Opel/Vauxhall has released photos of its new midsize Cascada convertible. The two-door Cascada is set to be included in Opel’s European lineup as a replacement for the Astra TwinTop and is scheduled to be rolled out in early 2013. The soft-top may also be available in North America via the Buick brand. According to Opel Chairman Thomas Sedran, the Cascada will complete the brand's product offensive that already includes the Mokka subcompact sports utility vehicle, Adam minicar and Ampera plug-in hybrid. In a statement, Sedran remarked that the midsize cabriolet segment is currently filled with very high-priced vehicles from premium carmakers. He added that that through the Cascada, Opel is offering all the typical features and premium qualities of a midsize convertible at an affordable price.
Opel is highlighting that Cascada is longer than the Audi A5 convertible, throwing a hint that midsize soft-top will offer more metal for the money than premium-brand convertibles. Having dimensions of 4697mm (184.9 inches) in length and 1840mm in width, the Cascada is longer and wider than the four-door Astra sedan and its US counterpart, the Buick Verano.
The Cascada carries some styling cues from the range-topping Opel Insignia. While its predecessor, the Astra TwinTop, used a folding metal hardtop, the Cascada employs a fabric roof that can be opened in just 17 seconds. The roof could be opened remotely at standstill via a button on the key fob and at speeds up to 50 km/h (30 mph) via a dashboard-mounted switch. Opel has yet to divulge the pricing details for the Cascada, although the carmaker has said the vehicle will carry a tag price higher than the Astra TwinTop.
