With the departure of the Volkswagen Eos and Chrysler 200 convertible, the Cascada enjoys minimal competition. But even so, the Buick isn't a very compelling option. I find it hard to believe anyone could climb into a Cascada after sitting in an A3 and say, "Yep, this is the one I want." There's simply no comparison when it comes to build quality and driving experience. Granted, you'll have to pay slightly more than $40,000 to get an A3 with the same equipment as our $37,385 Cascada Premium. But the Audi feels like so much more car for the money. Then again, if it were my money and I needed a convertible, I'd skip this class entirely and go straight for the less expensive—but infinitely more fun—Mustang and Camaro convertibles.

Buick thinks of the Cascada as its halo car, and even if that title is only temporary until a production Avista or other worthier vehicle comes along, I think that notion is absolutely ridiculous. A halo car is supposed to represent the best your brand can do. And Buick, you've shown us that you can do so much better than this.

2016 Buick Cascada (Premium)
BASE PRICE	$36,990
PRICE AS TESTED	$37,385
VEHICLE LAYOUT	Front-engine, FWD, 4-pass, 2-door convertible
ENGINE	1.6L/200-hp/207-lb-ft* turbo DOHC 16-valve I-4**
TRANSMISSION	6-speed automatic
CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST)	3,947 lb (58/42%)
WHEELBASE	106.1 in
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT	184.9 x 72.4 x 56.8 in
0-60 MPH	8.9 sec
QUARTER MILE	16.8 sec @ 82.4 mph
BRAKING, 60-0 MPH	125 ft
LATERAL ACCELERATION	0.84 g (avg)
MT FIGURE EIGHT	27.1 sec @ 0.62 g (avg)
EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON	20/27/23 mpg
ENERGY CONS, CITY/HWY	169/125 kW-hrs/100 miles
CO2 EMISSIONS, COMB	0.86 lb/mile
221 lb-ft with temporary overboost *SAE Certified