Opel Cascada Takes the Top Off the Insignia and Has New Turbo Engine

OpelOpelGermany, 1863 > present85 models
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has finally revealed its CascadaOpel Cascada Gen.1Germany, 2013 > present5 versions
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convertible, which is really just an InsigniaOpel InsigniaGermany, 2003 > present409 versions
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with an extra dash of style that will go on sale in early 2013. The market for large, four-seat convertibles has shrunk over the past decade, but Opel thinks that the market is still there. It will also be the first car to get Opel's new 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

“The midsize cabriolet segment is only occupied by very high-priced cars from premium manufacturers. With the Cascada, Opel offers all the typical features and premium qualities of a midsize convertible, but at an affordable price," said Thomas Sedran, deputy chairman of Opel.

The styling for the Cascada is heavily based on the Insignia but with a deeper rake to the A-pillar and resculpted rear. The shoulder line and deck lid have chrome cladding to add an air of luxurious driving. The front grill is also clad in chrome with LED running lights and LED taillights. 

Most large convertibles look awkward with the top up, but the Cascada has large side windows that make the car look airy even with the top up. Opel sandwiched thermal and acoustic insulation in the roof to keep things quiet and warm with the top up. The top can even be opened from a button on the key fob. 

Opel is packing the Cascada with technology and aiming the car at luxury buyers. It comes packed with Opel's HiPerStrut front suspension and FlexRide adaptive dampers. The top opens in 17 seconds at speeds up to 50km/h. 

To keep the car rigid Opel added steel beams to the beltline and doors and is using press hardened steel for the A-pillar. In a rollover, bars deploy from the rear seats. 

Inside, Opel is filling the Cascada with soft, luxurious materials. The instrument panel, doors and seats can all be covered in leather. With the top up the rear holds 350 liters of cargo, and with the top down it holds 280 liters. It also has 50:50 folding rear seats. 

Options include Nappa heated and ventilated leather seats, rear view camera, park assist, heated steering wheel, adaptive front headlights and three colors for the top. The Opel Eye is also an option, which is a front-mounted camera that combines lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition and forward collision alert. 

New Engine

The Cascada will be available with three engines at launch including one brand new one. The basic engine is a 1.4-liter turbo petrol engine with 120hp or 140hp and both with 220Nm of torque. There is also a 2.0 CDTi diesel with 165hp and 380Nm.

The new engine is a 1.6-liter direct injected Ecotec petrol engine with 170hp and 280Nm.

The diesel and new 1.6 Ecotec come with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. The 1.4-liter engines are only available with a six-speed manual.