Vauxhall Cascada (2013 – 2018) Review

Vauxhall Cascada (2013 – 2018) At A Glance

3/5

+Good quality fit and finish. Impressive refinement. Easy to drive.

-Automatic gearbox isn't the best. Not exciting to drive. Lacks the prestige of a premium convertible.

Insurance Groups are between 20–27
On average it achieves 80% of the official MPG figure

At first glance you might think the Vauxhall Cascada is a convertible version of the Astra – but, built in the USA, it’s actually more similar in size to the Audi A5 Cabriolet. That means there is a good amount of space on offer, with room for four adults plus a reasonably sized boot - providing the fabric roof isn’t folded down.

The roof is dual-layered as standard, but it can be upgraded to a very impressive triple layer roof that offers almost as much refinement as you’d expect from a fixed-roof car. It takes 17 seconds to fold and can be raised or lowered at speeds up to 30mph, which is handy if you’re caught in a sudden downpour while stuck in traffic.

There's a broad choice of engines with a 1.4-litre petrol with 140PS, a 1.6-litre petrol and a 2.0-litre CDTi with either 165PS or 195PS. The Cascada is a heavy car, so the 140PS engine is a little lacklustre when it comes to performance, however the rest of the engines offer reasonable everyday get-up-and-go.

Regardless of engine the Cascada is more at home cruising at a gentle pace rather than attacking corners with gusto. It’s relaxed and easy to drive, but there’s little excitement on offer. That said, there’s a lot to like about the Cascada if you can get past the Vauxhall badge (or the Buick badge or the Opel badge) - it's very easy to drive, impressively well built and offers good levels of refinement.

Unfortunately the badge is the biggest problem. The Cascada might be a very well built car, but the Vauxhall/Opel/Buick badge doesn’t hold the same prestige as that of a BMW or Audi. The Cascada does manage to undercut its rivals on price, however, so if you can get past preconceptions about the brand then there’s every reason to consider the Cascada.

Real MPG average for a Vauxhall Cascada (2013 – 2018)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

80%

Real MPG

32–48 mpg

MPGs submitted

28

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Ask Honest John

My car battery failed after just four weeks - is the dealer liable?

"I bought a five year old Vauxhall Cascada from a main dealer which included a two year NetworkQ warranty. In the first week of using it I reported a number of faults including the ECO Stop-Start did not seem to be working. The car went back to their workshop and the identified faults fixed. Four weeks (and two thousand miles) from buying it, the battery failed terminally (8v only and unable to jump start) and the RAC recommended a new battery at £208. The dealer has refused any help on this as they say I had replaced the part instead of taking it to them to be fixed. Short of having the car towed it was impossible to start or use. Do you think I should ask the dealer principle to get involved? Given I reported it (via email) and the battery failed so soon after the purchase? "
It's not worth taking to Small Claims, but you could initiate the process and that might push the dealer into being more reasonable. Tricky, though, because 80 Vauxhall dealers are about to get the chop under PSA rationalisation, and he might simply not care any more.
Answered by Honest John

Which wheels for a Cascada?

"We are buying a new Vauxhall Cascada Elite 1.4 turbo and wonder what size wheels you would recommend? The car is offered at a discounted price with 19" wheels, but should we swap them for 18" even if we don't get any money off?"
The ride on the 19" wheels will be shocking, they will be very vulnerable to damage and the expensive tyres will wear out quickly. That's the price of bling.
Answered by Honest John

Buying a cabriolet - what would you recommend?

"In my twenties I drove an MGB roadster and a TR4 and enjoyed both greatly. I now desire a cabriolet/roadster again. Which is the best bet for a 65 year old - a Vauxhall Cascada (I have GM points to use), a Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet or a Mazda MX5? I can’t choose between them, which would you buy?"
A Cascada is quite a big convertible, but now with some quite interesting petrol engines. A Golf convertible is smaller and on the basis of readers experience trying to trade them in they drop in value fairly steeply. And MX-5 is a proper sportscar, but there's very little room inside the cockpit.
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

What does a Vauxhall Cascada (2013 – 2018) cost?