[BlackGTP]

A month ago or so I posted a thread regarding some paint issues on my car. Finally brought the car in, they are repainting the bumper and think they can buff out the passengers side front quarter panel (I don't think that will work), the dealer thinks the quarter panel is damage from the car wash (not).

Either way, they gave me a loaner until my car is ready. My car is a 2013 ATS AWD 2.0T with the luxury package, all weather package and upgraded 18 inch wheels. The loaner, a 2014 with 500 miles on it is also a 2.0T AWD, but it is the base car on the stock 17 inch wheels.

A couple of observations:

1) Ride quality - There is a surprisingly large difference between the ride quality of the loaner vs. my car with the 18 inch wheels. The loaner is considerably more comfortable riding, even in the sport mode the ride is more compliant than mine in touring mode. The biggest difference is large, sharp potholes. My car goes over fluidly, but sounds like the car is going go break in half. The loaner is even more fluid over the same bumps and does not make that same cringe-worthy sounds. On the down side of the loaner, it does not handle as sharply. I was amazed at how different the one inch larger rims make my car feel. I know my tires are run flats, are the base model run flats as well?

2) Engine sound - same engine, but mine sounds a lot better. The loaner sounds like, well, a 4 cylinder engine. I read in one place that the ATS had a more primitive version of engine sound enhancement via the speakers (primitive version vs. the new CTS that is). I assumed that was a typo from a writer not doing his homework and getting confused with the new CTS. Anyone know if the ATS does indeed have a sound enhancement with higher trim packages? Otherwise I'm at a loss for the sound difference. The sound of the loaner does detract somewhat from the driving fun.

3) CUE - the loaner does not have CUE, not a big deal, but the dash controls don't have the haptic feedback which really makes it more difficult to change the climate control, etc.. Also I found the small touch screen very difficult to use and non-intuitive to know when to touch the screen vs. the knobs. I wonder if some of the complaints we've read are people thinking the non-CUE models are CUE?????

Still a fun car to drive that I'd recommend to anyone, I'm just surprised at the major differences in how the car feels with seemingly minor changes. Comments? Thoughts?

 

[Ed753]

Good luck with the paint repair(s).

I'm a fan of rubber on the sides of my tires too.

I wonder if that base system is similar to the ones on the 2014 Silverado? That thing was a very un-friendly POS, not intuitive at all, couldn't tell what was highlighted, I could never get over the fact hitting the same button having different results depending on what frame/screen is shown on the display.

 

[BlackGTP]

Good luck with the paint repair(s).

I'm a fan of rubber on the sides of my tires too.

I wonder if that base system is similar to the ones on the 2014 Silverado? That thing was a very un-friendly POS, not intuitive at all, couldn't tell what was highlighted, I could never get over the fact hitting the same button having different results depending on what frame/screen is shown on the display.

I'll have to take a look at the Silverado base system to see if it is similar. If I were GM I'd make CUE standard, I'd think it would cost more to build a separate dash for the base models....

My wife asked me which I preferred. Though I really liked the comfort of the loaner, especially over the tortured pavement of i684 I take every day, I really miss the sharpness of my cars handling. I think I'll really enjoy having my car back.

 

[nsap]

On a related note, I requested--no, demanded--a new CTS loaner when I take my ATS back in for the laundry list (again).

I won.

 

[BlackGTP]

I was thinking of trying for a new CTS! But I didn't, I was curious to see what they'd give me. How is your laundry list of problems? I'm at 13,000 miles and no issues (I don't consider the paint to be a GM issue, I think one of the dealer that originally had my car repainted it).

 

[Envoy4Life]

The Base ATS is an absolute slap in the face to Luxury+ ATS models. It's alarmingly bad.

http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f21/loaner-2014-cadillac-ats-2-0t-a6-standard-trim-163282/

I named it "Avis" for a reason.

EDIT: I have no trouble getting any loaner I want at my dealer. I suppose it does help having the service manager's personal number memorized...

 

[Dovetonsils]

1) Ride quality - There is a surprisingly large difference between the ride quality of the loaner vs. my car with the 18 inch wheels. The loaner is considerably more comfortable riding, even in the sport mode the ride is more compliant than mine in touring mode. The biggest difference is large, sharp potholes. My car goes over fluidly, but sounds like the car is going go break in half. The loaner is even more fluid over the same bumps and does not make that same cringe-worthy sounds. On the down side of the loaner, it does not handle as sharply. I was amazed at how different the one inch larger rims make my car feel. I know my tires are run flats, are the base model run flats as well?

I'm pretty sure that the 2.0 comes with run-flats even in standard trim.

2) Engine sound - same engine, but mine sounds a lot better. The loaner sounds like, well, a 4 cylinder engine. I read in one place that the ATS had a more primitive version of engine sound enhancement via the speakers (primitive version vs. the new CTS that is). I assumed that was a typo from a writer not doing his homework and getting confused with the new CTS. Anyone know if the ATS does indeed have a sound enhancement with higher trim packages? Otherwise I'm at a loss for the sound difference. The sound of the loaner does detract somewhat from the driving fun.

I remember reading that the ATS uses sound cancellation through the speakers instead of some physical soundproofing to reduce weight. Maybe the version of the sound cancellation in the loaner cancels out too much engine sound which you would find desirable.

3) CUE - the loaner does not have CUE, not a big deal, but the dash controls don't have the haptic feedback which really makes it more difficult to change the climate control, etc.. Also I found the small touch screen very difficult to use and non-intuitive to know when to touch the screen vs. the knobs. I wonder if some of the complaints we've read are people thinking the non-CUE models are CUE?????

Still a fun car to drive that I'd recommend to anyone, I'm just surprised at the major differences in how the car feels with seemingly minor changes. Comments? Thoughts?

IMHO, you would have to be unconscious to buy an ATS with the base radio instead of CUE. If you look on the Cadillac forums, nobody who wound up with the base radio is happy.