Holden launches Cascada convertible

GM Holden has returned to the convertible market by launching the all-new Cascada convertible, sourced from Opel in Germany and priced from $41,990 plus on-road costs.

Available from May 1, the spiritual successor of the popular Astra Convertible is also available in Launch Edition guise, just 50 of which will be available for $44,990 plus ORCs.

Direct competitors include other mid-size four-seat European convertibles including the Peugeot 308 CC ($52,990 plus ORCs), Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet ($38,490 and $43,990 for the GT-Line) and Volkswagen's Golf Cabriolet (from $43,990), as well as smaller premium drop-tops like the Audi A3 Cabriolet (from $47,600) and BMW 2 series Convertible (from $54,900).

Both models come standard with a 125kW/260Nm 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, matched as standard with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Cascada consumes an average of 7.5L/100km of 98 RON premium unleaded.

Standard equipment across the range includes a triple-layer acoustic hood that can be power-retracted in 17 seconds at speeds of up to 50km/h, plus 18-inch alloy wheels and perforated leather-appointed seat trim.

The Launch Edition adds Nappa leather-appointed and ventilated front seats and a leather sports steering wheel, plus 20-inch alloy, Adaptive Forward Lighting and bi-xenon headlights with LED daylight running lamps.

Standard safety equipment across the range includes a reversing camera, twin front and side airbags, traction/stability control, anti-skid brakes, hill start assist, a 17-inch steel space-saver spare and ISOFIX child seat anchors.

Other standard features comprise sports suspension, an electric park brake, heated and powered exterior mirrors, heated front sports Siena seats, alloy sports pedals, satellite-navigation, cruise control, dual-zone climate-control, electric power steering, front/rear parking sensors, automatic projector headlights, fog lights, auto wipers, a heated leather-clad steering wheel, trip computer, Holden MyLink infotainment system with 7.0-inch colour screen, DAB digital radio, single-CD player with MP3 capability, Bluetooth audio streaming, USB and auxiliary input jacks

Five exterior colours are available including white, black, grey, blue and silver, all of which are prestige paints that attract a $550 premium – except white.

The Polish-built four-seat soft-top, which measures 4696mm long and weighs 1744kg, offers 280 litres of cargo space with the roof up and 390 litres with it stowed.

Along with the Astra GTC and VXR also launched this week (see separate story), the Cascada marks the beginning of a "major product onslaught" from Holden, which has promised to release 24 new models over the next five years, during which time Opel models from Europe will account for more than a third of its fully imported line-up.