CADILLAC is a brand that boasts a world-wide reputation for style, luxury and quality. The “standard of the world” began in 1903 and became part of General Motors in 1909 but the brand has never really been a major player in South Africa primarily because of cost and, in later years, the availability of right-hand drive models. Together with an illfated Le Mans sportscar programme, Cadillac tried to “go European” in the late-1990s with the Seville STS, a grand saloon aimed at Japan and the western world but which fell short on its promise – CAR tested one in February 1999 and said, “Cadillac has taken on a lot with the Seville’s marketing plan. Right now it looks too much.” So it proved to be because it soon disappeared off the global radar.
But if nothing else GM is resilient and in 2007/8 Cadillac made a local return. The BLS compact executive arrived first and sold marginally better than the SRX sport-utility vehicle. Then the new STS set the scene for the arrival of the CTS, Cadillac’s new executive saloon. The CAR team rated the CTS the best American-made vehicle it had ever tested and yet, despite the model’s critical acclaim, less than 100 units were sold in this market.
An announcement that General Motors SA would no longer import Cadillac came a few short weeks after the arrival of its new CEO, Edgar Lorençon, from Brazil. At the time he explained that GMSA would only consider bringing back the brand when there was potential for significant expansion in global right-hand drive production. That would enable GMSA to offer a comprehensive model range and long-term commitment to the brand in the local market.
The fact that Cadillac did not succeed second time around was more about critical mass than it was about the perception of the brand, the quality of the products or the value for money they offered… Soon after Cadillac was launched in South Africa the wheels fell off the global economy. Indeed, vehicle sales in South Africa plummeted at the worst possible time for a fledgling brand trying to establish a foothold in the luxury car market.
In the midst of this uncertainty we took delivery of a silver Cadillac CTS for a 20 000 km test and – to make the withdrawal of the brand even more poignant – the CTS lived up to the preconceptions of the brand in every department.
Throughout its time with us the styling of the CTS raised the interest of onlookers. Some regard the aggressive lines as too showy but most appreciated the muscular stance and bold trim as an interesting alternative to the better known executive saloons from Germany. The “Art&Science” design theme successfully creates a coupélike profile without compromising cabin space – although rear headroom is slightly limited for taller passengers.
Spending time in the CTS was always a pleasure for driver and passengers alike. The vehicle has as standard a long list of features but the ones that stood out were the double sunroof, the rain-sensing wipers, 10-speaker audio system with MP3 playback, the electronic pre-set seat memory, excellent interior trim quality, the pop-up navigation screen on the facia and keyless entry.
Mind you, as reported in our longterm updates, we could have done without the keyless entry on this CTS. The only hassle we experienced with the vehicle was an electronic lockdown that happened on no less than six occasions. With the keyless entry it is possible to exit the vehicle with some electronic functions still switched on. This caused the battery to run down alarmingly quickly, which in turn, caused a system lock-down. This makes entering the vehicle and reviving it a real challenge to say the least. The problem was eventually solved when GM replaced the battery but the test team remained cautious about leaving the keyless start switch in the correct position before exiting! We subsequently learned that later models sold in the US have been equipped with an “electronic patch” that deals with the problem.
About a quarter of the distance travelled during the test period was on the open road and this is where the CTS is at its best. The 3,5-litre six-cylinder engine delivers impressive power from standstill to cruising speeds, always with enough in reserve for overtaking and climbing hills. Power is 229 kW at 6 400 r/min and a healthy 374 N.m of torque peaks at a heady 5 200 r/min. Fully loaded with a family of four and a boot full of luggage, the CTS took us up and down the Cape coast in great comfort. Fuel economy is nothing to write home about but an average of less than 13,0 litres/100 km over the full test distance is on par with its rivals.
Around town the CTS is effortless to drive. The six-speed automatic ’box is smooth at low revs but quick to respond to pressure from the right foot or a flick of the paddle shifters, which are mounted behind the steering wheel.
The CTS sits on handsome 18-inch alloy wheels through which the substantial ventilated brake discs can be seen. Our test results indicate an impressive 100 km/h-to-zero average stopping time of 2,66 seconds, but thankfully this was not challenged during our everyday driving.
Proving its status as GM’s national dealer of the year, our customer experience during the vehicle’s 15 000 km service at Reeds N1 City was flawless, from the reservation process to checking- in on the day, the great coffee and the courtesy ride back to the CAR offices. We could not have asked for a more professional experience. The post-service communication and satisfaction survey were further evidence of a company that puts an emphasis on customer care. So while there may not be many Caddy drivers out there, those that are should rest assured that the GM dealer network appears wellplaced to provide satisfactory back-up.
TEST SUMMARY
A tentative entry into the highly competitive executive saloon segment and the unfortunate timing of the collapse of the local passenger car market conspired to end this particular brief career of the Cadillac brand in South Africa.
In terms of vital statistics and performance, the CTS may not have won every battle against its German rivals but when it came down to value-formoney the CTS was a surprisingly strong rival. Priced at about R100 000 less than its rivals, the CTS offered a uniquely styled vehicle with competitive performance ratings, a full-house of luxury features as standard and admirable driving dynamics. If you can find a good used example, it is likely to be at a bargain price too. And that is very tempting.
