Cadillac has developed a model range that is distinctive and designed to have global appeal, and is looking to make serious inroads into markets outside of the USA – including South Africa. General Motors SA recently launched what is likely to be Cadillac’s bestseller on the local market, the compact BLS saloon.
The BLS epitomises Cadillac’s current design approach with its sharp crease lines, subtly “smiley” V-shaped grille, large square-ish headlamps, and vertical tail-lamps, writes CAR senior associate editor Mike Monk. The bold front bumper blends into gently flared front wheelarches that are matched by the rears. A large third LED brake light runs along the fold of the boot lid and doubles as a spoiler. The glasshouse is sensibly sized, and, overall, the car’s proportions are very well balanced.
Dimensionally, the BLS measures 4 679 mm long, 1 762 mm wide, and 1 449 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2 675 mm. Front and rear tracks are 1 596 and 1 581 mm, respectively. Size-wise, then, it compares with the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class. Being front wheel-drive, it manages to offer a spacious cabin, which Cadillac claims includes class-leading front headroom and rear legroom. Claimed boot capacity is 420 dm3, and the rear seat is split 60:40 to increase load versatility.
Three engines will be on offer in South Africa. Of the two petrol motors, a turbocharged and intercooled, twin-cam, 16-valve 2,0-litre offers 131 kW at 5 500 r/min and 265 N.m of torque at 2 500, allowing the BLS to cover the benchmark 0-100 km/h sprint in 8,5 seconds, and achieve a combined cycle fuel consumption of 8,2 litres/100 km. It comes with a choice of five-speed manual or auto transmissions. Topping the range is a quad-cam 24-valve 2,8-litre Ecotec V6 turbo with 188 kW at 5 500 r/min and 365 N.m at 2 000, giving a seven-seconds sprint time, and an overall consumption of 10,2 litres/100 km. A six-speed autobox is standard.
The third engine is a 1,9-litre direct injection common rail turbodiesel with intercooler producing 110 kW at 4 000 r/min and 315 N.m at 2 000, which, combined with a six-speed manual gearbox, helps deliver a 0-100 km/h time of 11,5 seconds, and an economy figure of 6,0 litres/100 km.
Suspension is by conventional MacPherson struts/lower wishbones up front, and a four-link/coil springs set-up at the rear, complemented with anti-roll bars at both ends. Wheel sizes were not announced at the preview drive, but 16-, 17-, and 18-inch rims are available. Disc brakes, ventilated at front, are fitted all round, controlled by four-channel ABS with BAS and cornering brake control. StabiliTrak traction control is standard across the range.
From within, the BLS exhibits a top class ambience, with pleasing use of quality-looking materials and what appeared to be a high level of fit and finish. However, a couple of the preview units exhibited squeaks from behind the panelling, something Cadillac will have to avoid at all costs if it is to make good on all of its BLS mission statement of offering “… bold design, better performance than competitors, generous equipment, and quality execution”. Spec levels are high, including dual-zone climate control, and a seven-speaker sound system. Safety features incorporate individual and side curtain airbags, and active head restraints.
On the road, all three BLS models displayed impressive dynamic ability. Steering, with electro-hydraulic power assistance, proved a tad numb in feedback, but accurate and progressive in operation. Handling is as benign as anyone can expect, and high cornering forces can be generated without any tyre squeal.
Ride is firm with seemingly not a huge amount of travel, but remained on the comfy side of sporting throughout the twisting and undulating test route in the George/Oudtshoorn area. Each of the models displayed a character of its own: the 2,0-litre proved to be an entertaining and sporty drive, whereas the V6 was clearly more muscular with an almost Teutonic feel. Read a full road test of the 2,8T in the March 2007 issue of CAR or click here to read our online driving impression.
To date, five dealerships have been set up around the country at an approximate cost of R10 million each. These outlets are located in Johannesburg (Fourways), Nelspruit, Cape Town, Durban and Bloemfontein. Within six months the number of dealerships will increase to seven when Pretoria and Klerksdorp will be added and in 2008 a further three will be added to the dealer network.
For further information access the
Prices (as on March 9 2007):
1,9D tba
2,0T R249 500
2,0T auto R263 000
2,8T auto R362 000