2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon
Wagon builds on success of CTS sedan
By Dave Boe
Please....Don't refer to this newest version of CTS as a station wagon. Cadillac much prefers the 'sport wagon' moniker.
The new-for-2010 CTS sport wagon ties in nicely with the CTS sport sedan that debuted in the 2003 model year. Both have helped (and will continue helping) Cadillac regain footing in the ultra completive luxury car segment. The CTS family and large Escalade sport utility specifically have brought the Cadillac brand back into the minds of luxury-driven consumers. The CTS brand continues expanding by adding an eye-popping coupe derivative in 2011.
While five-door station wagons sometimes have an unflattering connotation here in the states, in Europe and other parts of the globe, they're quite fashionable. German automakers Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi all ring up tidy sales across the pond and Cadillac wants in on the action. Bob Lutz, one of the most influential design engineers in the domestic automotive business the past half-century, helped launch the CTS DNA.
This is not a five-door, car-based crossover with a slightly higher riding position; Cadillac already has that in its line up (SRX). This is a lower slung driver's car with all the well-regarded nuances of the CTS sedan; but happens to have a hatch. It's assembled in Lansing, Michigan.
For optimum ride, balance and handling, rear-drive comes standard while all-wheel drive is optional ($1,900). For those with concerns about rear-wheel-drive cars and its perceived adversity to snow and ice, take note. While plenty of fresh snow fell during the testing week (providing a winter proving ground for the sport wagon) our rear-drive tester maintained integrity thanks to traction/stability control and anti-lock brakes. Our tester even had optional 19-inch summer tires (why in the winter? Who knows) and traction still was acceptable. As long as the person behind the wheel stays in control, so too should the rear-drive CTS. Gunning from a standing start in freshly fallen snow will cause the car so slide, but traction control kicks in to steady the situation pronto.
Two V-6 engines are available in this mid-size wagon. Standard in most trims is a 3.0-liter direct injection V-6 delivering 270 horsepower. Available is a larger, 3.6-liter direct injection V-6 spitting out 304 horsepower. The 3.6-liter is similar to the power plant in Chevrolet's Camaro. No matter which is chosen both get connected to a six-speed automatic transmission. For those who enjoy manual shifting, the CTS sport wagon offers a "manushift" feature allowing drivers to choose shift points without a foot clutch. The back side of the steering wheel (where fingers do the walking) have optional (recommended if the budget does) push pads to move the transmission up or down. The larger 3.6-liter may be the pick to click for the weightier wagon where the 3.0 would suffice for the CTS sedan.
Four trims are available and all come with the choice of rear or all-wheel drive: Sport, Luxury, Performance and Premium. Sport and Luxury come standard with the 3.0-liter engine while Performance offers both and Premium is solely available with the 3.6-liter.
Unlike most luxury rivals from Europe, regular unleaded fuel is recommended for both Cadillac engines and the 18-gallon tank. Fuel economy for the rear-drive 3.6-liter engine was 18 mpg city and 26 highway, decent in this class.
The lowest-priced offering is a rear-drive Sport arriving just under $40,000 at $39,830. Our tester was a well-equipped Premium rear drive featuring the larger 3.6-liter engine checking in at $51,720. Options included the summer tires, sports-tuned suspension, steering wheel mounted transmission shifters and performance disc brakes for a bottom line of $55,630 including an $825 destination charge.
Our test V-6 engine, though powerful, was barely audible as we punched this car on a straightaway along I-355 in suburban Chicago thanks to acoustical insulation and engine compartment tweaks. Cadillac has paid special attention to this aspect luxury buyers pay special attention. It must to stay competitive.
From the center B-pillar forward, the wagon version of CTS resembles its wonderfully sculpted sedan counterpart. Sharp, crisp cuts take precedent over rounded cues. The back half with its wagon hatch design is what sets this vehicle apart. A more handsome looking wagon design you will not find.
Indeed. This is not your father's frumpy Buick Roadmaster wagon. The CTS Sport Wagon measures a shorter 191.6 inches in length. Long tail lights flank the hatch running up the entire length of the back door and side window. Quite stunning. In front, long, vertical headlight housings flank a rectangular, vertical bar grille with Cadillac wreath logo. Side view mirrors are aerodynamic and medium in size. Round, flared fender wells add muscle. The standard power hatch door opens about five feet so some bending is required when storing belongings. A nicely placed power button on the inside door is illuminated and easy to find when ready to close shop. Dual chrome-tip exhausts come standard.
The in-dash navigation system (standard in Premium) incorporates one of the clearest, crispest rear-view camera pictures of any recently tested vehicle. The relatively flat screen moves up from the top of the dash when in use, and then retracts down when sleeping. At night, optional pin lighting helps illuminate the center molding area on side doors and the dash for an elegant ambiance. The steering wheel incorporates wood-like treatment on the top quarter portion. Can't miss the clock; it's not the digital style, but the classic, circular analog one with a face and hands. Old school time pieces never go out of style. Comfortable and welcoming leather covers seating surfaces. Dual climate zones allow each front passenger to select their own comfort levels. XM Satellite radio comes standard (with a three month subscription) in all trims. Bluetooth phone connectivity, interacting with the wagon's audio system, comes standard in most trims.
Drivers and front passengers enjoy cockpit-type seating with the dash slightly curved in front and a prominent, sturdy council between the bucket seats housing the six-speed transmission and side-by-side beverage holder. The glove box is rather diminutive. Three independent, deep set gauges make up the instrument panel. The driver's door has power window and mirror controls at a 34-degree angle. No standard ignition key is needed. As long as the electronic key fob is on a person, and the textured half-moon tab on the steering column is turned clockwise, the engine springs to life. Heated and cooled front bucket seats are optional.
Because of its low-slung roof, headroom is tight especially for those six-feet two inches and taller. Seat backs in row two fold down onto the cushion with a 60/40 split. This is most likely not the first choice for hauling fishing poles or garden mulch, but if an antique chair needs a new home, it comes in handy. Keep in mind the hatch does not open as high or wide as those found in crossovers or SUVs, Window size is not as prevalent as some crossover designs, but blind spots are still at a minimum.
Two riders fit most comfortably in back with the rear-drive transaxle along the floor length and leg room minimized. Don't even try to squeeze three adults. Since the roof is relatively low, be careful when entering so heads don't go bump along the way. The entry way for legs is uncharacteristically narrow. Not the most comfortable rear seat environment in Cadillac's portfolio for adults, so just flip the seats down, use the space for extra golf bags and enjoy front seat comforts.
Multi-link, independent rear suspension keeps CTS stable. Our tester included the optional sport suspension for a slightly stiffer ride. Those desiring a softer glide should skip this option. The extra weight the wagon carries can leave drivers wanting more from a standing launch. Up-to-speed on the highway, however, is where this vehicle gets into a grove.
Like all GM vehicles, the CTS Sport Wagon includes OnStar, the easy-to-understand, intuitive, in-car communication system. Simply push a button on the rear-view mirror to interact with a real live person ready to respond to needed directions or emergency situations. No tutorials to wade through or myriad of buttons to push. A one-year subscription is free providing more peace-of-mind than a traditional cellular phone will provide. Other safety features include dual front air bags, side air bags for front passengers, curtain air bags for both rows, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, traction control and brake assist.
The CTS wagon qualifies for GM's five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty that's fully transferable to the next owner (not that one would need or want to trade this vehicle any time soon).
While not a volume grabber, General Motors is certainly on the right track with this well-executed sport wagon worthy of the Cadillac CTS badge. Pricewise, it's more than competitive when lined up against the BMWs and Mercedes mid-size wagons and captures the bulk of the styling attention.