CTS put Caddy in the pink car review
26/02/13
By Peter Hayward
Driving Force
DESPITE a long-standing name for quality in their home country, the Cadillacs available here in Europe have mostly been a disappointment.
But with the CTS launched in 2008, the company seemed to have done a much better job and the strong design appealed to those who were looking for something different.
It’s about the same size as an Audi A6 or BMW 5-Series and the suspension is stiffened to minimize roll and bring it closer to our tastes.
However, it still has some way to go to match rivals like the Jaguar XF and the 5-Series on comfort and refinement and there was no diesel engine until 2010.
The 3.0 and 3.6-litre V6 petrol engines don’t have good economy or emissions but low second-hand prices should tempt buyers.
This is the most tempting Cadillac yet for Europe, but if you want one, you will probably have to buy from the dealer network because only small numbers have been sold.
Interior
The reasonably restrained cabin is much more European in style than some previous Cadillacs I’ve seen.
The fit and finish is good and the interior is free from rattles and creaks, which has not always been the case with American models for the European market. Equipment is excellent in both models.
FAST FACTS
Cadillac CTS
Price: Pay around £9,700 for an ‘08 08-reg Sport Luxury, or £13,900 for the same model on a 10 plate
Mechanical: 208bhp, 2,792cc, 6cyl petrol engine driving rear wheels via 6-speed automatic gearbox
Max speed: 127mph
0-62mph: 8.7 seconds
Combined mpg: 25
Insurance group: 37
CO2 emissions: 263g/km
Main rival: BMW 5-Series
Motors.co.uk value verdict:
