Vauxhall reveals new Cascada

Vauxhall has released pictures and details for its new Cascada convertible, a model that follows hot on the heels of the Ampera, Mokka and Adam.

On sale from Spring 2013, the Cascada is a four-seat convertible that gets a fabric roof and, although it may resemble an Astra from some angles and an Insignia from other, at nearly 4.7 metres, it's actually more of a match for the Audi A5 Convertible.

Petrol power for Cascada comes from a 1.4-litre turbcharged petrol engine with 140PS and an all-new 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, producing 170PS and 280Nm of torque, while the diesel option is a 2.0 CDTi (165PS) diesel engine, which can also be found in Insignia and Zafira Sports Tourer models. Vauxhall has said that more powerful diesel and petrol engines will be introduced at a later date.

Cascada's fabric roof lowers in 17 seconds and can be lowered or raised at speeds of up to 30mph, by pressing a button in the cabin or via the key fob. Cascada’s fabric roof can be specified in one of three colours, which can be coordinated with one of ten body colours.

Inside, the cabin is said to mix well equipped functionality with 'handcrafted modules not found in any other Vauxhall'. The instrument panel is wrapped in a soft-touch material, while the new deeply-contoured seats are available in a range of embossed fabrics and leathers.

As with most convertibles, Cascada won't have a massive load area - there's a minimum load volume of 280 litres with the roof down, and up to 350 litres roof up, but it's enough room to cope with a large shopping spree. In addition, it will have a "FlexFold system", which electrically releases and folds down the 50:50 split rear seats, which frees up more room.

Prices will be announced closer to launch in March 2013.