Earlier this year, Buick introduced us to its first US market convertible in 25 years, the Cascada.
When it goes on sale early next year it will start at $33,990 (including delivery), placing it nicely below the competition like the Audi A3 Cabriolet.
By offering more power and more standard equipment at this lower price point, the Cascada may just have what it takes to draw some of the German brand faithful away.
When it was conceived, the Cascada was to be designed as a convertible, meaning it is a standalone vehicle, and not just a sedan whose roof has been removed. The benefit of being purposed-built will be a stable and strong chassis that should exhibit little to no flex.
And a strong chassis will be needed to harness the 200 horsepower delivered by the 2.0L turbocharged 4 cylinder engine. The only transmission is a 6-speed automatic, which will send power to the front 20” tires mounted to bi-color aluminum rims.
The powered roof will lower in 17 seconds up to a speed of 31 mph, allowing you to cruise along as you are slowly being revealed to the envious public.
The Cascada uses HiPer strut front and Watts Z-link rear suspension setups, which should enhance the drive quality further.
Buick is going to give the premium brands a real run for their money by offering such niceties as a high-intensity discharge, articulating headlamps, front LED daytime running and tail lights, an IntelliLink system with a 7-inch-diagonal color touchscreen, navigation radio with a seven-speaker premium audio system, rear vision camera, rear park assist remote start, dual-zone climate controls, heat-reflective leather seating, heated front seats with eight-way power adjustments, and a heated, leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel.
For those who require more technology, Buick will offer a Premium model that has an MSRP of $36,990.
For the extra money, you gain driver aids such as: a forward collision and lane departure warning, automatic headlamp control with tunnel detection, front park assist, rainsensing automatic windshield wipers, unique 20” wheels, as well as front and rear air deflectors.
All models have ample storage available with 13.4 cubic feet of cargo room with the top up and 9.8 cubic feet with the top down, as well as a 22.4-inch x 12.6-inch pass-through from the trunk to the passenger compartment. When the 50/50-split rear seat is folded, longer items such as skis and wakeboards can be stowed inside.
When it comes to market, the 2016 Buick Cascada will no doubt cause quite a commotion as premium drop-top buyers will be drawn by the good looks and value packaging.
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