The CTS is a longer, lower, and leaner sedan that mixes well into the midsize luxury segment. Its weight reduction technologies include aluminum door structures that contribute to lower curb weight and the nearly 50/50 weight balance. EPA fuel economy is 20 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. I averaged 22 mpg during my weekly drive.
There are four available interior environments, each trimmed with authentic wood, carbon fiber, or aluminum. The seats were especially roomy, and while there appeared to be little leg room in the back, the front was very comfortable.
The CUE infotainment system interacts with its users through an 8-inch high resolution color touch screen with haptic feedback that allows users to swipe and drag preferences. There is also Magnetic Ride Control real-time suspension damping system with the Premium Collection.
CTS has beautiful full leather performance front seats that have lumbar front adjustor for the driver, and heating and ventilated cooling for the driver and the front seat passenger.
Personally, getting into the front seat for both the driver and the passenger was difficult without pause and concentration, because the vehicle was simply too low to the ground. Of course, it would have been perfect for a New England elf.
The 12.3-inch reconfigurable gauge cluster was difficult to use. There were no buttons or knobs for adjusting sound or changing stations, only silver metal strips, shaped in a kind of unhappy smiley face, acted as adjustment devices. I became so frustrated in trying to turn the sound down, that I just turned the radio off. Adjusting the air conditioning manifested the same problems. Turning it up or down was terribly tasking, making you want to carry a hand fan, ice cubes, or windbreaker.
This type of system may have added to the ambience and eye appealing aesthetics, but it left a vast emptiness in convenience. Much like trying to strain a block of lard through a minnow bucket.
The CTS Premium was equipped with the Driver Awareness Package, which includes the patented Safety Alert Seat technology that uses vibrating pulses to alert the driver of potential dangers, such as an imminent collision or drifting from traffic lane.
The 2014 CTS also features GM’s first application of something called automatic belt tightening. I didn’t like this feature. I know how to adjust my seat belt if I feel it is necessary, and I didn’t like the car making decisions about what I felt was comfortable and safe.
There was a full range of other standard safety features which were of great value. Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Collision Preparation, Panic Brake Assist, Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Side Blind Zone Alert, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert were the most notable.
Ten airbags are standard; and a rear vision camera with dynamic guidelines blended easily with these safety features. CTS has a five-star safety rating for frontal crash for both the driver and the front seat passenger.
CTS is most attractive on the outside. High intensity headlamps with adaptive forward lighting, LED vertical accent lighting, illuminating door handles, plus illuminating front door sill plates add to that great exterior look with added safety. Ultra view sunroof, sunshades, and power rear with manual rear side windows help bring the outside inside.
If you want a car that looks grand on the outside, and is comfortable in the front, with the power to launch you in any direction at any time, the CTS may be for you.
The CTS 2.0L Turbo Premium RWD carries a suggested price of $62,725.
Powertrain
2.0L turbo I-4 with direct injection and VVT
272 hp @ 5,500 rpm/295 lb-ft @ 1,700 rpm
6-speed automatic
RWD (AWD available)
Exterior Dimensions (inches)
Wheel base: 114.6
Length: 195.5
Width: 72.2
Front track: 61.4
Rear track: 61.7
Max. cargo room: 13.7 cu. ft.
Cadillac Shield
4-Year/50,000 mile Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty
6-Year/70,000 mile Powertrain Limited Warranty
4-year/50,000 mile Premium Care Maintenance Program
6-year/70,000 mile Roadside Assistance with courtesy transportation
Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or [email protected].
