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Vauxhall Cascada Gains Power

Topics: Vauxhall Cascada

Vauxhall Cascada Gains Power

Geoff Maxted
DriveWrite
August 8, 2013

We are not used to seeing the words Vauxhall and convertible side-by-side, yet not only is the company’s new Cascada a convertible, it is also a bit of a looker, especially in black. Reviews have been mixed and one criticism is a lack of power given that the Cascada is a tad lardy. We suspect that most buyers of this car won’t much care about that.

A more powerful engine was mooted when the car was announced and lo!, it has arrived. It’s a 1.6L direct injection turbo that delivers a hefty 300Nm of torque and 200PS. According to Vauxhall this is enough to hustle the four-seat soft-top to 146mph.

"The completely new, even more powerful 1.6 SIDI turbo with 200PS debuting at Frankfurt makes our mid-size Cascada an extremely attractive offer to convertible buyers," said Martin Vögler, Global Chief Engineer MGE Engines. "The new top-of-the-line petrol engine expands the Cascada powertrain portfolio with a high-output and torque champion, now putting two very powerful engines at the top of our petrol and diesel ranges - the SIDI turbo with 200PS and 300Nm torque as well as the BiTurbo CDTI with 195PS and 400Nm." So now you know.

At the heart of the SIDI turbo is a new engine block that can withstand a maximum combustion pressure of up to 130 bar in the cylinder. The block is made of grey cast iron with an aluminium base plate. In contrast to the 170PS version, a different type of piston was developed for the 200PS model and the compression ratio was reduced from 10.5 to 9.5:1. Vauxhall engineers also achieved a high power output with exceptional refinement by optimising the cars induction and exhaust systems. As a result, drivers and passengers will appreciate quiet and smooth idling, with an appealing sound quality even at high road speeds, engine speeds and loads. The exclusive HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut) front suspension further enhances these refined driving characteristics.

The 200PS petrol direct injection unit is part of Vauxhall's model and powertrain offensive. Within five years, the manufacturer will introduce 23 new models to the market.

Through 2016 Vauxhall will also introduce three completely new engine families and 13 new powertrains, renewing 80 per cent of its entire powertrain portfolio. The new 1.6 SIDI turbo downsized engines are distinguished by high power density as well as superb refinement combined with low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. At the same time, numerous ultra-modern manual and automatic transmissions are being introduced. Vauxhall are on the move.