Monday, August 23, 2010

Cadillac SRX in Review

Cadillac SRX in Review
Cadillac SRX is a luxury crossover SUV, a combination that mates the copious hauling and seating capacity of an SUV with ride, handling, and performance traits more like that of a typical sedan. For 2010, the SRX comes standard with a 3.0 liter V6 under the hood producing a rated 265 horsepower and 223 foot-pounds of torque. A 2.8 liter turbocharged V6 that produces 300 horsepower and 295 foot-pounds of torque is available as an option. SRXs with the standard power-plant under the hood can be had in all wheel drive or front wheel drive, while the turbocharged package is available with AWD only. Both varieties come with a six speed automatic transmission. EPA rated fuel economy is 17 miles per gallon city and 23 MPG highway. The car seats five.

The SRX boasts a very respectable collection of standard features. Included in the base model are dual-zone automatic climate control, 18-inch alloy wheels, a power driver seat, 60/40-split-folding and reclining rear seat-backs, and a Bose sound system with eight speakers. Higher levels of trim include every luxury you can think of and some you can't, including sunroof, powered lift-gate, leather seats, heated front and rear seats, xenon headlamps, hard-drive based nav system, and a backup camera. AWD models feature a sport tuned suspension with continuous variable dampening. Another nifty touch is rain sensing windshield wipers, which automatically adjust the frequency of wiper blade sweeps in relation to the intensity of the downpour. The on board navigation system has large clear screens and operates easily with voice commands. Like most GM products, the SRX comes with OnStar service, which includes such features as roadside assistance, remote opening of the doors should you lock your keys inside, automatic contact of the authorities when a crash is detected, and a theft recovery system.

The SRX's handling is quite sporty for an SUV; it is a pleasure in the corners. The 3.0 liter package is adequate but simply does not have the oomph for acceleration performance that throws you back in your seat. The turbocharged model is one notch better in this regard.

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