Cadillac CTS 3.6 V6 Sports Luxury
What is it?
This is a car that you’re going to need to want badly, because its price takes it way above what you’d pay for an equivalent BMW 5-series Touring or Mercedes E-class wagon, and both are better cars.
Still, this is a CTS that can be had with right-hand drive, unlike the striking coupé, even if it can be obtained from only one dealer: Bauer Millett in Manchester.
What's it like?
It comes with a 307bhp, direct injection 3.6-litre V6 of unusual civility – it runs to 7000rpm with impressively smooth enthusiasm – but it’s hooked to an automatic that’s frequently slow-witted and initially turns absurdly frenetic in Sport mode until it has learnt your driving style. Couple this to a crudely over-responsive throttle and it becomes a challenge to drive smoothly.
Still, there’s enough power to tweak the back axle, which is fun, and the CTS handles quite decently, with more front-end bite than might be expected. A more mature choice would be the all-wheel-drive version, which costs little more and puts down its power with unflustered authority.
It’s comfortable, too. The ride is pliant, wind noise exceptionally low and the dash a mostly pleasing sight, its upper deck leather-covered and the lower reaches making extensive use of alloy-look plastic that is at least attractive.
The infotainment system is effective, too. But room in the rear is quite mean for such a large car, especially for a fifth occupant, and the boot, although neatly rectangular, is narrow and high-floored.
Should I buy one?
If this CTS wagon cost only a little more than they pay for it in the US – around £31k – it might win some buyers but, at this price and with one dealer, this car is going to be a rarer spot here than a Bugatti Veyron.
Richard Bremner
Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon 3.6 Sport Luxury
Price: £47,352; Top speed: 150mph; 0-62mph: 7.0sec; Economy: 27.2mpg (combined); CO2: 245g/km; Engine: V6, 3564cc, petrol; Power: 307bhp at 6400rpm; Torque: 276lb ft at 5200rpm; Gearbox: 6-spd auto
Credit: Autocar
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