Introduced last year, the Cascada is based on the 'Delta 2' platform currently used by several GM cars, including the Chevrolet Cruze here in the U.S. as well as the Opel Cascada, which GM sells in Europe. The Cascada also shares its suspension with both the Regal and LaCrosse, which makes the car plenty comfortable yet sporty enough to make for an enthusiastic driving experience.
Power comes from a 1.6L turbocharged four, which sends 200 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The Cascada is offered in base, Sport Touring or Premium trims, and each features a power soft top that retracts in just 17 seconds, at speeds up to 31 mph. The 2+2 configuration features rear seats actually suited for occupancy, while the trunk features more than 13 cubic feet of space when the top is up. All of which broadens the appeal of the Cascada as a practical convertible for carrying family and friends.
Even the base Cascada is nicely appointed, with 20-inch alloy wheels, HID headlights and LED taillights. Inside are amenities including IntelliLink navigation, a premium sound system with a 7-inch touchscreen, 4G LTE in-car WiFi connectivity, rear vision camera with park assist, remote start, and heated front seats and steering wheel.
In the Cascada Premium, you'll find all the above plus standard advanced safety features like forward collision and lane departure warnings, front and rear park assist, automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers.
The new for 2017 Cascadia Sport Touring features alloy pedals, a leather wrapped 3 spoke steering wheel and 20-inch wheels. It comes standard with the Driver Confidence Package which includes a forward collision alert system, a lane departure warning system, a park assist system and automatic wipers.
Attractive, Muscular Styling
Fast-opening Convertible Top
Well-appointed Interior
Standard Technology
After its introduction last year, the Cascadia carries over into 2017 with only a couple of changes. A new Sport Touring model has been introduced, while the Cascada's base price gets a small bump to $33,990.
There aren't many options these days when it comes to compact premium convertibles, but Buick is looking to change that. The Cascada is a lovely, stylish rag top that comes loaded with all the stuff buyers want that would cost $3,500 more to get in the Audi A3 cabriolet. The Cascada outshines the BMW 228i convertible as well, easily besting it for standard features. With room for four adults to cruise top down in comfort, and with more trunk space than either the Mustang or Camaro convertible, the Cascada is a fascinating -- and potentially popular proposition from Buick.