Vauxhall Cascada: Test Drive Review

Date: 19 January 2014   |   Author: Jack Carfrae

Despite its large footprint (the Cascada is 4696mm long next to a five-door Astra's 4419mm) and increased all-round size over previous convertibles, there is very little in the way of rear legroom. But where the car distinguishes itself in the four-seat convertible sector is with its roof.

It's the only non-premium model of its ilk that has a fabric roof (it still opens and closes electronically) as opposed to a metal folding hard-top, which has become the default for hatchback-cum-convertibles, hence why Vauxhall is pitching it as an Audi A5 rival.

Despite its unique status in the segment, the Vauxhall will inevitably be considered against non-premium convertibles with folding hard-tops, such as the VW Golf Cabriolet and the Peugeot 308 CC. Even though it has a lower P11D at £26,855, the 308 trails behind in its equivalent 2.0 HDi Allure guise, with a comparatively lofty CPM figure of 65.1ppm due to a poorer RV of 29.5% and emissions of 149g/km.

Not surprisingly, the most closely matched Golf cabrio - the 2.0 TDI GT - enjoys a more substantial RV of 35.1%, which, combined with a cleaner but less powerful 140hp diesel engine emitting 119g/km, creates a more favourable 57.5ppm. Meanwhile, the Cascada comfortably trumps any variant of the A5 Cabriolet too, but that's not surprising given that the cheapest Audi starts at £31,770.

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