New Cadillac SRX review

Launching a large seven-seat American built 4x4, even a crossover sports utility type, with the anti 4x4 lobby in full voice, not to mention CO2 issues, is not great timing for Cadillac, especially as the newcomer is only available with V6 and V8 petrol engines.

A diesel engine is still some years away but an announcement is expected this week at the Geneva Motor Show as to whom the supplier will be. The VM Motori company is hotly tipped to be involved.

In the large 4x4/SUV market sector over 80% of sales are accounted for by diesel models and some manufacturers have even stopped selling petrol versions because demand is so low.

Where the Cadillac SRX could score with a limited number of British buyers is the exclusivity of the Cadillac brand, the seven-seat layout and the huge array of executive specification at competitive prices in its sector, £27,995 to £36,895. The UK launch from the 1 March coincides with the introduction of the 2007 model year specification changes. The SRX has only been available in left hand drive markets to date.

Bearing in mind Cadillac refuses to give any UK sales forecast for their entire range for this year, we have no idea how many SRX models could find homes in Britain. Be sure it will be small numbers.

Cadillac claims the SRX combines the sporty exterior and driving dynamics of a luxury estate car with the all-wheel drive and interior space of a sport utility vehicle. First launched in 2004, the crossover SRX boasts a redesigned interior, improved powertrains, an enhanced V8 Northstar model with six-speed automatic gearbox, and a Sport Package.

This is Cadillac’s first-ever luxury crossover vehicle and it has distinctive crisp sharp-edged looks, striking vertical headlights, bold front side sections and a V-shaped front tapering into the classic Cadillac grille.

The SRX is available with a choice of engines. The 3.6-litre V6 VVT powerplant develops 258 hp at 6500 rpm and 339 Nm of torque at 2700 rpm. This 60-degree dual overhead cam 24-valve engine has electronic throttle control, variable valve timing and multi-port fuel injection. It is coupled to a five-speed automatic gearbox.

The 4.6-litre, 32-valve V8 Northstar engine, extensively re-engineered and mounted longitudinally in the first all-wheel drive application of the Northstar family, generates 325 hp at 6500 rpm and 427 Nm of torque at 4400 rpm. A new six-speed automatic transmission is used.

SRX has the latest four-channel StabiliTrak active suspension control and a segment-first option of Magnetic Ride Control. Cadillac say this uses electronically controlled magnetic-fluid based real time damping to create the world´s fastest reacting suspension control system. Speed sensitive variable effort steering, four-channel ABS braking with Panic Brake Assist and traction control are standard.

Significant changes for the 2007 SRX’s redesigned cabin include softer surfaces, new flush-mounted switches and controls, along with enhanced storage capacity. The new design features a hidden storage compartment on the passenger side of the instrument panel. The wood trim on the passenger side opens to reveal a wide, added storage bin above the existing glove box.

The SRX cabin utilises Cadillac’s new ‘cut-and-sew’ interior process that combines technology with the hand-rendered precision of expert craftsmen. Coverings for components such as the instrument panel, centre console and door trim are cut, sewn and wrapped mostly by hand.

At 2960 mm, the Cadillac SRX has one of the longest wheelbases in its class, providing ample rear legroom. For the UK, the SRX is a seven-seater and offers a spacious cargo area. The rear and middle row seats can be folded down, increasing the cargo volume to over 1960 litres. In order that the cargo bed can still be used whenever required, the third row seats can be power-folded into the floor at the touch of a button. The rear tailgate is electronically operated.

An optional feature for the SRX is ‘Ultra View’, a huge glass sliding roof that is operated electrically giving a light airy appearance or open-air driving.

The latest SRX has enhanced in-vehicle electronics and entertainment including a Bose 5.1 cabin surround digital audio system. Another option for SRX buyers is a ‘theatre’ package consisting of Bose 5.1 cabin surround, DVD navigation and rear-seat DVD entertainment.

In addition to the standard Elegance specification for the V6 model, the SRX also has a Sport Luxury package which is available for the V6 version and standard for the V8 models. This adds 18-inch aluminium wheels, sport grille and dual chrome exhaust tips.

The SRX is being built alongside its Cadillac CTS, CTS-V, STS and STS-V stable mates at GM’s Lansing Grand River Assembly Centre, Michigan USA.

I have concentrated in this review on what the SRX has to offer in the way of passenger accommodation and value for money specification because that is clearly its main strengths. It is a big vehicle with lots of equipment and distinctive looks. As far as performance and driving dynamics it brings nothing new to the market, in fact it falls way behind the majority of the European and Japanese competition.

At the UK press launch on Friday we only had the V6 model Sport Luxury model to drive, which is likely to be the best selling version. The engine is strong and responsive but the five-speed automatic transmission saps its power and the fuel economy at 15.7mpg is not realistic and just shows the need for a diesel engine.

The handling was comfortable but not very precise for roadholding or steering feedback. It is a big comfortable ‘barge’ of a vehicle with distinctive looks and some people want just that.

MILESTONES

Cadillac SRX 3.6 V6 Sport Luxury

Price: £31,995, as tested £34,445

Engine: 3.6-litre, V6, petrol, 258hp, 339Nm of torque at 2,700rpm

Transmission: all wheel drive, 5-speed automatic, traction control

Performance: 125mph, 0-62mph 8.1 seconds, 20.2mpg, 15.7mpg actual, CO2 332g/km

VED: Band G £210

Insurance group: 17E

For: Comprehensive specification, seven seats, big load space, distinctive all-American looks, imposing, comfortable

Against: Poor driving dynamics and vague handling, expensive to run, no diesel engine option