With the direct-injection engine, the CTS blasts from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds. The observed fuel economy average during the week is 15.3 L/100 km, which is pretty high; we could've done better if we weren't trying to exploit the potential of the car.
Equipped with the Performance Package, this CTS shows off an impressive level of handling and road manners. It takes curves with minimal body roll and dances through high-speed sweepers with relative ease. In short, the car is quite fun, especially since the traction control can be switched off and the car's hindquarters can be swung out; it's rear-wheel drive, after all. Note that all-wheel drive is now available for $2,625, but the automatic gearbox is mandatory.
However, with the sport suspension, the ride of the CTS is very harsh. After a while, it becomes irritating. But BMW's 3-Series with its own Sport group has the same problem. Personally, I'd sacrifice the Performance Package of the CTS for a less-punishing drive.
Dazzling cockpit
It's been a long time since I didn't see such an elegant interior in a General Motors product. It looks like a work of art compared to the cockpit of the old CTS. All the materials are of high quality, and selective use of chrome and aluminum is quite nice. I noted two locations where the pieces don't quite line up properly, but in general, I really like what I see.
Press a button, and the navigation system screen pops up from the top of the dash. It's very easy to use, thanks to its touch-screen interface. However, the traffic feature isn't very useful, since it currently only displays construction zones, and not actual traffic jams.
The seats are very supportive and comfortable, but space is limited, front or rear. Something strange: the door frames below the B-pillars, at seat-cushion height, become so large that you're always rubbing your posterior on it when climbing in. And the person that has to sit in the middle of the back seat will be unhappy, but the direct competitors of the CTS aren't any better in that regard.
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| Purists may find the lines a bit too aggressive for a Cadillac. |
Equipped with the Performance Package, this CTS shows off an impressive level of handling and road manners. It takes curves with minimal body roll and dances through high-speed sweepers with relative ease. In short, the car is quite fun, especially since the traction control can be switched off and the car's hindquarters can be swung out; it's rear-wheel drive, after all. Note that all-wheel drive is now available for $2,625, but the automatic gearbox is mandatory.
However, with the sport suspension, the ride of the CTS is very harsh. After a while, it becomes irritating. But BMW's 3-Series with its own Sport group has the same problem. Personally, I'd sacrifice the Performance Package of the CTS for a less-punishing drive.
Dazzling cockpit
It's been a long time since I didn't see such an elegant interior in a General Motors product. It looks like a work of art compared to the cockpit of the old CTS. All the materials are of high quality, and selective use of chrome and aluminum is quite nice. I noted two locations where the pieces don't quite line up properly, but in general, I really like what I see.
Press a button, and the navigation system screen pops up from the top of the dash. It's very easy to use, thanks to its touch-screen interface. However, the traffic feature isn't very useful, since it currently only displays construction zones, and not actual traffic jams.
The seats are very supportive and comfortable, but space is limited, front or rear. Something strange: the door frames below the B-pillars, at seat-cushion height, become so large that you're always rubbing your posterior on it when climbing in. And the person that has to sit in the middle of the back seat will be unhappy, but the direct competitors of the CTS aren't any better in that regard.
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| Like the rest of the car, the interior has improved markedly. |