2015 Caddy ATS Turbo four a Bimmer beater
This is what you get when you make total crap cans like the Cimarron, Catera and all those terrible diesels Cadillac tried to hawk back in the mid ’ 80s.
When you do try to recommend shopping Cadillac, people look at you like you’re crazy, “But they’re for old people!” is the refrain
And you get great cars — like this recently released all- wheeldrive coupe version of Cadillac’s snazzy 2.0- litre turbocharged ATS — getting none of the respect it deserves.
For those who can get past Cadillac’s transgressions, there’s a remarkable little AWD coupe to be had for the $ 43,440. Compared with BMW’s 428i, for instance, the ATS has 31 more horsepower ( 272 horses in all), 37 more pound- feet of torque ( for 295 lb.- ft.) and it even weighs a few kilograms less than the two- door Bimmer.
And though the Caddy is 0.3 seconds faster to 100 kilometres an hour — 5.6 for the ATS versus 5.9 the 428 — it actually feels speedier. Indeed, the ATS’s fourcylinder is even a little smoother than the BMW’s, the Caddy’s major deficit being its six- speed transmission, compared to the BMW’s eight. Performance and sophistication would both be improved with more gears.
It might also help the ATS AWD Coupe garner better fuel economy figures than its Natural Resources Canada ratings of 11.5 L/ 100 km city, 8.5 highway, and 10.2 combined ( the BMW averages about one litre less per 100 klicks).
The other surprising area is how well the Cadillac carves up the twisties. The ATS’s combination of 50: 50 weight distribution ( remember when BMW used to brag about that?), multi- link independent suspension and a well- calibrated electrically boosted steering system is an impressive combination.
One notable omission — and it might be enough to put some off the AWD version of the coupe — is that Magnetic Ride Control, GM’s incredibly fast- reacting suspension dampers, is unfortunately not available on AWD versions of the ATS.
Inside, Cadillac’s CUE infotainment system has come under some serious criticism. While I don’t find it as irksome as some, it can be a trial. Thank God there are redundant controls on the steering wheel, otherwise adjusting the audio system would be impossible.
I’m not a whole lot happier about GM’s choice of dashboard decor. Seriously, Cadillac, the whole piano black with chrome switchgear thing is so passé.
One does, however, get the impression that The General has been listening to consumers’ gripes from other aspects of the ATS’s interior. The leather quality is excellent, sight lines open ( save for perhaps to the rear) and the front seats are positively spacious. As for the rear perches, no one is going to use them.
BMW, of course, will be on the minds of anyone comparison shopping the ATS. Though it’s now divided into the 3 Series ( sedan) and 4 Series ( coupe) model lines, BMW still owns the near- luxury segment.
That doesn’t mean, however, that the littlest Caddy can’t compete. Indeed, the 2.0T AWD version of the ATS makes the 428i xDrive feel indecisive, wallowy and a tad underpowered.
Anyone not willing to give the Caddy a test drive needs to forgive and forget. Cadillac has paid enough penance.