General Motors' luxury Cadillac division is busy staving off advances from Japanese upstarts Lexus, Infiniti and Acura, as well as older, established European competitors BMW and Mercedes Benz. The 1996 front-wheel-drive, Cadillac Seville Touring Sedan (STS) is aimed squarely at these luxury import rivals. Built from the same design as the Eldorado coupe, the five-seat, four-door STS comes loaded with standard features as well as Cadillac's Northstar system. With a manufacturers suggested retail cost of $47,495, Seville STS pricing falls in the mid-to-high range of the luxury spectrum. The long list of standard features includes automatic transmission, speed sensitive steering, road sensing suspension, anti-lock brakes, traction control and climate control. Options in our test car included a 12-disc trunk-mounted compact disc player, chrome wheels and heated front seats. The bottom line, with a $640 destination charge, ended up at $51,918. Seville also is available in an 'luxury sedan' trim level (SLS) with a slightly smaller horsepowered engine and $42,995 starting price. Cadillac combines an aggressive, sporty exterior with four-door sedan versatility. The crest ornament, built into the familiar grille design creates an unmistakable Cadillac look. Interestingly, Cadillac makes little mention of Seville anywhere inside or outside the car, instead focusing on the STS abbreviation. The only Seville reference was in the driver's manual. Daytime running lights and dual airbags are standard in all Cadillac's. All 1996 front-wheel-drive Cadillacs incorporate the Northstar system; integrating engine, transmission, steering suspension and brake technology. The 4.6-liter, dual overhead cam V/8 powertrain boasts 300 horsepower, and travels from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 7.3 seconds; a notable accomplishment considering its rather hefty 3,869 lbs. curb weight. There's plenty of punch in reserve for highway passing maneuvers. It travels from 30 to 70 mph in only 6.5 seconds. Just touching the accelerator pedal gives drivers a sense of power. Dual platinum-tipped spark plugs and Dexron transmission fluid enable STS to travel 100,000 miles before its first scheduled tune-up Inside, headlights operate from the dashboard's right-hand side. This year, the digital driver information center moves out of a redesigned instrument cluster to the center dash, allowing for larger speedometer and tachometer displays. Another intriguing gizmo is an optional digital compass, built into the rear-view mirror, indicating what direction the vehicle is headed. The sleeker, sportier eight-way power front leather seats with four-way lumbar controls are comfortable, even during long sojourns. Heated seats are a $225 option. Another STS ergonomic tweak in 1996 includes relocating heating and air conditioning controls below the stereo system. Preset radio selections increase to six AM and 12 FM stations. Front seat dual cup holders are found under a retractable lid, in front of a lockable, longer center armrest/storage area. STS now comes pre-wired for an optional factory installed, hands-free cellular phone. Cadillac conveniently locates trunk and fuel release buttons on the dashboard, accessible by both front seat travelers. This central spot, above the stereo, is favored over floor or glove box locations. Four illuminated, paddle-style steering wheel knobs offer drivers a second option of controlling fan speed and stereo functions. The STS includes a standard "rainsence wiper system," exclusive to Cadillac cars. It activates windshield wipers in inclement weather when preset in a delay mode found on the steering column-mounted wiper stalk. Also, a built-in microprocessor automatically adjusts wiper speed to match the level of falling precipitation; slower speeds for light rain and faster speeds for heavy downpours. In back, riders have their own fan speed controls and a cigarette lighter/power outlet for juicing up accessories. There's plenty of head and legroom for three back seat riders. Reading lights on both sides add a nice touch. A fold-down, rear center arm rest/storage bin houses retractable cup holders, which flip forward from the cushioned divider. In the coming 1997 model year, STS unveils advanced crash avoidance technology, helpful in keeping car control during undesirable driving conditions. This new system will also be featured in other premium 1997 Cadillacs. The powerful Northstar system requires premium gasoline in the 20 gallon tank. Fuel estimates are 17 miles per gallon city and 26 highway. Our test-drive vehicle, with 1,700 odometer miles, registered 19.9 miles in combined driving. Seville STS is built in Hamtramck, Mich. |