2008 Cadillac SRX and Escalade hit UK

Cadillac has broken the cover of its revised, re-painted, re-equipped 2008 SRX Crossover SUV and re-vamped, re-worked, re-touched 2008 Escalade Luxury SUV. Which effectively means that Cadi-whacks out two new sabre-rattling models in the UK.

2008 Cadillac SRX Crossover SUV

If small really is perceived as beautiful, then conversely the new Cadillac SRX is magnanimously hideous to the point of contempt. Not that Premiership footballers always take issue with looks, and let's face it, they'll be buying this big-boned performer in bulk.

The re-jigged 2008 Cadillac SRX has two engines - a 3.6-litre V6 power plant that harvests 260bhp and a scary V8 mentioned in a mo - and is billed as a luxury four-wheel drive cross-over. In the exact same way that the BMW X6 and Land Rover LRX is said to be, and as such welds off-road ability to interior comfort. And then welds this to bodywork that makes an angler fish look cute.

Elegance or Sport luxury are the two trim-level-separating variants within a triumvirate of SRX models. All are prescribed with permanent four-wheel drive, administer a 50/50 torque split and seat up to seven in comfort, with power-folding third row seats making life that much easier all round.

Nine exterior paint jobs are available, along with three interior swatches, and there's the option of Cadillac's UltraView power glass and UltraView Plus should you wish to add more colour to your journey. A huge sunroof that sits atop the heads of the first and second row seated occupants in base form, yet stretches the entire ceiling length in 'Plus' guise. Elevated pew positions heighten the auditorium feel to the scenic on-road proceedings too.

Back to the internal combustion department though, and the range-topping SRX is known as the Northstar amongst its fans. On account of the V8 power station that provides its energy. A 4.6-litre 32-valve V8 that creates 330bhp and 314 lb-ft of torque needs no further explanations.

In Elegance mode the Cadillac SRX buyer gets remote key-less entry, climate in all three of its time zones, leather, fantastic audio, powered tailgate, and all the communicative connectivity to bring ET back.

The Sport Luxury pack adds Magnetic Ride Control, vast 18” rims, power adjustable lumbar supported front thrones and back-combing rear occupant air-con. Factory-fitted options include a Luddites worst nightmare that manifests itself as a techno-maelstrom, involving screens, knobs, wiring, amps, etc.

The usual glut of safety features are present, the electronically configured plethora of acronyms, as well as the nanosecond inflating variety.

The SRX is a right hooker, and prices kick off from £28,100.

2008 Cadillac Escalade

If the SRX is seen as a soccer-ballers folly, then the hip new eight-seat Escalade is more your rappers chains of office.

An all-aluminium 6.2-litre V8 nuclear installation that's exclusive to the bruisingly big US luxury stationwagon-cum-SUV-cum-trailer-park-feature. This top-ranging of the two UK-bound models comes with 400bhp and 416 lb-ft of grip, and harnesses some too-hot-to-handle mechanical bits seized from the race-prepared Corvette ZO6. Whilst the Cadillac police had it pinned up against the wall in a half Nelson presumably.

On sale in UK from £47,100, (Elegance - £50,100 for the Sport) the six-speed auto Escalade was comprehensively redesigned last year, resulting in the new-look 2008 Escalade being the ultimate luxury SUV, continuing to be both high profile and iconic. And like it's more famous drivers, it's never off our screens. The Escalade is pure MTV 'Cribs', and no over vehicle has appeared in more gangsta rap videos so we're told.

Aside from its new eight-seat get-up the Escalade brings seven exterior colours - Blue Chip, Black Raven, Gold Mist, Stealth Grey, Quicksilver, Infrared Tintcoat, White Diamond - and two interior swathes - Ebony and Cocoa Cashmere - to the UK car buyers negotiating table.

The 2008 Escalade has a 2946mm long wheelbase that also measures 2007mm across, and because it's only available in left-hand drive in the UK, pavement-side posing is a decisive possibility.

Power-fold-and-tumble second row bench seats allow the ease of access to those clambering into the furthermost bunks and on that note is one of the main USP's over its predecessor. Dependant on the number of seats used at the time – 3084-litres of storage can also be freed up.

Standard equipment on the Escalade Elegance includes power-assisted rear tailgate, rear park assist, triple-zone climate, massive ICE and bum-singeing leather-wear seats. The Sport adds a heated steering wheel, and roof-mounted console touch screen sat-nav with the associated animation.

Loads of airbags and passive resistant metalwork make the new Escalade as safe as houses, with its overall look and feel being the perfect nourishment for those that need heavy testosterone-replacement therapy. (HTRT)