Cascada a 'game-changer' says boss 14 | 03 | 2013
VAUXHALL'S ALL-NEW four-seat, fabric-roof Cascada, is set to change people's perception of the manufacturer, according to chairman and managing director Duncan Aldred (see more official photos of the new Vauxhall Cascada).
The new car — which at 4.7 metres long is the first full-sized convertible designed, engineered and manufactured by Vauxhall since the 1930 — pitches Vauhall into its fourth new sector in a year, following on from the Ampera, Mokka and Adam.
Due in Scottish showrooms from April, the new soft-top starts at £23,995 for the SE and £26,095 for the Elite, and is set to go head-to-head with the Audi A5.
Significantly, Vauxhall's aggressive pricing policy means its full-sized convertible puts it in the same price bracket of C-sector models, including the VW Eos and Golf Cabrio, plus BMW 1 Series and Audi A3 Cabrios.
Vauxhall is confident it will achieve around 21,000 sales annually, accounting for around 10% of C-sector cabrio sales.
Available in two trim levels, SE and Elite, the SE gets 18in alloys, a sports chassis, LED tail lamps and aux-in/USB, all as standard.
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An all-new 1.6-litre turbo petrol powerplant, producing 170PS, heads up the three-engine range. The Cascada comes with Vauxhall's Lifetime Warranty, lasting the life of the car or up to 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
The Cascada is available with a number of premium options never before seen on a Vauxhall, including an electric seat belt presenter. It also comes with heat reflective leather seats, another first for Vauxhall.
"Cascada is set to change people's perception of Vauxhall once again," Aldred, said. "The full-sized 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.
"The all-new Cascada is an outstanding full-size, four seat convertible with premium qualities and technologies at an affordable, mainstream price.
"It's an exciting time for Vauxhall with Cascada launching the brand in to its fourth new sector in a year, following Ampera, Mokka and Adam."
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Jim McGill