The new Holden Cascada starts off from $41,990 plus on-road costs, making it one of the most affordable convertibles on the market - and marking "Holden's return to the convertible sports cars market", following the brand's most recent drop-top - the Holden Astra Twin Top - leaving the local range in 2009.
Having launched in Europe as an Opel and in the UK as a Vauxhall about two years ago, the Cascada isn't a brand-spanking new thing - but the Polish-built drop-top does come very well equipped for the cash.
It's a pretty large convertible for the price, and as such it could feasibly compete against a number of models from German makers - such as the Audi A3 Cabriolet on price and A5 Cabriolet on size, not to mention the BMW 2 Series Convertible on price and 4 Series Convertible on size. That said, its most direct rivals come from France - the Renault Megane CC - and that other German maker, Volkswagen, with its Golf Cabriolet.
Standard inclusions consist of 18-inch alloy wheels, a 7.0-inch MyLink media screen with satellite navigation and reverse-view camera display, smartphone app connectivity and front and rear parking sensors. Leather trim is also standard.
The Cascada comes with one drivetrain option only - a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol unit with 125kW of power and 260Nm of torque. Holden claims the Cascada can sprint from 0-100km/h in 9.9 seconds, and fuel use is claimed at 7.5 litres per 100 kilometres. Power goes to the front wheels through a standard six-speed automatic.
In terms of its dimensions, the Cascada is 4.69 metres long, 1.83m wide and 1.44m tall, riding on a 2.69m wheelbase. That makes it close in physical size to the Audi A5 Cabriolet. It has a 280-litre boot space with the roof down, which increases to 380L with the roof up.
The roof can be operated at speeds up to 50km/h, and takes 17 seconds to open or close. There's a rollover system hidden behind the rear seats that will deploy steel bars to protect those in the cabin should they be required, and four airbags are standard (dual front and front side).
There are five colours for buyers to choose from, the latter four of which attract a $550 premium: Summit White, Carbon Flash Black, Phantom Grey, Deep Sky Blue and Nitrate Silver.
2015 Holden Cascada key specifications:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- 17-inch steel space saver spare wheel
- Electric folding acoustically insulated roof
- Sports suspension
- Electric park brake
- Heated power exterior mirrors
- Heated front sports seats
- Perforated leather seat trim
- Alloy sports pedals
- Satellite navigation
- Cruise control
- Reverse-view camera
- Dual-zone climate control
- Front and Rear Park Assist
- ISOFIX child seat anchorage system (two positions)
- Auto projector headlamps (halogen), DRL’s and front fog lamps
- Rain sensing wipers
- Heated leather steering wheel
- Holden MyLink Infotainment System with 7-inch colour screen display
- Integrated apps: Pandora; Stitcher; Tune In
- DAB digital radio
- Single CD player with MP3 capability
- Bluetooth audio streaming with USB and auxiliary input jack
2015 Holden Cascada Launch Edition (adds over standard model):
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Nappa leather appointed sports seats
- Ventilated (cooled) front seats
- Leather sports steering wheel
- Adaptive bi-xenon headlights
- LED daytime running lights
2015 Holden Cascada pricing (plus on-road costs):
- Cascada - $41,990
- Cascada Launch Edition - $44,990
Click the Photos tab above for more images of the new 2015 Holden Cascada.
