Alternative review of Cadillac CTS

Mention Cadillacs to most UK motorists and they'll immediately think back to the famous models of the Fifties and Sixties. These monstrous land barges with huge tail fins and acres of chrome were designed for the express purpose of living the American dream. It's hard not to harbour a soft spot for the huge hunks of Americana that Cadillac built. The classic models have loomed large in countless movies, TV shows, song lyrics and pop videos down the years and Cadillac hope that this general goodwill toward the brand on these shores can be transposed onto the current range - with cars like the BMW 5 Series-sized CTS saloon. Although I'm obviously too young to remember it first hand, I like the era of the classic Cadillacs when the sound of their thunderous V8 engines resounded through American life. As a result, I wanted to like the second generation CTS I've been checking out this week and I'm happy to report that on seeing the car for the first time parked in the office car park, I did. First, let's establish that the CTS can in no way be construed as a beautiful car. The angular lines are well resolved with the short front and rear overhangs giving a pugnacious and purposeful stance but the overall effect is distinctive rather than attractive. Being distinctive is a quality that should not be underestimated in a market that's dominated by identikit German offerings and the way the CTS looks could be a key selling point even if, to these eyes at least, it's more Jimmy Nail than Brad Pitt.

Rear legroom is very generous in the CTS and you could easily fit three kids across the rear bench without provoking World War Three. Headroom is not quite so impressive and passengers in the six foot plus bracket may struggle to get comfortable. Accommodation in the front seats is more than adequate space wise and you should find the standard leather seats very comfortable places to be. The boot is large and deep but with pronounced bulges on either side of the load area to accommodate the vehicle's suspension. Fitting bulky items inside may prove difficult but the rear seats do fold down to increase the capacity in an emergency. Standard safety equipment runs to twin front and side airbags, curtain airbags along the length of the cabin and ESP stability control. That's a decent haul and it reflects Cadillac's commitment to ensuring their cars can compete with the best European models on occupant protection grounds. Inside, the build quality could be better and eagle-eyed buyers may recognise some of the fittings from Saab models but you get a tonne of equipment as standard and it all looks pleasant enough.

Only two petrol engines are offered to British buyers. The entry-level unit is a 2.8-litre V6, good for 208bhp but the more satisfying option is the 306bhp 3.6-litre V6. Both powerplants can be teamed with either a six-speed manual, which really doesn't suit the nature of the car, or an automatic which does. On the road, the Cadillac feels typically American. That means it's smooth, comfortable and a little bit soft around the edges. The suspension and steering are tuned to deliver a relaxed, unhurried driving experience and they do this well. Don't go expecting the same sporty edge you'd get from an Audi or a BMW and you are unlikely to be disappointed. The CTS may even surprise with its composure through the bends and high speed stability. The automatic gearbox suits the car down to the ground in that it's smooth enough when you're pottering around or cruising and its slow responses do little to encourage the enthusiastic driver to expose the shortcomings in the chassis.

There's a lot to like about the Cadillac CTS. For a start it's intrinsically different to the usual Germanic executive saloon alternatives which will count for a lot many peoples' books. Then you've got the high equipment levels, the big engines and the spacious interior. It's also a Cadillac and that's got to count for something.

TOP 2 CTS DEALS

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Cadillac CTS 2.8 V6 Sport Luxury 4dr Auto Saloon
Price £28,699 Read CTS Reviews	Save
Cadillac CTS 3.6 V6 Sport Luxury 4dr Auto Saloon
Price £31,829 Read CTS Reviews	Save
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