2018 Buick Cascada

The guys rolled up with a sporty 2018 Buick recently. Cascada, they called it. Roughly translates to “waterfall” in Spanish. Actually translates to “pretty good car to have for a week” in English. The Cascada has been in Europe for several years and now in the U.S. for the past three.

You might not be the biggest of fans when it comes to convertibles due to them (sometimes) deteriorating over the long haul. On the other hand, this may well prove a non-issue for the lease-prone amongst us. The Cascada does, however, have a lot to offer. Just the fact that the top cycles in under 20 seconds and there is ample headroom inside with the top up (I’m not a short guy) is enough to pique my interest. Furthermore, the Cascada is very comfortable inside and provides a solid, secure feel at all speeds. Wind noise is minimal in either top condition.

We found the Cascada’s controls easy to find, understand, and operate. The Infotainment System features both touch screen and hard switches for many functions. GM’s air conditioning system cranks out air like a Fridgedare and the fit/finish on our test car was quite good.

Our 1.6-liter turbocharged engine cranks out more horsepower than a 1990s V8, but has 3,962 pounds to move. It’s adequate enough and coupled to the 6-speed automatic transmission and suitable for how this car was meant to be driven. Want to head up the coast for a weekend? Good car. Care for a morning mountain drive? Good car. Want to play rally racer? Not so much. Our government EPA estimates 21/29 MPG for Cascada, our test vehicle came in around 18 overall.

Rear seats come in name only, as is so common with many coupes these days. Cruising is nice and comfortable up front with the top up or down. We especially liked it down at slow speed in the dark. Be aware: the follicly challenged should invest in a good hat.

Cascada provides an interesting drive. Not wholly exciting, yet very solid and secure. The convertible top makes for a bit of driving fun and there’s nothing to compare to driving a new convertible around town. We enjoyed our time with it.

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www.Buick.com

2018 Buick Cascada Sport Touring

Price:
As tested $37,065

Options:
NONE. Cascada Sport Touring is Fully Loaded
Infotainment System, 7-inch diagonal Touch Screen
Forward Colision Alert
Lane Departure Warning
Front leather appointed bucket seats
Front & Rear park assist

Engine type:
1.6-liter Turbocharged, Dual Overhead Cam, 16-valve, Variable Valve Timing

Horsepower:
200hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque:
207 lb.-ft @ 4500 rpm

Performance:
0-60 mph: 8.3 seconds

Drive configuration:
Front Wheel Drive

Transmission type:
6-Speed Automatic, Electronically Controlled with Overdrive

Suspension:
Front – HiPer Strut
Rear – Compound Crank

Wheels and tires:
20″ Dynamic Twin-spoke Wheels, P245/40R20

Brakes:
4-wheel Disc, Antilock

Overall length/wheelbase:
184.9 inches/106.1 inches

Overall width:
72.4 inches

Overall height:
56.8 inches

Weight:
3,962 pounds

EPA mileage estimates City/ Highway:
21/29

Warranty:
4 Years/50,000 miles Bumper to Bumper
6 Year/70,000 miles Powertrain
6 Year/70,000 miles 24/7 Roadside Assistance Program