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Vauxhall Cascada

10/22/2012

Vauxhall has released full images of its Cascada convertible, following the teaser shot a few weeks ago. (bloke in driving seat, of course). It really does look swish, and perfect for someone who really wants a sporty cabrio but has to give lifts (probably to children, but maybe friends).
   At 4.7 metres long, it's longer than an Audi A5 Convertible, and it's hoping to steal buyers from that premium marque. Duncan Aldred, Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director said "The full-size convertible sector tends only to be occupied by very high-priced cars from premium manufacturers. With Cascada, we’re offering customers high levels of equipment, technology and luxury but at an affordable price."
   A wide range of engines will be offered, but the first will be a 140PS 1.4-litre petrol turbo and the 165hp 2.0 CDTi diesel from the Insignia and Zafira Sports Tourer, available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic.
   Plus, Vauxhall is most excited about the all-new 1.6 SIDI Turbo ECOTEC petrol engine, which it promises will be powerful, smooth and efficient. It produces a maximum 170PS from 1650-3200rpm and 280Nm of torque, thanks to an overboost function*. Initially this engine will only be available with a new, low-friction automatic six-speed gearbox.
   The company has worked hard to keep this long body stiff to handling and reduce noise and vibration. Being realistic about the UK weather, the fabric hood has a special layer of polyester fleece to keep the cabin snug and quiet.
   The price hasn't been announced yet, but I'm guessing £25,000 to undercut the £29k A5 when it goes on sale early in 2013.
   I hope it can boost the Vauxhall name as the company hopes, but I can't help thinking it would do well as a hire car for visitors touring Scotland or the Cotswolds.

* Overboost is the latest buzz-word to impress performance fiends - it's a trick that uses a car's turbocharger to deliver a burst of extra power during peak acceleration.

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Vauxhall teaser

9/5/2012

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Teaser shows a svelte two-door four-seater

It's called Cascada, see what they did?

The previous model (ish)

Vauxhall has released teaser pictures of a four-seater convertible. They say it’s mid-sized, but longer than an A5 – that sounds quite big to me. It’s called Cascada, Spanish for waterfall. (Why? Does it leak?)
   Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director, Duncan Aldred, said: “Cascada, along with ADAM and Mokka (other models with strange names), will bring a fresh and exciting dimension to our product line-up for customers.”
   Poor old Vauxhall, it needs something fresh, exciting – and stylish. The brand exudes reps, yawns or oiks in souped-up hot hatches. I wonder how many more Vauxhall VX220s, would have sold if they had been badged as Opel Speedsters.
    In the press release they’ve tried to stop us remembering the previous nasty Cavalier convertible – developed by IAD, stressing that this is the first all inhouse ‘mid-size’ convertible since before World War II. They talk instead about one of the last large, convertible-bodied cars built by Vauxhall, the OE-type 30-98 (another snappy name), which could be specified with the company’s own Velox body (see pic left). The 30-98 was the UK’s first catalogued 100mph car, and a serious competitor for Bentley’s 3-litre models in its day. I’m sure it could give Chitty Chitty Bang Bang a run for its money, too.
   All this strangeness aside, Vauxhall’s Astra droptops have been very successful and this one looks rather swish. I’ll look forward to seeing it – and wish it every success when it goes on sale next year.

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Vauxhall Cascada

Vauxhall teaser

Woman Driver

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