cars news 10: Cascada Convertible Competition: 13 Buick-Alternative Drop-Tops

Buick means business—but also fun. The luxury brand’s lineup is swelling thanks to help from General Motors’ worldwide reach. The Chinese-made Envision midsize crossover arrives for 2016 to a luxury brand already led by SUV sales, and soon we’ll see the new Cascada soft-top convertible courtesy of GM in Europe. The Cascada won’t turn heads like the Avista concept, but in the low-volume convertible segment, not everyone wants a Mustang or Camaro. So as the 2016 Cascada prepares to brighten Buick showrooms everywhere, what is the car up against?

Keep reading for more on what cars 2016 Buick Cascada buyers might or should consider as they indulge in a convertible.

Read the 2016 Buick Cascada First Drive review HERE.

Audi A3 Cabriolet

At a recent launch event for the 2016 Buick Cascada, the automaker described the new drop-top as offering the size of the A5 Cabriolet at the price of just below the A3 Cabriolet. Although the A3 lacks the larger A5’s superior design and proportions, the smaller Audi’s styling still has a sharpness to it. Standard HID headlights and LED daytime running lights add to the car’s appeal, and unlike the Buick, Audi offers an engine upgrade option above the standard 170-hp, 1.8-liter turbo-four. If you consider customization a luxury, then the A3 Cabriolet starting in the high-$30,000 range demands a top place on your Cascada shopping list.

What the A3 offers at 2016 Cascada prices: The Cascada is completely loaded at $37,385 (all prices include destination) or $395 less if you go for the white exterior color instead of the five other options. Over at Audi, the A3 1.8T Cabriolet starts at $37,525 with standard HID headlights, LED taillights, front and rear parking sensors with a rearview camera, leather seats, and slick styling—but only 17-inch wheels before you add options.

Cascada or A3? The four rings trump the tri-shield emblem when it comes to snob appeal, but both cars look good, and the Buick offers more value. If you have the extra money and seek a quicker drive, the A3 with its 2.0T AWD configuration might be the way to go.

BMW 2 Series Convertible

The 2 Series convertible—the other car Buick mentioned in a presentation explaining the car’s positioning—is the drop-top BMW fans buy when the budget doesn’t allow for the 4 Series, 6 Series, or Z4, all of which start above $50,000 with destination. The rear-drive 2 Series convertible offers two engines (both outpower the Cascada’s turbo-four) and the option of all-wheel drive, too. We’d expect the BMW to be quicker and appreciate the powertrain and drivetrain options, but the 2 Series already starts above the Cascada, and that difference grows when each car is similarly equipped.

What the 228i offers at 2016 Cascada prices: The BMW 228i convertible starts at $39,645 and is really more suited for someone who values a more tailored approach to buying a drop-top; it offers more than twice as many colors as the Buick and two options for the top color. The rear- and all-wheel-drive BMW could be considered in another price class as the front-drive Buick, which tops out at $37,385, because the German car makes features such as a rearview camera, dual front power seats, and heated front seats options. Then again, only one of these convertibles is produced by an automaker that’s widely respected among luxury buyers everywhere. …

Cascada or 2 Series? BMW offers far more ways to customize a 2 Series than Buick does with the Cascada, from colors and options to a more powerful engine and all-wheel drive. Still, if you can’t or aren’t willing to spend more than $40,000 for a well-equipped convertible, the Buick is the way to go here.

Ford Mustang Convertible

We bet the Buick Cascada could take a tiny bite out of the Ford Mustang convertible’s sales in years to come, as the prices aren’t actually much different. Every Mustang powertrain boasts at least 300 hp, but despite this extra power over the Buick’s 200-hp, 2.0-liter turbo-four, EPA-rated fuel economy isn’t significantly different.

What the Mustang 2.3 offers at 2016 Cascada prices: The Buick is remarkably quiet on the inside, but the Ford might be a match in other ways. At $37,240, a 2016 Mustang 2.3 convertible with the optional automatic has more than 100 hp on the Cascada, heated and cooled front seats, HID headlights, sequential LED taillights and hands-free keyless access with push-button start, and it can be had with Dark Saddle leather seats.

Cascada or Mustang? Go Cascada if exclusivity and sleek styling are more important than more spacious power and a more expansive and modern options list.

Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

The Chevrolet Camaro is the 2016 Motor Trend Car of the Year and should be high on the list for those who occasionally take the long and winding way home. The Camaro’s V-6 sounds great in person, encouraging owners to put the top down and find the nearest empty tunnel. Camaros aren’t known for practicality, and as you’d expect, the rear seat will be more for extra cargo space than a good place to fit two friends when the convertible arrives this year. But if the convertible drives as well as the coupe does, you’ll be in for a fun ride.

One cool Camaro Convertible feature: The new Camaro convertible will allow owners to remotely lower the top with the key fob, but yes, it can also be lowered or raised at speeds of up to 30 mph.

Cascada or Camaro? For this GM-centric matchup, ask yourself whether drop-top fun to you is more about driving enjoyment or cruising the boulevard.

Volkswagen Beetle Convertible

The instantly recognizable Volkswagen Beetle is affordable in convertible form with a starting price below $30,000. To maximize the Beetle convertible’s reach, Volkswagen sells a couple variants with two gas options. Before the automaker’s ongoing issues with the EPA, a diesel was also available. What’s especially cool about the Beetle are the special editions, like the Denim and the unique-among-convertibles Dune. Read the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Dune review right here.

What the Beetle offers at 2016 Cascada prices: At the Cascada’s loaded $37,385 price, Volkswagen will be happy to order a Beetle R-Line with the 2.0T engine’s 210 hp instead of the standard 170 hp. In SEL form at $37,665, the Volkswagen wears 19-inch wheels and includes HID headlights, navigation, hands-free keyless access, a rearview camera, and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Cascada or Beetle? If you’re not convinced the Buick nameplate commands significantly more automotive respect than Volkswagen, this could be a tough one. The Cascada has smooth styling, but the Beetle’s special editions and lower base price could be tempting.

Mini Convertible

The Mini Convertible returns for 2016 with a slide-back “sunroof” and whimsical Always Open Timer that tracks the amount of time the car has been driven with the top down. Because there isn’t a convenient place to put the Mini’s top when it’s down, the small convertible’s top-down look is partly spoiled from the rear. Despite this, the Mini still has plenty of appeal, and it’s one of the most efficient convertibles you can buy in the U.S.

What the Mini offers at 2016 Cascada prices: A Mini Convertible at the Cascada’s loaded $37,385 price buys you an engine-upgraded model that starts at $30,450 with plenty of options to customize.

Cascada or Mini? Looking for a convertible customized on multiple levels to fit your personality? The Mini has you covered. Otherwise, if the focus isn’t on sporty driving, we would consider the Buick.

Fiat 500C Convertible

Fiat, like Smart and Mini, is going for compact and premium market positioning. So if you don’t mind driving one of the slowest new cars available today, the 500C convertible is worth a look. Even the louder and more powerful Abarth version fits within the budget if you can afford the Cascada.

What the 500C offers at 2016 Cascada prices: An Abarth convertible with an automatic transmission and plenty of options and visual add-ons won’t hit the price of a loaded Cascada, but the Italian drop-top’s rear seat won’t be as useful.

Cascada or 500C? The Buick’s acceleration won’t pin you back in your seat, but it is noticeably quicker than the base-engine 500C. So do you want a more well-rounded, semi-premium Buick, or would you rather take it easy in a personalized Fiat, which offers a wider variety of colors?

Smart Fortwo Cabrio

Buick figures that some Cascada customers may be capable of purchasing a more expensive car but go with its convertible’s mid-$30,000 pricing—so why stop there? The Smart Fortwo is one of the least expensive convertibles around, meaning you can afford a convertible and those jet skis you’ve been wanting. Then again, the intrusion of the Smart’s Tridion safety cell and the height of the top even with its folded doesn’t provide as pure of a top-down experience as the Buick.

What the Smart offers at 2016 Cascada prices: When the 2017 Smart Fortwo Cabrio arrives this summer, it will be easier to park than virtually any other convertible around, and an all-electric model will likely follow. The three-cylinder model will easily fit within most new-car convertible budgets—who knows, maybe a Brabus-tuned model will be within reach?

Cascada or Fortwo Cabrio? Just as the Buick Cascada functions as a value-oriented alternative to more expensive luxury convertibles, the affordable Smart does the same with, well, just about any other new convertible sold today. Still, if both are in the budget and these two are somehow the last ones on your list, we might go with the more attractive, powerful, and spacious Buick.

