New Cars Reviews

Full Cadillac Ats Review

Whats New For 2014

Automatic high-beam management has also been added to actually the driver awareness and driver assist packages by the 2014 cadillac ats, although a 110-volt power outlet is currently included in cars along with the navigation system. Additionally, automatic-transmission models with paddle shifters currently feature a larger-diameter steering wheel.

Introduction

New Cars Reviews - Currently in its second year, the 2014 cadillac ats may be a capable entry within the whole well-stocked compact entry-level sport luxury sedan category. Though shoppers have lots of choices during this price vary, the cadillacs contemporary interior design and touchscreen management interface stand out direct from competition. The ats is likewise one among the very best handling entry-luxury sedans out there, and though its not extraordinarily quick, each the midrange 2. 0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and accessible v6 insure the satisfying compromise of power and efficiency. Overall, the ats stacks up well among entry-luxury cars, and its simply the foremost desirable small cadillac of one's modern era.

That aforesaid, the cadillac ats has a number of weak spots that keep it from toppling its rivals. Performance is lackluster along with the base 2. 5-liter engine, and though the 2. 0-liter turbo is considerably less assailable, its soundtrack has all the charm of the mix harvester. Within, the cue infotainment system is pleasing on an aesthetic level, other then its typically slow to actually respond to actually commands, that are able to make it distracting to actually use whereas driving. The ats too has one among the smallest backseats and trunk of any entry-level luxury sedan.

After all, the most important hurdle for our 2014 cadillac ats is merely the extreme level of competition during this price vary. The 2014 bmw 3 series has dominated this category for years and continues to actually do this, thanks to actually its lineup of overachieving engines, spacious cabin and all-around glorious driving dynamics. Alternative high choices embody the 2014 audi a4, infiniti q50 and 2014 mercedes-benz c-class. The recently introduced mercedes-benz cla is another attainable candidate, since it prices less and provides similar luxury appointments.

The bmw is while not a doubt our favorite car to actually drive during this cluster, whereas the audi has a number of finest cabin furnishings. The 2014 cadillac ats may be a step behind these 2, other then its still a powerful contender and worth a test-drive right before you build a call.

Body Designs, Trim Levels, And Options

The 2014 cadillac ats may be a five-passenger, luxury-oriented sport sedan that's offered in four trim levels : base, luxury, performance and premium.

Customary features by the base trim embody 17-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, automatic headlights, an active aero grille, cruise management, dual-zone automatic climate management, six-way power front seats with power lumbar, leatherette premium vinyl upholstery, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, onstar, bluetooth phone connectivity but a seven-speaker bose sound system with satellite radio, an ipod/usb interface and an auxiliary audio jack.

Optional by the base ats happens to be the cadillac user experience ( cue ) infotainment system and an upgraded surround-sound system, that adds hd radio, an 8-inch touchscreen audio show, 10-speaker bose sound system ( by having cd player ) but a rearview camera.

The cue interface is customary by the luxury trim, that too adds run-flat tires, keyless entry and ignition, remote engine begin ( automatic-transmission models solely ), eight-way power front seats, front and rear parking sensors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather seating, driver memory functions but a 60/40 split-folding rear seat.

The performance trim ( not accessible along with the 2. 5-liter engine ) includes previously mentioned equipment together with dual exhaust outlets, a driver awareness package ( automatic high-beam management, automatic wipers, rear-seat aspect airbags, and forward collision, rear cross-traffic and lane departure warning systems ), xenon headlights, an upgraded 10-speaker bose surround-sound audio system, front sport seats ( with driver-side bolster adjustment ), aluminum-trimmed pedals and, as by the base ats, a fixed rear seat by having pass-through.

Stepping up to actually the premium trim ( not accessible along with the 2. 5-liter engine ) adds 18-inch wheels, a navigation system, a color head-up show and therefore the 60/40 split-folding rear seat. Rear-wheel-drive ats premium models too bring run-flat summer tires, a sport-tuned suspension, adaptive suspension dampers but a limited-slip rear differential.

Several of one's features which are customary by the higher trim levels are optional by the lower trims. A number of alternative choice packages are too accessible. The driver assist package includes the features direct from awareness package and adds adaptive cruise management, blind-spot monitoring, a collision mitigation system with brake assist ( that activates in each front and rear collision things ) and the colour head-up show. The cold weather package includes heated front seats but a heated steering wheel. Accessible solely on rear-drive v6 premium models, the track performance package adds an engine oil cooler and upgraded brake pads. Alternative choices embody totally different wheels, a sunroof but a trunk cargo organizer.

Powertrains And Performance

3 engines are offered regarding the 2014 cadillac ats. The 2. 5 models consist of a 2. 5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 202 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. The 2. Zero turbo models consist of a turbocharged 2. 0-liter four-cylinder rated at 272 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The 3. 6 models consist of a 3. 6-liter v6 that cranks out 321 hp and 274 lb-ft of torque.

All ats engines return matched to actually a six-speed automatic transmission except the 2. 0-liter turbo, that may additionally be had by having six-speed manual. Rear-wheel drive is customary across the board. All-wheel drive is optional regarding the 2. 0- and three. 6-liter engines and needs the automatic transmission.

Fuel economy ratings regarding the base ats 2. 5 are 22 mpg city/33 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined. Equipped in the automatic, 2. Zero turbo models are estimated to actually come back 21/31/24 in rear-drive configuration and 20/29/23 with awd ( in the manual gearbox and rear-drive, the ats 2. Zero turbo is rated at 19/30/23 ). The v6 is estimated to actually achieve 18/28/22 with rear-wheel drive and 18/26/21with awd.

Safety

Customary safety features regarding the 2014 cadillac ats embrace antilock disc brakes, traction management, stability management, active front head restraints, front-seat facet and knee airbags and full-length facet curtain airbags. Additionally customary is onstar, that includes automatic crash notification, on-demand roadside assistance, remote door unlocking, stolen vehicle assistance and turn-by-turn navigation.

Optional safety items are included within the aforementioned driver awareness ( forward collision alert, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, automatic wipers and rear seat facet airbags ) and driver assist packages ( adaptive cruise management, blind-spot monitoring, and collision mitigation with brake assist ). Note that the collision mitigation system thats half as to the driver assist package can automatically apply the brakes in each low-speed forward and rearward potential collision things -- an unusual feature during this price vary. A rearview camera is optional inside the base model and customary inside the luxury, performance and premium.

Interior Design And Special Features

Within, the 2014 cadillac ats boasts a range of high-quality materials, as well as tasteful wood and metallic accents. The cabin feels solidly place along, however weve noted a number of a lot of fit and end problems within the ats than in similarly priced competitors.

The offered cue infotainment interface features giant icons and operates like an iphone or ipad, and that is to actually say you operate it by tapping, flicking, swiping or spreading your fingers -- creating it acquainted for several users. Furthermore, haptic feedback lets you understand when youve pressed a virtual button by pulsing if you bit it.

This all results within the bound wow issue, however in observe, cue can possibly be slow to actually respond ( and often, fail to actually respond in the slightest degree ), and a few features, such like the slide bar for volume adjustment, flip out that should be a lot of hassle than standard controls. During this category, we like the bmw idrive and mercedes-benz comand interfaces ( each of that use a multidirectional dial-type controller ). Inside the upside, the ats possesses a robust voice recognition interface, thus though you get tired of fiddling in the touchscreen, initiating commands by voice could be a pretty painless method.

Early on, most drivers can witness it simple for getting inside comfortable driving position, and in our own experience, the front seats give ample support on longer drives. Oddly, the optional sport seats dont give rather more lateral support when compared to the customary seats, even in the addition of power-adjustable bolsters.

Compared to actually most different entry-level luxury sedans, the atss backseat is smaller when compared to the norm. Its not essentially a deal breaker looking on what your priorities are, however are aware that taller adults can realize headroom, shoulder area and hiproom in brief provide. The trunk is similarly confining. In spite of its wide opening, it offers barely 10. 2 cubic feet of capability. Solely the luxury and premium trims got a 60/40 split-folding rear seat.

Driving Impressions

The 2014 cadillac ats is a powerful all-around performer, thanks to actually its poised ride, sure-footed handling and wonderful response due to steering and brakes. A lot of demanding drivers may criticize the steerings so-so levels of feedback, however overall, the compact cadillac could be a fine daily driver which will additionally give masses of entertainment throughout the sunday morning drive.

The bottom 2. 5-liter engine is swish, however it delivers tepid acceleration compared with different entry-level powertrains during this category. Fortunately, each the 2. 0-liter turbo four-cylinder and three. 6-liter v6 give thrust a lot of in keeping in that cadillacs athletic temperament. Of them 2, the v6 might possibly be our alternative, mostly as a result of the 2. 0-liter turbo gets noisy below laborious acceleration and isnt as refined like the four-cylinder engines in rival sedans. Though enthusiasts might lament the shortage the most manual transmission regarding the v6, the six-speed automatic can acquire the job done for many customers. Switched to actually sport mode, it is aware of when to actually hold a gear and provides rev-matched downshifts.