Cadillac CTS Review

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Cadillac CTS

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Rating

Summary

Average. AMERICAN MARKET MODEL - Cadillac's attempts to build a 'compact executive' saloon to rival the BMW 5-series. Angular styling gives a strong visual character and it's surprisingly good to drive thanks to a finely tuned chassis. But the interior lacks the quality feel of European rivals.

Review

The CTS's straight-edged design language is a real opinion splitter, you will either love it or loath it. But beneath the skin the CTS is thoroughly conventional, using V6 and V8 engines mated to a rear-wheel drive chassis. It's good to drive, too - handling was set-up around the Nurburgring race track in Germany - with excellent steering, keen reactions and tenacious grip. Completely unlike the Cadillacs that have gone before it, in fact. Engines provide decent urge, although few of the base-spec 3.2 litre V6 motors will find their way here - most will be the meatier 3.6 litre version. The range-topping CTS-V comes with a 5.7 litre V8 engine producing 400 bhp and matched to a standard-fit six speed manual gearbox, offering extremely rapid performance. The only thing that lets the CTS down against the European competition is the interior: American plastics are a lot shinier and harder than European ones.