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Cadillac CTS
Riding on double wishbones up front and a modified multi-link design in back, the CTS brings a great balance between comfort and handling. On the highway, the cushioned ride helps the miles melt away, leaving the occupants all but oblivious to the rigors of a rough road. Switch gears and head for the hinterland for a serious thrash, and the response to driver input is fast and predictable, as was very evident through the pylons. Understeer and oversteer stay away and body roll is next to non-existent. The speed-sensitive steering helps enormously, bringing a crisp on-centre feel and fast turns-ins. It is a design that has few vices. Indeed, it is a dynamic package worthy of wearing any good European brand's emblem.
Where the CTS trips over its shoelaces somewhat is in the power department. A couple of years ago, the 220 horses and 218 lb-ft of torque the 3.2L six pushes through to the rear wheels would have been considered okay. Today it's about 40 ponies shy of a corral. In fairness, the motor does have a sense of urgency if you really wind it up, but it is just not as crisp and athletic as the market now demands, especially given the 3,600 pounds of leather-lined luxury it must motivate. Simply stated, the CTS desperately needs a derivative of Cadillac's Northstar V8 engine to compete and yes, there is enough room under the hood.
The automatic also suffers somewhat because of the selected gear ratios. First, second and third are nicely strung together, keeping the engine on the boil. Then you get to fourth, and a jump that drops the engine out of the power band. The result is that the box has a tendency to hunt back and forth between third and fourth, seemingly searching for the right gear.
Stopping power comes from a large set of disc brakes and a good anti-lock system. The design is powerful, hauling the heavy caddy to rest in just 107 feet from 80 K. The pedal feel is sharp thanks to high-performance brake pads and the ABS stays out until needed.
Elsewhere, the CTS is a true Cadillac in that it comes loaded, featuring power everything and heated seats as well as a dual zone climate control system. Redundant controls for the climate control and radio sit on the wheel, as do the cruise functions, which allows the driver to keep both hands on the wheel. Safety wise, the CTS ranks with anything offered. As well as a full complement of air bags, including side curtains, you get GM's terrific OnStar service, xenon headlights as well as active elements like Stabilitrak, anti-lock brakes and traction control.
Price as Tested: $49,070
Tire Tally
Performance: 2
Ride/handling: 4
Interior: 3
Touchy/feely/cargo: 1
Safety: 4
Bang for buck: 2
Immediate competition
BMW 330, Mercedes-Benz C320, Infiniti G35, Jaguar X-Type, Lincoln LS V8.
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