British don't seem to like CTS

[patrickbec]

Anti-American bias or is the CTS not up to snuff? I will only see the CTS next month, so I don't know. Any US CTS owners care to comment?


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Cadillac CTS 3.6 V6
Test date 07 August 2008 Price as tested TBA


Cadillac's second-generation CTS, now available in the UK in right-hand drive. Like its predecessor, it's sized approximately half way between the BMW 3-series and 5-series, with its appeal based around distinctive style, copious standard equipment and generous prices.

Behind the CTS's distinctive looks lies a thoroughly conventional mechanical package, with V6 petrol engines (a smaller capacity 2.8 is also available), a standard six-speed automatic gearbox and rear wheel drive.

The range-topping 3.6 boasts a competitive 308bhp and is claimed to be capable of turning in a 6.3sec 0-62mph time and a 150mph top speed.


What's it like?
Good in parts. In terms of its talents, this is the most complete Cadillac yet to reach these shores - although that's hardly glowing praise.

GM has decided to re-engineer the CTS for right-hand drive despite the fact that only a few hundred examples a year will be sold in the UK, believing that it will help to win hearts and minds to the brand's new, sportier direction.

Visually it looks far better than the slabby previous-generation CTS, with neat details (including a very intricate front wing stamping) and plenty of what the design team refer to as 'bling'.

The interior is very good for an American car, too, with a UK models getting a standard leather-stitched dashboard top and a well designed instrument fascia. An advanced touch-screen satnav and multimedia audio system is standard.

Yes, there are still some patches of cheap materials - the electric window switches lack the premium feel that GM has strived for - but you have to look for them. As a static proposition, it's an impressive package.

Unfortunately the range-topping CTS's driving dynamics conspire to let it down slightly. The engine has to be worked hard to deliver on its performance claims, and sounds thrashy when you do so, and the gearbox software lacks much in the way of finesse, kicking down aggressively in response to requests for overtaking urge.

The 3.6 also gets sports suspension as standard, which seems to have been set up with little regard for Britain's jagged road surfaces, over which it feels too stiff. The good news is that the 2.8's softer springs and dampers are far better. Steering feel is good, though - and the brakes are strong and easily modulated.

http://www.autocar.co.uk/CarReviews/...V6-296/229004/

[supraracer]

I've driven the CTS and I absolutely do not agree about the engine being "thrashy" or the vehicle dynamics being off. First time I've heard these complaints. I think the CTS drives better than my firends '06 Audi A4 Sport package (not the S4). Cheap materials? I don't remember any. This guy must have looked very hard for them. I think the window switchgear is nice, just as good asd the Audi's IMHO.

[91fairladyZ]

Another case of damning praise.

[Robert Ryan]

There was a review in a New Zealand car magazine, that was impressed by the car. The reviewer drove two cars in California, although impressed by the overall interior, he made comments about rough looking door trim on one car and stitching unravelling on the trim on the other.

[zete]

How is it sized "half way between the BMW 3-series and 5-series"?

            CTS    5 Series    3 Series
Weight     3861     3660        3594
Length     191.6    191.1       178.2
Width      72.5     72.7        71.5
Height     58       57.8        55.9

Yup. Half way.

[ZHDesign57]

Originally Posted by zete

How is it sized "half way between the BMW 3-series and 5-series"?

            CTS    5 Series    3 Series
Weight     3861     3660        3594
Length     191.6    191.1       178.2
Width      72.5     72.7        71.5
Height     58       57.8        55.9

Yup. Half way.

Lol, this guy really knows what he's talking about.

[zl-1]

Originally Posted by patrickbec

Anti-American bias or is the CTS not up to snuff?

I think it's a few details here and there, but mostly a perception issue.

[zete]

Originally Posted by zl-1

I think it's a few details here and there, but mostly a perception issue.

God forbid anything American stacks up.

I could understand if he moaned about some techno-stuff (push button start, Bluetooth) but the fact he can't even get the size right is just shocking.

[rueben44]

The British are just sore at America in a lot of ways. They feel castrated as a world power by us and they often show it in car reviews or in other ways. Anyone that has even sat in the CTS know that interior is not only world class it outclasses the C and E class Benz's and matches or best up to the 5 series in every detail. The engine is also very refined and not trashy I mean come on.

[blaksabb]

You have to remember where this anti-American perception comes from. It's all relative. British cars are AMAZING! Of course any American car will look like rubbish next to them.

Try to forget for a moment that Britain really doesn't have a auto industry any more. Please ignore the fact that all mainstream British brands and most of their prestige makes are owned by foreign companies. Let us not even imagine that a CTS would have blown their minds if only it wore a Vauxhaul logo (imagine the pride they might have felt).

No, the CTS is a pretty good attempt... for an American car.

[Dirk Wiggler]

He should compare the CTS on a back-to back test with a Rover.

[boblutzfan]

Originally Posted by zete

How is it sized "half way between the BMW 3-series and 5-series"?

            CTS    5 Series    3 Series
Weight     3861     3660        3594
Length     191.6    191.1       178.2
Width      72.5     72.7        71.5
Height     58       57.8        55.9

Yup. Half way.

Why can't GM design a 5 series competitor that isn't so portly. It seems that every entry GM has weighs more than the competition. Yes - the CTS is 5 series sized...but comes with the weight of the driver already built into the car. I could drive the 5 series and it would still weight less than the CTS...

[rsinsel]

Originally Posted by rueben44

The British are just sore at America in a lot of ways. They feel castrated as a world power by us and they often show it in car reviews or in other ways. Anyone that has even sat in the CTS know that interior is not only world class it outclasses the C and E class Benz's and matches or best up to the 5 series in every detail. The engine is also very refined and not trashy I mean come on.

We all know how many cars they build!

[mikehamm45]

i find it very funny how they call the ride of the cts rough over british roads, yet praise the BMW's suspension, which in my opinion i find it much firmer. Ever drive a BMW on Detroit roads? Bouncy isn't? Its just a fact of physics. The better a car handles, the firmer the suspension, thus the rough feel over bumps in the road.

[Ambalanche]

I had an '08 CTS before I bought the 'Vette. To me, it's the best American car built bar none! Sounds like this guy is trying to be a Clarkson wannabe.