Chrysler 200 Convertible (used)

Before it was discontinued, the Chrysler 200 convertible was offered in soft- and hard-top varieties. Not much about the 200 convertible says “premium” except the LED light pipes in the headlights, which were impressive when the car debuted. Even so, a used 200 convertible in hard-top form, if you can find one, represents an interesting alternative with a decent-among-convertibles amount of space.

What the 200 offers at 2016 Cascada prices: You’ll have lots of cash left over if you can sacrifice the Cascada’s better looks and features for a certified pre-owned Chrysler 200 convertible, which was also offered in a hard-top variant before the model was discontinued.

Cascada or 200? Have you always wanted a hard-top convertible but couldn’t afford one new? A used 200 may be the answer—otherwise, we’d spend the extra money on the Cascada.

Lexus IS 250C Convertible

The Lexus IS C convertible was never the most attractive convertible around, but its hard top and the automaker’s reputation are real pluses for some buyers. Go the certified pre-owned route, and the 204-hp base model and 306-hp engine upgrade are both within reach.

What the IS C offers at 2016 Cascada prices: A pre-owned IS C gets you a Lexus badge and the coupelike appeal of a hard top.

Cascada or IS C? Despite the appeal of that Lexus badge, we’d go Buick on this new versus used matchup until Lexus again offers a new drop-top.

Volkswagen Eos Convertible (used or new)

Volkswagen’s innovative Eos convertible featured a cool idea: a sunroof integrated into the hardtop. That wasn’t enough to keep the car around, though, as the Volkswagen has been discontinued. Offered with a turbo-four like the Cascada or a six-cylinder, a used Eos is within the budget.

What the Eos offers at 2016 Cascada prices: Because the Eos ended its run without the more expensive six-cylinder option, the Volkswagen actually fits in the same budget as the Cascada if you can find a new one. Go used and you’ll have plenty of money saved for any potential repairs and maintenance.

Cascada or Eos? The integrated sunroof is a unique but complicated idea. What would you rather have: that or a soft top that folds away in 17 seconds (and back up in 19) at speeds of up to 31 mph?

Infiniti Q60 Convertible (used)

We can’t wait to see the convertible version of the beautiful new 2017 Infiniti Q60 coupe, but until that variant arrives, consider the still-attractive last-gen Q60 hardtop convertible. To some, the Infiniti nameplate commands more respect than does Buick, and there’s always the appeal of a hard top. You’ll really want to like the hard top because it doesn’t fold away as quickly as the Buick’s, as you might expect of the heavier top.

What the Q60 offers at 2016 Cascada prices: Many (but not all) used Q60 convertibles can be found at around $37,385 or below if you look far enough.

Cascada or Q60? If you don’t care about a quick-folding top that can be operated at low speeds, the used Q60 might merit a second look. Then again, we found the Cascada’s soft top to provide a remarkably quiet driving experience with the top up.

Volvo C70 (used)

A used Volvo C70 is the hard-top convertible to get when you’re seeking something few others will have. Refreshed for 2011, the C70 was powered by a turbocharged five-cylinder and featured a floating center stack with room for storage behind it.

What the C70 offers at 2016 Cascada prices: A C70 hard-top convertible from the 2012 or 2013 model year can be had for around $30,000.

Cascada or C70? Just how important is that hard top? The Volvo is an interesting choice, but the appeal of a new car is strong for many.

Cascada Competition: Bottom Line

Buick is the fourth-largest premium brand in the U.S., but with three models starting below $30,000, it attracts buyers seeking an upgrade from mainstream cars and those who don’t wish to pay for more expensive luxury cars. Based on the time I spent behind the wheel of the 2016 Buick Cascada, if I were shopping for a comfortable and relatively spacious convertible below $40,000, I’d also check out the Audi A3 Cabriolet, Ford Mustang, and Volkswagen Beetle. The Audi has sleek styling and turbo-four power plus the option of all-wheel drive if your budget stretches that high. Like the Buick, the Ford has standard HID headlights, but it comes with a turbo-four engine that’s just as EPA-efficient yet with more than 300 hp. Then there’s the Beetle, which boasts bold styling at an affordable price.

If you had up to $38,000 for a comfortable convertible, what would you consider?