A Quiet Blend of Luxurious Simplicity
The latest generation of Cadillac Seville, now simply dubbed STS to align with the domestic brand's new alpha naming strategy, was launched as a 2005 model, and shortly after its introduction I road tested a top-of-the-line V8 model. Recently, however, I thought it fitting to test a more modest and sedate version of the STS; one that wouldn't require such deep pockets to call, "mine." Although stripped of two cylinders, 45-horsepower and a dessert cart full of electronics, the de-contented 2006 STS is still a pretty sweet ride. It is a tightly assembled sled, embodying much of the quality and amenities we have come to expect in modern luxury cars.
In its less competitive form, the STS exhibits a character more inline with the domestic premium-car market rather than the Euro performance-car market, meaning that refinement and comfort trump handling and performance - but the skew in favour of pampering is ever so slight. This isn't yesterday's land yacht Caddie by any stretch. It's a sure-footed cruiser that spoils its occupants in many ways over and above physics-defying handling, and it does so at a cost that may be more pocketbook compatible than many other premium vehicles.
The most important point of departure in today's STS is its rear-wheel-drive, or all-wheel-drive configuration. Gone is the front-wheel-drive format that led the previous gen STS, and I couldn't be happier. Along with sending power to the "correct wheels," GM engineered a very rigid body structure for the latest STS. When encountering beat-up pavement, the solidity of the car's unibody construction becomes immediately noticeable thanks to the absence of suspension noise, body-flex and cabin shudder. The fully independent arrangement smoothly absorbs bumps and potholes while keeping the
vehicle stable and connected to the road. There is no float or excessive rebound to suggest the chassis under foot is anything but sound. The placid, but well-controlled ride of the STS enhances the sense of relaxation that comes with driving a refined luxury car.
That refinement carries over to the sedan's V6 powerplant as well. Now before I go further, let me say that I have never been fond of the V6 engines found beneath most domestic hoods. In my view they seldom match the "silkiness" I so admire in Acura and Audi products among others. But stop the presses; Cadillac has altered my perception of reality. The 3.6-litre (217 cu in), 255-horsepower V6 in the STS stands shoulder to shoulder - or should that read air cleaner to air cleaner - with the best the aforementioned marques have to offer.
 |
| Although stripped of two cylinders, 45-horsepower and a dessert cart full of electronics, the de-contented 2006 STS is still a pretty sweet ride. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
In its less competitive form, the STS exhibits a character more inline with the domestic premium-car market rather than the Euro performance-car market, meaning that refinement and comfort trump handling and performance - but the skew in favour of pampering is ever so slight. This isn't yesterday's land yacht Caddie by any stretch. It's a sure-footed cruiser that spoils its occupants in many ways over and above physics-defying handling, and it does so at a cost that may be more pocketbook compatible than many other premium vehicles.
The most important point of departure in today's STS is its rear-wheel-drive, or all-wheel-drive configuration. Gone is the front-wheel-drive format that led the previous gen STS, and I couldn't be happier. Along with sending power to the "correct wheels," GM engineered a very rigid body structure for the latest STS. When encountering beat-up pavement, the solidity of the car's unibody construction becomes immediately noticeable thanks to the absence of suspension noise, body-flex and cabin shudder. The fully independent arrangement smoothly absorbs bumps and potholes while keeping the
 |
| The 3.6-litre (217 cu in), 255-horsepower V6 in the STS stands shoulder to shoulder with the best the aforementioned marques have to offer. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
That refinement carries over to the sedan's V6 powerplant as well. Now before I go further, let me say that I have never been fond of the V6 engines found beneath most domestic hoods. In my view they seldom match the "silkiness" I so admire in Acura and Audi products among others. But stop the presses; Cadillac has altered my perception of reality. The 3.6-litre (217 cu in), 255-horsepower V6 in the STS stands shoulder to shoulder - or should that read air cleaner to air cleaner - with the best the aforementioned marques have to offer.