Vauxhall Cascada Elite 1.6 SIDI Auto 2dr Car Review - June 2013

Acceleration from the 1.6 litre engine is reasonable, as the Cascada goes from 0-62mph in 9.2 seconds, while its top speed of 135mph is more than adequate. The driving experience itself is reasonable rather than thrilling, with handling that is efficient enough offering grip and stability while cornering, but the steering lacks the feedback that would make it really enjoyable to drive. The ride is one area where the Cascada does feel a little bit of a let down, as it suffers over the bumps and potholes of British roads.

The driving position is good enough with plenty of adjustment to help get comfortable, while the centre console is similar to many other Vauxhall models and is filled with small buttons that can be fiddly to use while driving. Refinement is one good aspect of the Cascada, with minimal road and wind noise being heard while the roof is up, and there is very little buffeting by the wind when driving with the roof down.

The Cascada is the natural successor to the Astra convertible which has been withdrawn from sale by Vauxhall following the introduction of this model, although the Cascada is longer and narrower than its hatchback equivalent. The flowing lines of the car reflect the name of the vehicle, and the smooth lines and tidy rear end are likely to turn heads, with a look that is subtle and classy. The car is supplied with an attractive set of alloy wheels too.

The Elite level of trim does bring plenty of luxuries that start to justify the additional cost of the car, with leather seats a nice touch, although the omission of sat-nav is a disappointment. Rear parking sensors and rain sensing wipers are both nice technological features in the car, while cruise control and climate control make it a pleasant companion on longer journeys whatever the weather. The car is equipped with an electronic soft top roof which folds back into its compartment in seventeen seconds, and can be put back up in the same time.

The Cascada's design team have made a conscious effort to make the car practical enough for the rear seats to be used regularly, although larger and taller adults may find limited headroom when the roof is up. The boot is also large enough for the luggage of four adults, and the rear seats do fold forward to offer additional load space if needed.

Although the Cascada is yet to undergo the Euro NCAP safety tests, it does come with a good range of equipment including additional protection if the car rolls during an accident, and also has stability control. There are four air bags to help look after the passengers in case of an accident. Vauxhall is not one of the best performing manufacturers when it comes to reliability, but the Cascada is subject to the excellent warranty package that is on offer that is reassuring for drivers.

Although the Cascada is significantly cheaper than the Audi A5 convertible, there are plenty of rivals that are located around the list price of £28,615, with some offering a more complete package. The running costs are also quite significant, with the automatic gearbox in the 1.6 litre engine contributing to an average 39.2mpg. Insurance will not come cheap either.

One of the highlights of the Cascada is the fact that it enjoys Vauxhall's superb hundred thousand mile warranty which is in place for as long as you own the car, and also comes with roadside breakdown assistance for the first year.