Give it wings and it will fly
What more can be said about Cadillac and its glorious past that hasn't already been said? Not much in fact, but the new
2013 ATS opens up a completely new chapter in the company founded by Henry Leland back in 1902.
The 2013 ATS will do for Cadillac what the Catera failed to do in the late ‘90s. The follow-up
CTS attempted to pick up the pieces left behind by the rebadged Opel Omega, but never fully rekindled the Cadillac flame.
It is true; the Cadillac ATS is a fab car. From the ground up, head to tail, this compact luxury car is crackalakin' and I really like it. The styling is eye catching, the proportions are dynamic and the drive is engaging.
My drive revealed a mature package that can tangle with the best Germany has to offer with one small issue: the engine.
What is a Cadillac ATS?
The 2013 Cadillac ATS is GM's luxury brand entry-level offering. From the onset, the ATS promised a fresh new approach to driving a Cadillac with no shortage of curb appeal. By my account, this is the most electrifying production Caddy ever to be built.
The ATS is the gateway to Cadillac, much like the
3 Series is to BMW (the 1 Series is outsold 10-1 by the 3). Available with a smallish engine and little equipment, joining the Cadillac family has never been more attractive.
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| The 2013 Cadillac ATS is GM's luxury brand entry-level offering. From the onset, the ATS promised a fresh new approach to driving a Cadillac with no shortage of curb appeal. (Photo: Olivier Delorme) |
Technicalities
The 2013 Cadillac ATS can be had with one of three engines: Starting with a 202 hp 2.5L 4-pot and ending with a 321 hp 3.6L V6. Between the two lies my tester and the one I trust to be a huge part of the take rate: a turbocharged 272 hp 2.0L 4-cylinder.
All engines are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The purchaser of a 2.0T may optionally select a Tremec 6-speed manual ‘box. A mechanical limited-slip differential is available with the FE3 Performance suspension, which includes Magnetic Ride Control -- AWD is also optional.
The 2.5L ATS' pricing starts at $35,195. The highest-priced version is the 3.6L Premium and it retails, with options, for nearly $57,000. As tested, my 2.0T Premium with Driver Assist package and a few other options goes for $54,200.
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| The 2013 Cadillac ATS can be had with one of three engines: Starting with a 202 hp 2.5L 4-pot and ending with a 321 hp 3.6L V6. (Photo: Olivier Delorme) |
Driving the Cadillac ATS
This is where the 2013 Cadillac ATS shines. I can confirm that there is only a mild exaggeration between the television ads and real life. The ATS feels agile, and goes wherever the driver points the car thanks to its precise electric steering.
The lithe Cadillac rides on a sport-biased independent suspension that sacrifices little where comfort is concerned. Road holding is impressive and the level of grip and control surpass a number of this car's main competitors.
Before I took delivery of the 2013 Cadillac ATS, I had one fear and, unfortunately, it came to pass. I've often been underwhelmed by GM's turbocharged engines and the 2.0T feels congested or chocked. The power band is short and constricted. Its 260 lb-ft are barely noticeable. By comparison, Audi's 211 hp/258 torques 2.0T TFSI gives the impression that it is far more powerful.
As well, I'm no fan of the steering wheel and its paddle shifters. The wheel reminds me of the
Camaro; the grip and design are awful.
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| Road holding is impressive and the level of grip and control surpass a number of this car's main competitors. (Photo: Olivier Delorme) |
Inside and out of the Cadillac ATS
I've said it already and will stand by the fact that the 2013 Cadillac ATS is the sharpest of its clan. From a physical standpoint, and from the number of double-takes experienced all week, I can safely say that GM has winner on its hands.
Although the outer shell is all win, the cabin is hit and miss. I've touched on the wheel, but the other problem lies with Cadillac's
CUE. In most respects, it is not intuitive and the controls require too much concentration and by default is a distraction.
The rear quarters are tight, however, I see the 2013 Cadillac ATS as more of an executive personal mode of transportation instead of a family vehicle. Two adults can be seated comfortably in the rear, if only for a quick trip for lunch.
The remainder exudes class, with appreciable levels of good quality materials that are all well put together. The front seats are smartly bolstered and provide support and comfort.
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| The remainder exudes class, with appreciable levels of good quality materials that are all well put together. (Photo: Olivier Delorme) |
Comparing the Cadillac ATS
The 2013 Cadillac ATS has one other thorn in its side and that is that it is a Cadillac. The current trend dictates that if you carry a German badge (BMW 3 Series,
Audi A4,
Mercedes C-Class) or, perhaps, a Japanese brand logo (
Infiniti Q50 or
Lexus IS), you'll be considered.
That poses quite the uphill battle especially when there's an all-out pricing and incentive war going on between some of the Deutsch-bred companies.
What the ATS needs is time and a chance to shine. With the right open-minded approach, this car will fly.
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