2011 Cadillac CTS4 Coupe Review

[ahmed_7erzon]

I was at the gas station pumping some unleaded into the 2011 CTS4 Coupe, when an excited young gentleman spotted it and swooped in for a closer look.

"Nope, just the standard car, V6" I replied.

"Hmm, nice ride anyhow".

Indeed.

Those comfortable with traditional coupe compromises will likely find the CTS4 Coupe a good all-weather, all-around cruiser with a touch of sportiness and a great deal of personality and presence. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com)

The standard CTS Coupe
The question above, perhaps more eloquently worded, was asked of your correspondent numerous times over the course of a week-long test drive. If you're living under a rock, the gas-station kid thought he was looking at the Cadillac CTS-V: a supercharged, V8-powered range of CTS variants that pack 550-plus ponies and come standard with the ability to turn driver's licenses instantly to confetti.

The repeated questioning about the CTS Coupe's evil sibling reinforced that Cadillac is quickly earning a reputation for performance and instantly-recognizable design. And that maybe, this most striking two-door CTS model is living in the shadow of its tire-frying, menace-to-society of a big brother.

Differences?

The tested CTS Coupe got a 3.6 litre engine with just 304 horsepower, tiny 18-inch wheels, and no extra high-performance goodies.

Of course, I'm being sarcastic.

Actually, the CTS Coupe has plenty going for it--and it's got models from Infiniti, BMW and Audi square in its xenon projector sights. It's also the only premium coupe on the road from an American automaker, which is interesting at least, and daring at most.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eK8mbQfrncc

A unique look
The CTS Coupe's styling has been called awkward and strange by some--though the looks are better in person than in photos, and should help the latest CTS put up a great argument for the dollars of premium coupe shoppers.

Ditto the fact that all CTS variants, including the Coupe, Sedan and Sport Wagon, have earned praise from automotive media and industry authorities alike. This is a model lineup more into winning than Charlie Sheen.

There's some character and atmosphere present within the CTS Coupe's cabin, and drivers should find it equally engaging and relaxing. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com)

As a side note, ladies love the look of the CTS Coupe--and many asked your correspondent about its pricing, origins, and when it went on sale. No phone numbers, sadly.

The cabin--CTS Coupe's strongest asset?
So--how is it? Pretty darn good. Being a low-slung two-door means the CTS Coupe is a touch demanding to get in and out of, but for their efforts, drivers are rewarded with a great looking interior. Four seats, plenty of stitched leather and wood accenting, and all the high-tech toys were on board. There's some character and atmosphere present within the CTS Coupe's cabin, and drivers should find it equally engaging and relaxing. The cabin might be this car's strongest asset.

A keyless engine start system was included, as was a giant sunroof with sunshade, navigation with a pop-up touch screen, a hard-drive equipped audio system and heated and chilled seats. Extra points for the mighty, earth-shaking Bose stereo.

Back seats are typical of the coupe scene--useless to non-contortionist adults, but ideal as extra storage space, or for toddlers.

Gripes? Headroom and knee-room are at a premium for taller drivers, and at-hand storage facilities are dismal. Rearward visibility is negligible, though there is a backup camera. Lane-change visibility is only slightly better.

Back seats are typical of the coupe scene--useless to non-contortionist adults, but ideal as extra storage space, or for toddlers. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com)

Redemption
There's plenty of redemption in the form of the ride. On the road, the tester presented a nice blend between comfort and sportiness, never feeling jarring or offensive over even the most poorly-maintained roads.

Though the CTS Coupe is set up for "comfort first", it's still relatively happy to be tossed around some bends. It's locked down and stable, but without feeling unwilling. It may not be a G37 Coupe where handling is concerned, but most will find it adequately sharp and entertaining without feeling overstimulated.

The AWD system, which is referenced to by the '4' in the name badge, adds some all-season stability to the package, too. Stand on the throttle out of a traffic light, and the car simply sails away with no traction-related drama. In the snow, a rear-drive bias enhances throttle-steerability and empty parking lot shenanigans.

Do not miss trying the CTS4 if you want a luxury, stylish and comfortable coupe. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com)

A six-speed automatic with manual mode is standard on AWD models, while standard rear-drive CTS coupes get a six-speed stick, which is fantastic. With the automatic, manual-mode shifts are just quick and obedient enough to warrant making them, and once the transmission learns the driver's habits, automatic gearchanges during gentle driving are nearly imperceptible.

As a whole, the drivetrain isn't quite as snappy and responsive as some of the comparable German or Japanese hardware out there, but the CTS coupe's engine is smooth and quiet when driven gently, moves the car along in a relative hurry once it's spinning fast, and sounds pleasing when pushed.

The American
Those comfortable with traditional coupe compromises will likely find the CTS4 Coupe a good all-weather, all-around cruiser with a touch of sportiness and a great deal of personality and presence. End of the day, shoppers considering a high-end, comfortable and stylish coupe with great detailing inside and out should definitely give it a look.