The all-new Cascada is Buick’s first U.S.-sold convertible since the departure of the Reatta, a V6-powered two-seater that ended its production run 25 years ago. Buick’s latest open-air cruiser is the four-door Cascada powered by a turbocharged 4-cylinder. A week-long Cascada test drive showcased a convertible with dandy driving dyanmics, thanks to Buick’s HiPer Strut independent front suspension and torsion beam with Watts Z-link rear suspension. Cascada’s power-operated insulated soft-top lowers in seconds, tucking itself below a hard tonneau cover. With the top up, the car is poised for handling all-season weather conditions.
Powering Cascada is a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 200 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 207 pounds-feet of torque from 1800-4500 rpm (221 pounds-feet of torque from 2200-4000 rpm with overboost). Engine is paired with a Hydra-Matic 6-speed automatic transmission. The 106.1-inch wheelbase convertible provides 13.4 cubic feet of trunk space with top up, and 9.8 cubic feet with top down. Standard fare includes front and rear heat-reflective leather seats, six airbags, and a rear vision camera system. The Cascada Premium 1SP carries a MSRP of $36,065 and collects estimated mpg of 20 city/27 highway.