Most people don’t think of Buick when it comes to drop-top fun in the sun, but the new 2016 Buick Cascada aims to change all that.
Based on the same architecture as the Buick Verano, the new two-door Cascada convertible brings open air enjoyment to the brand for the first time in decades.
Its power soft top can be lowered in as little as 17 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph, stowing neatly under a clam shell rear tonneau cover.
The design retains a sizable rear seat area aided by an electronic rear-seat entry system which automatically powers the front seats forward and back with a press of a button.
Safety systems include pop-up roll-bar protection and electric safety belt presenters. There are also driver assistance features like lane departure warning, rear park assist, rear-view camera and rain sensing windshield wipers.
Power comes from a new 1.6 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 200 horsepower which drives the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.
Buick touts its Hyperstrut front suspension which aims to reduce the effects of torque steer from that extra power. The modified MacPherson struts have dual path mounts which separate spring and damper loads.
Chassis dynamics provided by a sold-beam rear axle are said to be enhanced by a Watts Z-linkage to keep it in check, though I’m surprised they didn’t use a more premium independent multi-link suspension.
Styling while distinct from the Verano at the front and rear may remain a bit derivative of long standing GM rental fleet design language to really stand out.
