road, well when you set it on Sport Mode, the moment when you finished eating your chocolates at midnight is over and then your sugar rush kicks in and with the roof open, this would be an enjoyable feast.

2013 Opel Cascada

2013 Vauxhall Cascada

I know, it's an enjoyable open-top cruiser for a reasonable price but despite being a new model, I think the Cascada is not quite enough to change the image of Opel or Vauxhall because they still have a mountain to climb. The Cascada works well as a weekend car but sometimes, the Cascada might sometimes had a few chances to slip through the wrong path. If you are the kind of lover boy who use this on a date with a special someone, that's fine because the Cascada has the gentleman's manner but if you're a Sir Chief and then you park this car at the casino in Monte Carlo, I'm afraid that you're going to make an embarrassment out of yourself. Not quite as posh as other posh convertibles but the Cascada really shows how glamorous would be if some metro boys in pink shirts had one. Hmmm...

Photo: Opel/Vauxhall