Test Drive: 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon

February 15, 2010

2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon. Click image to enlarge

In the city, the Sport Wagon was easy to manoeuvre, managing the slippery road conditions without fuss. The electronic stability control system does not intrude when cornering unless the car loses traction at all four wheels. This permits what some refer to as “spirited” driving when desired.

Fuel consumption on those long trips worked out to 11.1 L/100 km at a steady 115 km/h, although 7.5 L/100 km is suggested by Cadillac for highway driving. This is a significant difference, but all I can say is that heading west the vehicle returned 11.6 L/100 km and heading east (prevailing winds behind it) the result was 10.6 L/100 km, hence my 11.1 L/100km highway calculation. In the city, 14.0 L/100 km was typically displayed on the car’s trip computer, while 11.7 is the “official” number.

The electro-luminescent instruments are easy to read – day and night – although 12-o’clock on the speedometer is an unconventional 145 km/h, and 100 km/h is not marked at all. However, you can activate a digital speedometer if you wish. What seems out of place is the low-resolution display for the audio/satellite radio at the top of the centre stack. It’s a different colour than the other instruments (except for the small climate control displays placed at knee level on the centre stack), uses different fonts, and is also seen in other GM brands.

2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon. Click image to enlarge

Fit and finish in the CTS Sport Wagon is very good; everything lines up properly, the quality of the panel surfaces is appropriate for the car, and the interior design likewise presents well. There is a shortage of containers in the front of the cabin, however. The pockets in the doors are very small, and there are few places to stow coins, keys, phone, and other small items. Likewise, the centre armrest opens to reveal a compartment too small for a pair of gloves.

At the rear, the power liftgate is a useful and appreciated standard feature. Being a wagon, the low rear floor permits easy loading and retrieval of cargo, and with the rear seats down, the CTS Sport wagon has plenty of room for large objects. Adjustable tie-downs and a hidden stowage area extend the practicality.

Perhaps the exterior design is a matter of taste, but I found it quite striking. Sporty and classy are the two adjectives that come to mind, which is exactly what this car is supposed to be. It’s low, sleek, looks quick, and it is.

Put your foot on the gas and the CTS Sport Wagon provides lusty -albeit refined – acceleration. The engine is smooth and willing in all conditions, and although it consumed more fuel than expected, the required fuel is regular grade.

What would be nice, though, is a unique Cadillac engine in this vehicle. The 3.6-litre V6 does a fine job, but it’s also found in the Chevrolet Equinox and Camaro, Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia, among others. Same for some of the interior details that are also seen in other GM brands. Exclusive should mean exclusive, right? Especially at this arguably optimistic price point.

However, there’s much more to praise than to criticize with the 2010 CTS Sport Wagon. Engineering and fine build quality aside, it’s very much about style and impression, and I think it’s a vehicle that will flatter its owner. Unlike some of the other available wagons, this one looks ready to rumble.

Pricing: 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon

Base price: $53,790

Options: $6,615 (“Ultraview” power sunroof ($1,660) special Blue Diamond Tricoat paint ($1,295), and a $3,660 PDW Performance Luxury Package.)

A/C tax: $100

Freight: $1,420

Price as tested: $61,925
Click here for options, dealer invoice prices and factory incentives

Specifications

Buyer’s Guide: 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon

Competitors

Buyer’s Guide: 2010 Audi A4/S4

Buyer’s Guide: 2010 BMW 3 Series Touring

Buyer’s Guide: 2010 Lincoln MKT