2013 Cadillac ATS 2.5L Review (Car & Driver)

[Tone]

2013 Cadillac ATS 2.5L
Car and Driver
January 25, 2013
by K.C. Kolwell

Is it heresy that the starter version of Cadillac’s excellent 3-series fighter is powered by the Chevy Malibu’s 2.5-liter inline-four? Or is a high-volume schlepper a necessary and reasonable condition of Caddy making an ATS-V for us enthusiasts? Depends on whom you ask. What’s clear is that the ATS is priced to move: At $33,990, the 2.5 is $1805 cheaper than the one-level-up 2.0-liter turbo ATS, and it undercuts competitive rear-drive base models, including the BMW 328i and the Mercedes-Benz C250, by at least $2400.

Surprisingly, the 2.5’s 202 horsepower isn’t a drag under most circumstances. The ATS merges onto the freeway with all the gusto of, well, a Malibu, and comfortably keeps pace with 80-mph traffic without the need to rifle through the transmission for revs. When every last horse must be harnessed, however, the engine sounds a bit like a two-cycle leaf blower warming up. And, though there’s decent power lower down, there’s no punch at the top end.

If it weren’t for an engine that’s a couple dozen horses short and a bit too coarse, the base ATS would be award-worthy. This car has an exemplary chassis that begs to be caned. It’s a pity the same can’t be said for the base engine.

Full article at link.

[Tone]

A couple of things -- editors, sorry this needs some formatting. I've shut off a lot of the extra features to make navigating and commenting quicker.

Second, this seems like a screaming deal for $33K. No, it's not going to win a lot of drag races. But, there's a lot of solid sports sedan value here. If I were shopping in this price neighbourhood, I'd rather have this than a loaded (and slightly more expensive) Regal GS. That said, this is how it should be -- GM offers more features or a better chassis at about the same price point and lets the buyer decide. If GM would offer this with a six-speed manual, it would be even more attractive, though probably not as a Cadillac. It would make a perfectly fine entry-level Chevy sports coupe/sedan, though!

[Tomko]

This car just begs to come as a convertible.

[Mr. Burns]

I would probably get the 2.5. I'm not a fan of turbos and the 3.6L is too much engine.

[germeezy1]

Why do they bemoan the availibility of this base engine on a car that has two higher powered variants available for those that desire more power?

[Voltastic]

If GM would offer this with a six-speed manual, it would be even more attractive,

That would be all I want/need and 0-60 in 7.4 is just fine for me and the price drops ~$1400 IIRC.

[germeezy1]

What is interesting to me is that the E36 325i was considered a hot rod, and was the fastest car in its class with performance that is not utterly divergent from the ATS 2.5. Although the 325i debuted with an output of only 189 hp, and 181 lb ft.

[MCGARRETT]

Why do they bemoan the availibility of this base engine on a car that has two higher powered variants available for those that desire more power?

Duh, do you really have to ask? Its Accord & 3Series monthly reviewing a GM car, your lucky they didn't mention the Vega, V864, diesels or the Cimarron in the article.

[mchicha]

Who adjusts volume when reversing a car?

[1.21 giggawatts]

interested to see how BMW and Driver reviews the 320i

[germeezy1]

interested to see how BMW and Driver reviews the 320i

They will proclaim it a car that is only exceeded in ride quality by the Rolls Royce Phantom, and in handling dynamics by an F1 car.

[Tone]

My read is there is more of a criticism of the NVH of the motor when pushed, which seems to be a recurring theme of 2.5 reviews. As germeezy points out, there's enough juice here to have a ton of fun, as long as you are not too hung up on beating teenagers across the intersection in Mom's Camry V6. I suspect that GM is already working on revisions as part of the Malibu update that will also be reflected in other applications.

[VS Ute 5Litre]

Who adjusts volume when reversing a car?

If it had a normal volume knob there you would be able to with no issues

[goatgary]

I would probably get the 2.5. I'm not a fan of turbos and the 3.6L is too much engine.

Can you explain your beef with turbos? I have a Regal Turbo. No lag to speak of, nice power-band, doesn't sound coarse, reasonable FE and plenty of kick when I need it. Torque steer all but gone. Definitely not the Saab that turned everyone off to turbos back in the day.

[Tony's BlkGTP]

A couple of things -- editors, sorry this needs some formatting. I've shut off a lot of the extra features to make navigating and commenting quicker.

Second, this seems like a screaming deal for $33K. No, it's not going to win a lot of drag races. But, there's a lot of solid sports sedan value here. If I were shopping in this price neighbourhood, I'd rather have this than a loaded (and slightly more expensive) Regal GS. That said, this is how it should be -- GM offers more features or a better chassis at about the same price point and lets the buyer decide. If GM would offer this with a six-speed manual, it would be even more attractive, though probably not as a Cadillac. It would make a perfectly fine entry-level Chevy sports coupe/sedan, though!

Sorry, I love the ATS, but my next car is definitely going to be the Regal GS! I absolutely love it!