The paragon of good manners
Switch on the telly any night and America comes flooding into your living room - so in the complex jigsaw of 21st century life, how surprising that it's only now that one of the immortal names in the history of the greatest automobile producing country in the world is gaining a foothold in Britain, writes Syd Taylor.
Switch on the telly any night and America comes flooding into your living room - so in the complex jigsaw of 21st century life, how surprising that it's only now that one of the immortal names in the history of the greatest automobile producing country in the world is gaining a foothold in Britain with the establishment of ten strategically located dealerships and a good range of cars.
Of all the illustrious marques Cadillac has always stood out as one of the finest car manufacturers in America, living up to that Cadillac motto: 'Craftsmanship a creed, accuracy a law'.
If the new SRX is anything to go by, this motto rings true today. It speaks loud, it speaks bold - it says 'I'm big therefore I am' - like the country of its birth. Movie goers might remember the Hud character from Paul Newman's famous film, who adored Cadillacs. He would have been in seventh heaven with this seven-seater.
Based on the platform of the well regarded Cadillac CTS, this four-wheel drive 'luxury utility vehicle (LUV)' is an interesting alternative to one of those big 4x4 offroaders which hardly anyone ever uses offroad anyway.
Needless to say, being a Cadillac, the SRX has definite presence and its bold lines and long, lean looks make it stand out in a world of soft shapes - giving an immediate visual impact: an interesting alternative perhaps, to Audi's Allroad or Volvo's XC90.
Even though it's not a dedicated offroader, thankfully with four-wheel drive the 'go anywhere' cowboy spirit lives in this beast - but in no way does this compromise the 'big saloon car' ride quality that you'd expect.
Difficult to challenge really, because I haven't checked out suspension reaction times of rivals lately - let's just say it works.
The SRX is outstandingly capable - surprisingly so on the twisty roads of the Derbyshire dales where the car was tested.
Steering accurately, it remained calm and composed, despite the best efforts of two lead-footed journalists to destabilise it - putting to rest once and for all, the notion that American cars handle badly.
Powered by a pleasant 3.6-litre V6 developing 255 bhp which drives through a five-speed auto box that changes up and down imperceptibly, the SRX is no racer, but it will do 125 mph if needs be.
If you want more performance wait for the V8 version, but that of course, will come at a price in terms of fuel consumption.
Expect about 20mpg from the V6 version which comes in Elegance trim level at £27,995 or if you are a total sybarite in Sport Luxury specification with extra gadgets at £31,995.
The cabin is a 'quality' environment which is light and airy, particularly under the huge optional sliding glass roof.
Cadillac claims the 'cut and sew' interior processes combine advance technology with the hand-rendered precision of expert craftsmen, and one has to say that it's tastefully appointed and well assembled with plenty of leather and wood.
But how does the SRX feel behind the wheel? For the driver, it's easy to set a good position and you can adjust pedals fore and aft for leg reach at the touch of a button.
'No saddle soreness here buddy,' I commented to my driving partner as we pressed on at a fair old pace. Your passengers too have plenty of room, and because the rear seats are raised theatre style, there's excellent visibility for them too.
Luscious levels of refinement, the staunching of vibration, and wind noise well muted, makes the SRX a paragon of good manners. Noise is pushed into the background and the ride is supple and easy going, making for a car that with seven aboard is easily capable of swooshing sweetly over long distances.
Nothing could be finer than a long drive in this road liner I mused, stepping in jaunty as a jay bird, and at the end of the trail stepping out as fresh as the month of May.
The SRX is thoroughly modern and is an abundantly easy, reassuring and relaxed car with which to live - and on those grounds its case is strong.
Cadillac however, is keeping its feet firmly on the ground over sales aspirations, and forecasts modest numbers so you would certainly be well out of the common herd with one of these.
America's new 'luxury station wagon' is a genuine allrounder adding an entirely new dimension to the SUV market. It's just a pity they don't come in pink.
By Syd Taylor
