On board, the praise continues. In fact, the taller shell of the SRX helps eliminate some of the qualms I have about the CTS' dash layout. Although both are nearly identical, the SRX's higher-mounted dashboard elevates the positioning of the heated and cooled seats and HVAC controls. Furthermore, the centre console is now closer to the front-row occupants, thus aiding in reaching audio and navigation menu buttons.
Along with the supportive and cozy front seats, the SRX's inner sanctum is complemented by lovely mood lighting and a Bose 5.1 surround sound 10-speaker audio system. In fact, the SRX's cabin is one of the most comfortable in its class for four occupants. Thankfully, the trunk is able to accommodate much more gear than the previous SRX, so there's plenty of room for the four guys and their gear (aka, golf clubs).
New motors, bad box
The old SRX channelled power to the rear or all four wheels. Said power came from a 3.6L V6 or a 4.6L V8. The new SRX changes things around with modern motivation courtesy of FWD, AWD, two V6 engines, one normally aspirated, the other, turbocharged. The base powerplant displaces 3.0L and produces 265 hp. The turbo engine comes with a volume of 2.8L and puts out a theoretical 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
Theoretical simply because on only one occasion was I able to taste the potential might of this engine. Perhaps, the real issue is the transmission. In a word, it was terrible. The 6-speed automatic was constantly on the hunt for a gear when an upshift or a downshift was required. My guess is that the box is so poorly programmed that it plainly killed boost in normal “D” mode, all in the name of fuel economy. The one saving grace is that in Sport mode, it'll hold a gear somewhat longer, at least long enough to feel some acceleration. In this light, I shouldn't say theoretical, but the “seat-of-the-pants” gauge seldomly lies... One way or another, I could not best a 13.5 L/100 km fuel consumption average.
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| The SRX's cabin is one of the most comfortable in its class for four occupants. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
Along with the supportive and cozy front seats, the SRX's inner sanctum is complemented by lovely mood lighting and a Bose 5.1 surround sound 10-speaker audio system. In fact, the SRX's cabin is one of the most comfortable in its class for four occupants. Thankfully, the trunk is able to accommodate much more gear than the previous SRX, so there's plenty of room for the four guys and their gear (aka, golf clubs).
New motors, bad box
The old SRX channelled power to the rear or all four wheels. Said power came from a 3.6L V6 or a 4.6L V8. The new SRX changes things around with modern motivation courtesy of FWD, AWD, two V6 engines, one normally aspirated, the other, turbocharged. The base powerplant displaces 3.0L and produces 265 hp. The turbo engine comes with a volume of 2.8L and puts out a theoretical 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
Theoretical simply because on only one occasion was I able to taste the potential might of this engine. Perhaps, the real issue is the transmission. In a word, it was terrible. The 6-speed automatic was constantly on the hunt for a gear when an upshift or a downshift was required. My guess is that the box is so poorly programmed that it plainly killed boost in normal “D” mode, all in the name of fuel economy. The one saving grace is that in Sport mode, it'll hold a gear somewhat longer, at least long enough to feel some acceleration. In this light, I shouldn't say theoretical, but the “seat-of-the-pants” gauge seldomly lies... One way or another, I could not best a 13.5 L/100 km fuel consumption average.
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| The turbo engine comes with a volume of 2.8L and puts out a theoretical 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |