Cadillac CTS, Excellent in CR's Book

Consumer Reports' (CR) February 2010 issue presents the Cadillac CTS as the best choice among luxury sedans, after the American built car managed to earn no less than an overall road test score of 84, the equivalent of an "excellent" rating. The CTS beat competitors like the Acura RL ("very good"), Mercedes-Benz E350 ("very good") and Lincoln MKS ("very good").

"With excellent driving dynamics, a smooth and punchy drivetrain and a well-furnished interior, the CTS outscores some of the best imported luxury sports sedans," David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center said in a release.

According to CR, the CTS, priced at $50,995, "gives up virtually nothing to the premium European cars tested in terms of refinement, powertrain, ride, or handling."

Powered by a 3.6l six-cylinder engine developing 304 hp (the same one chosen on Ward Automotive Group's 2009 best engines list), the CTS is capable of a top speed of 155.3 mph (250 km/h), while at the same time eating up to 21 mpg (11.2l/100Km) in combined cycle. At least this is the official figures, as CR found the CTS to average 19 mpg overall.

CR says the ride of the CTS "is supple" while the "control and handling are agile and sporty." The six-speed automatic transmission of the tested CTS "shifts responsively", while braking is "excellent."

With all of the above in mind, we can't but impatiently await for the unveiling of the CTS-V Coupe at the 2010 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) next week.