Opel Cascada: prices and specifications

Opel Cascada is a convertible built on the platform of the Astra J model. It complemented the lineup, which already included a sedan, hatchback, and station wagon. Thus, Opel filled the niche left vacant after the discontinuation of the Astra TwinTop convertible. The name Cascada translates from Spanish as "waterfall."

Development of the new convertible started in 2010. Initially, it was planned to be based on the sedan, but later it was decided to use the extended platform of the Astra OPC hatchback. At first, the company simply wanted to add this body modification to the Astra family, but ultimately Cascada became a standalone model.

Unlike the Astra TwinTop, the Cascada received a soft folding roof with an electro-hydraulic drive. The mechanism allows opening and closing it in 17 seconds. This operation can be performed at speeds up to 50 km/h, and manufacturers claim it does not affect the car's dynamics or the mechanism's reliability.

In terms of body dimensions, the Opel Cascada surpasses its main competitor, the Audi A5 convertible. Besides size, Opel decided to compete with it in premium quality: build quality, interior trim materials, seat upholstery, as well as the availability of driver assistance and entertainment systems. One such system is the second-generation Opel Eye. Thanks to numerous sensors and a front-mounted video camera, it helps the driver recognize road signs, monitor the trajectory, and warn of collision danger with the vehicle ahead.

The official premiere of the new model took place in 2013 at the Paris Motor Show. In Ukraine, the model was expected to go on sale no earlier than 2014.

The car is equipped only with turbocharged engines: petrol engines of 1.4 and 1.6 liters, as well as a diesel engine of 2.0 liters. They are paired with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Drive — front.