FIRSTDRIVE: CADILLAC CTSIF YOU were to round up all the Cadillac owners in Ireland, and I don't mean the old ones that you see at owners' meetings in fields, listening to Johnny Cash, I mean the right-hand drive "Saabillacs" that arrived a couple of years back, then you could fit them all into your kitchen. This year so far they have sold nine Cadillacs and the previous year they sold 10, writes Paddy Comyn.
Two models arrived in 2006: the BLS, which was essentially a re-bodied Saab 9-3 and the CTS, which was somewhere between the size of a BMW 3-Series and 5-Series and wasn't half bad apart from the squeaks, rattles, shoddy build-quality, awful steering and hideous interior.
The fact that it only came with a 2.8-litre or 3.6-litre V6 and cost between €52,000 and €58,000 meant that there were very few takers. Hardly surprising when you could get the worthy Chrysler 300C with a diesel engine for the same price.
With practically no sales to speak of in Ireland for the previous version, you have to admire Cadillac's resolve to come back with a new one.
The new CTS has been receiving rave reviews and the odd award or two in the US and will spawn a beautiful coupé down the line. While it is anything but subtle, we must concede that it's a rather good-looking car.
John Manoogian, director of exterior design for Cadillac, speaking at the launch, told The Irish Times that they reacted to criticism of the previous car by making a car that looked more hand-crafted. "Many people said that the car looked like it was designed on a computer both inside and out, and we took that on board and made this one look more like it was crafted by hand."
It still has the vast, almost hairy-chest-like grille, upon which sits a medallion-like Cadillac badge but the car now sits on a wider track and has a much more taut appearance. It looks nothing like a BMW 5-Series or Audi A6, but that is the idea - this is an alternative.
Inside, there has been a dramatic improvement in the interior plastics, which were shocking before. However, there is still, regrettably, the use of poor silvery plastic on the dash and evidence of brittle black plastics on the kickplates and on various lower parts of trim that combine to give the wrong impression. But there are now areas of hand-stitched leather on the dash and the overall quality is better. Forgiving their early cars the odd area of tattiness, it is a huge leap forward for the brand.
Dominating the centre console is a clever infotainment system that works your iPod, has a brilliant navigation system and even has a 40GB hard disk to store your tracks. You can also pause live radio, working like your Sky + Box. It is all very clever even if the Stephen Hawking voice does scare you somewhat.
Both versions come with six-speed automatic gearboxes, with paddle-shift controls for the sportier 3.6-litre V6 version. The 2.8-litre has 211bhp and 246Nm of torque, with the 3.6-litre getting 311bhp and 374Nm of torque. Both engines make a satisfying grumble, with the larger engine having a tendency to spin its rear wheels.
Previously this car was let down badly by its steering and handling, but things have improved significantly. The 3.6-litre engine in particular gains a more European suspension set-up which is firm, especially if you are sitting in the rear, where the ride can feel unsettled. Twin this with slightly restricted rear headroom and the backseat passengers don't get a great deal.
The CTS feels like a better balanced car than before, and as such is much better to drive. The steering still isn't perfect, with way too much play compared to the best of the German offerings. When you do find a live spot in the steering it comes all too suddenly and you can find yourself adjusting mid-bend.
It is fully loaded with safety features too, including a number of driver's aids, including StabilTrak stability control system.
There will be only one specification too, when the new car comes to Ireland next month. The Sport Luxury specification gains everything but the kitchen sink, the only options being the choice of colour. Leather, that audio system, navigation all come thrown-in.
Sadly, judging by Ireland's poor response to the brand so far and with both of these engines residing in Tax Band G, the chances of many owners willing to spend €2,000 per year to tax a Cadillac are slim.
Then there is the price. There are no signals yet as to what to expect, but with the previous model costing up to €58,000 at a VRT rate of 30 per cent, the new model, which will be subject to 36 per cent VRT, is likely to be more expensive.
This is a much better effort from Cadillac, with an overall improvement that hopefully signals better things to come from the brand.
The new car will be a rare sight on Irish roads, but will be a quirky choice for those who want to make a statement. A 2.9-litre diesel engine is coming down the line, in 2010, but that may be too late for a model which is on borrowed time to make an impact in a picky European market.
Factfile
Engines:2792cc V6 with 211bhp and 246Nm of torque or3564cc V6 with 311bhp and 374Nm of torque
Transmission:Six-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Max speed:204 km/h (2.8 V6 ) or 241 km/h (3.6 V6)
0-100km/h:9.0 sec (2.8 V6 ) or 6.3 sec (3.6 V6)
Fuel economy:10.9 l/100km, 25.7mpg (2.8 V6 ) or11.1 l/100km, 25.4mpg (3.6 V6)
CO2:263g/km, Band G 36% VRT, €2000 Road Tax (2.8 V6 )or 264g/km, Band G 36% VRT, €2000 Road Tax (3.6 V6)
Prices:TBA