By Ewan Kennedy
Holden Cascada is the convertible version of the Astra hatch and the next generation of the model called Astra Twin Top, which was imported to Australia until 2010.
Cascada is built by Opel in Europe. Although it’s a German company, Opel has been controlled by General Motors for almost 90 years.
Holden Astras were discontinued in 2010, replaced by lower-cost small and medium cars from GM factories in South Korea.
An attempt was made to revive the Astra nameplate in 2012, this time with Opel Astra badges, although there was no convertible in the Australian Opel range. Less than a year later the Opel name was quietly withdrawn from the Australian market.
Styling is vital to strong sales in all convertibles and Opel has done well, particularly in choosing to go for a soft-top rather than a folding hardtop.
On the other hand, the body behind the windscreen is rather too long to our eyes. This has been done to give Cascada room for four adults rather than the usual two-plus-kids convertible layout. Legroom does suffer in the back if the pair in the front seats want to stretch out but this can be classified as a genuine four-seater if some compromises are made.
Boot space is good because soft-tops need less space to tuck away the roof than do hardtops. If you do want to cruise to a beautiful spot on holiday with the top down you miss out on some luggage room. Try for yourself before falling in love with the gorgeous lines of the Cascada.
Holden Cascada has the Holden MyLink infotainment system, with a seven-inch color screen display with satellite navigation and Pandora, Stitcher and TuneIn Radio apps.
The 1.6 turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine has a useful 125 kW power and 260 Nm torque and drives through a six-speed automatic transmission. The peak torque runs all the way from 1650 to 4500 revs so anyone other than the revheads will be running with maximum torque virtually all day, every day.
Rough Aussie bush roads do generate some scuttle shake but on normal country roads everything feels nice and solid. Cascada on smooth roads is exceptionally quiet and comfortable with the roof closed and still retains plenty of sophistication when the roof is where it should be – folded down.
The new Holden Cascada sells for $41,990 with a limited number of 50 Launch Edition models available for $44,990.
The Launch Edition adds Nappa leather- appointed and ventilated front seats; adaptive forward lighting and Bi-Xenon headlamps with LED daylight running lamps.
These prices do not include government or dealer charges. Contact your local Holden dealer for driveaway pricing.
