Cadillac CTS : WHOS THE CADDY?

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To Most UK Car Buyers, A Cadillac Is The Vulgar Epitome Of The Overstuffed, Gas-Guzzling Barge. The CTS Has What It Takes To Change A Few Of These Entrenched Preconceptions. Andy Enright Reports

Whats the most important question that buyers of aspirational cars ask themselves? Heres a clue: its certainly not how much does it cost? or how many gadgets does it come with? The overriding consideration for most buyers, especially when forking out for a new entrant into the market, is would People Like Us drive one of these? That, to put it in a nutshell, is the problem Cadillac has to overcome with the introduction of the CTS, for unless you class yourself akin to, say, Brian Potter of Phoenix Nights, people like you probably wouldnt drive a Cadillac.

But wait. This one is different to any Cadillac youve ever encountered and heres why. During our Performance Car of The Year review at the Nurburgring racetrack in Germany, we retired for an evening meal at the Pistenklause restaurant, a preferred haunt for industry test drivers. Amongst the usual Porsches and BMWs was an interloper, the razor sharp angles of the CTS saloons bodywork immediately catching the eye.

Only a few years ago the very idea of Cadillac fine-tuning their handling and ride at the Nurburgring would have been as preposterous as Ferrari finalising a few nips and tweaks by running their prototypes on an Acropolis Rally stage. If ever a sign was needed that Cadillac was getting serious about Europeanising their wares, this was it. The CTS, priced from £24,895, still has a lot of convincing to do. The styling is a good first step and the Americans have managed to work in a trick or two.

With its short overhangs, stubby bonnet and wedge profile, the CTS looks about the same size as and is indeed priced akin to something like a BMW 3 Series or a Mercedes C Class. Break out the tape measure and a different story becomes apparent. The tale of the tape shows that it is in fact larger than a BMW 5 Series in most significant proportions. This had us scratching our heads for a while but goes to explain why Cadillac are so confident that this car can make inroads into the executive car market, offering, as it does, a little extra.

"Only a few years ago the very idea of Cadillac fine-tuning their handling and ride at the Nurburgring would have been preposterous"

While the styling isnt what you might call pretty, its definitely distinctive. Those front wings look as if they could pare steak, so definite are the crease lines, and the bluff front grille and smeared back headlamps are about as far from Boss Hoggs chosen form of transport as its possible to get. The sort of buyer who avoided the usual BMW/Audi/Mercedes triumvirate in favour of something different like a Saab, a Lexus or a Jaguar now has something else to consider. Power comes courtesy of either a 2.

8 V6 or a 3.5-litre V6 good for 255bhp. With the 2.8, theres the choice of Elegance (£24,895) or Sport Luxury trim (£27,395).

The 3.6 V6 comes in Sport Luxury or Sport guise and costs £29,895. Those looking for a BMW M3 alternative, will appreciate the smoking CTS-V. With a 400bhp 5.

7-litre V8 up front, the CTS-Vs Corvette motor will push it through 4.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 165mph. If the speed the CTS-V was carrying through the Nurburgrings infamous Bergwerk corner are any indication, it looks like it will be something of a handler too. Whether it ever appears on these shores is another story as GM already imports the Vauxhall Monaro, a car similar in appeal.

The normal 3.5-litre CTS is no slouch, notching off the sprint in 6.7 seconds. Its available with the option of a Getrag manual or a five-speed automatic gearbox that benefits from electronic management and offers three different programs selectable by the driver: Sport, Winter and Economy. Apart from engine brake facilities, the new automatic transmission offers an intelligent shift control that avoids downshifting during cornering. An all-new rear-wheel drive chassis has been developed for the CTS, using independent suspension, and the ride is a good deal firmer than you might expect. Admittedly this isnt saying a great deal, for the typical expectation of a US car is that it will corner with all the elegance of a frog in a sock, but the CTS feels pleasantly together.

Its still no BMW 330i but it at least offers the keen driver some jollies. The steering is precise with a meaty on-centre feel and the variable power assistance never feels intrusive. The interior is where many sales will be won and lost and its a case of good for a Cadillac. The gimmicky features and chintzy trim of the old Seville STS model have been consigned to history, the CTS featuring neater lines, higher quality materials and a more logical layout.

All things are relative, however, and by the standards of the class best, it still leaves a bit to be desired. The excellent thumb wheel control on one side of the steering wheel for example, is countered by four buttons marked 1,2,3 and 4 on the other. I still have no idea what they do. The cabin quality feels at best what youd expect from a well-built mainstream saloon like a Peugeot 407 or a Ford Mondeo.

Still, the same could be said for some Saabs and Jaguars, so perhaps the Caddy isnt too far off the mark there. Given that this car is priced reasonably has behind it a professional dealer network, theres every chance the CTS can establish itself as a viable alternative; a car that people like you could credibly buy.

Facts At A Glance
CAR: Cadillac CTS
PRICES: £24,895-£45,000 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 15-20
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 6.3s /Max Speed 155mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 25mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags / ABS / traction control WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE ?: Length/Width/Height 190/71/57 inches