Holden Cascada is the convertible version of the Holden Astra.
It’s sold in most other markets with Opel badges, but carried the Holden tag here.
Cascada was introduced to Australia in April, 2015 but didn’t prove to be a big seller and was quietly slipped off the new-car price list midway through 2017.
At almost 4.7 metres long the Cascada is significantly larger than its European convertible competitors so can provide reasonable comfort for four full-sized travellers.
Note the word ‘reasonable’ because taller occupants in the back may have to do a deal with those in front in front of them.
The roof is powered and opens in just 17 seconds at speeds up to 50 km/h. Perfect if you’re stopped at a red light want to let the sunshine in — or to close it if rain clouds are threaten.
Heated front seats and steering wheel provide a big plus when the roof is down during the cooler months, which is often the best time for open-top driving.
Boot space in convertibles is compromised by the need to store the roof, but Cascada’s 360 litres with the roof in place and 280 litres with it stowed is pretty good.
Cascada has the Holden MyLink infotainment system displayed on a 7.0-inch colour screen display (non-touch).
Features include satellite navigation; Bluetooth phone and audio streaming; apps such as Pandora, Stitcher and TuneIn Radio; and DAB+ digital radio.
Holden Cascada has a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol with a reasonable 125kW of power and 260Nm of torque.
All Australian imports had a six-speed automatic. Which is a shame because a manual may have given Cascada a sportier feel and helped sales.
Anyhow, I’ve never been particularly good at hindsight.
Cars without a roof have to be significantly beefed up in the lower areas which adds a lot of mass.
A kerb weight of 1710kg means Cascada doesn’t have a lot of get up and go.
Cool cruiser? Yes. Hot sports machine? No.
Fuel consumption can be high if you try to push it hard, and in typical European fashion it needs expensive 98 RON petrol.
Though owners tell us it will run on 95 RON if they don’t work the engine hard.
Personally, we feel it’s not worth trying to save a few dollars a week by going for the cheaper fuel.
The big open-top Holden cruises comfortably on the motorway although rough rural roads can generate some scuttle shake, which hardly comes as a surprise considering the large cabin opening.
Otherwise ride quality is firm but not excessively so.
Spare parts are reasonably priced for an imported German car and we have heard of no real delays in getting bits.
Obviously if you’re in a remote area it’s not likely the Holden dealer will have parts.
Some components are shared with the Astra and may well be on the shelves, others will have to go on back order.
Insurance costs for the Cascada may vary more than is usual, possibly because it didn’t sell in large numbers so different companies have had varied history on the car.
As always shop around, but make sure you’re doing accurate comparisons.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Make sure you do your pre-purchase road testing on some roughish roads to feel for excessive body flex, squeaks and rattles.
They don’t need to be dirt roads, though these would be preferable to give it a workout.
Check the condition of the seats and carpets, indeed all areas of the cabin for signs of the Cascada having been caught out in the rain with its top down.
Ideally take it for a test drive when it’s raining you may have to call Huey to send it down.
If a Cascada has been run on lower octane fuel and driven hard there could be engine troubles.
Have it fully checked out by a professional, ideally one with a Holden background.
Run your hand back and forward over the front tyres.
Unevenness may have been caused by hard cornering, or bumping a kerb that has upset the wheel alignment.
Make sure the engine starts easily and warms up quickly.
Turbo lag will be there, but if it seems too bad — that’s grounds for suspicion.
Make sure all changes on the automatic transmission are smooth, they should be all but imperceptive under light to moderate acceleration.
Hard driving may result is harder ratio changes.
If they seem too bad have a transmission specialist check it out.
HOW MUCH?
Expect to pay from $7550 – $18,150 for an early 2014 Cascada; $10,050 – $18,850 for a late 2015; $10,300 – $19,550 for a 2016 model; $11,000 – $22,000 for a 2017 model; and $7550 – $16,050 for a 2015 Launch Edition.
CAR BUYING TIPS
Take a friend with you when shopping for a used car.
That way they can keep the chattering sales person at bay while you check out the car without interruptions.
Used car prices have generally increased during the period of new car stock shortages.
Start looking at adverts for used vehicles several months before you intend buying.
That way you can get a feel for the price being asked and whether they are rising and falling, as dealers need to clear stock due to overcrowding.
Keep an eye on adverts for new cars that say there are specials on particular models.
This can lead to a lot of traded-ins taking up too much space in yards and they will be discounted to get rid of them.
Keep an eye open for ads of unpopular cars, as there can vary greatly in price.
Owners struggling to find a buyers may be forced to grit their teeth and drop their asking price.
If checking a used car at a dealership look at other cars on the lot.
This can provide an insight into the quality of the vehicles in which the dealer specialises.
If buying privately ask for proof of ownership and make sure the insurance covers you for taking a test drive.
Take a slow walk around any car you’re considering, looking for obvious defects.
It amuses us how many people dive into tiny details, only to discover later a major ding somewhere on the other side of the car.
Ideally any road test of a car you’re getting serious about should be done with the engine stone cold. Early morning is best.
If you’re serious about buying a vehicle, tell the seller you would like to take it for a good long test drive.
If they insist on coming that’s understandable, but try to avoid them “selling” the car to you.
Put bluntly, ask them to shut up,
In their later years, cars with a reputation for being long lived and trouble free sometimes attract buyers who have no intention of ever servicing them.
The next owner may suffer as a result.
RECALLS
To browse recalls on all vehicles go to the ACCC at: www.productsafety.gov.au/products/transport/cars/
BE SURE TO CHECKOUT OUR OTHER USED CAR REPORTS