CONVERTIBLES tend to be cute, compact, cosy cars — everything that Vauxhall’s new Cascada is not.

For make no mistake, this is a big, even imposing, car. At almost 4.7 metres in length, the four-seater, fabric-roof Cascada is longer than an Audi A5 Convertible.

The first full-sized convertible designed, engineered and made by Vauxhall since the 1930s is also extremely comfortable.

Most convertibles look great with the top down, but a harder trick to pull off is to make a car look equally good with the hood up, but Vauxhall has succeeded.

Just a touch of a button and 17 seconds later the aerodynamically-clean soft top locks closed and still the car, with its power bulge-bonnet and deep front grille, cuts a classy profile.

Settle into the deeply-contoured, leather trimmed driver’s seat, which can be heated or ventilated, and the cockpit is pure Vauxhall Insignia.

And that’s no bad thing. Instrumentation is clear, switchgear is well laid out and the technology on offer is state of the art, ranging from Bluetooth telephone link and a clear 3D satellite navigation display, all with the option of voice control.

Most important of all, the Cascada is great to drive.

A stiff body contributes to unexpectedly sharp handling and equally surprising is the low level of road and wind noise.

At low speed around town, electric power steering increases the level of assistance, while at higher speeds, assistance is automatically reduced to improve steering feel.

Power in the test car came from a new 200 horsepower 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, with other engine choices including a 1.4-litre turbo petrol, 2.0-litre turbo-diesel and a high performance 2.0-litre, 195 horsepower BiTurbo engine. They come with a choice of new six-speed manual and automatic transmissions.

As well as being good to drive, the Cascada is also pretty practical, with an Easy Entry system allowing access to the rear seats. Boot space is at a premium, but the 50:50 split rear seats electrically release and fold down, allowing longer objects to be carried with ease.

Buyers have no shortage of choice as the Cascada’s fabric roof can be specified in one of three colours, which can be coordinated with one of ten body colours. Other personalisation options include an array of six different alloy wheel choices with sizes up to 20-inch.

Based on price, Vauxhall sees its key competitors as the Volkswagen Eos and Golf Cabriolet, BMW 1 Series Convertible and the Audi A3 Cabriolet.

The Cascada comes with a starting price almost £8,000 less than an Audi A5 Cabriolet, so anyone considering buying an impressively large four-seater convertible should take a look.

AT A GLANCE

  • Insurance group: 26E (1-50) 
  • Fuel consumption (Combined): 42.2mpg 
  • Top speed: 146mph 
  • Length: 470cm/185in 
  • Width: 202cm/79.5in 
  • Luggage capacity: 9.9 cu ft 
  • Fuel tank capacity: 12.3 gallons/56 litres 
  • CO2 emissions: 158g/km 
  • Warranty: 100,000 miles