Looking for more than just relevance within the sport sedan genre, Cadillac’s ATS isn’t holding anything back. Can it wow a jaded public? Find out if the Germans have anything to worry about.
Cadillac ATS Trims and Feature Highlights
The ATS is a compact luxury sports sedan making its debut as a 2013 model. Cadillac offers ATS in four trim levels; Standard, Luxury, Performance, and Premium, along with three different engine choices, the availability of each depending on the trim chosen. Shoppers can decide between two 4-cylinder options, one of them turbocharged for your driving pleasure, and a 321 horsepower V6. Cadillac also knows that power needs grace, so they offer standard ZF-built premium steering along with (for qualifying trims) rear or all-wheel drive, a smoother ride and responsive handling via magnetic ride control, limited-slip rear differential, and Brembo brakes to ensure that everything is able to come to a safe stop.
Standard luxury features include 17 or 18 inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth, and strong safety value bolstered by OnStar services & ten airbags. Other availabilities include CUE infotainment (including navigation), performance leather seats, and loads of safety tech.
If you are mentally comparing the ATS with Bimmer’s 3-Series, this is no coincidence. Cadillac wants to go head to head with the reigning sports sedan king, so expect plenty of competitive battles between these two down the road. Of course, you can get a better feel for the ATS by taking it home. It starts at $33,095.
Speaking of which, CarWoo! has the 2013 Cadillac ATS. You can too. Make the connection.
Cadillac ATS Performance
A trio of engine choices make ATS go. Trim designations represent their engine sizes, so 2.5 models get a 2.5 liter 4-cylinder worth 202 horsepower and 190 lb.-ft. of torque. Head toward the 2.0 Turbo and you’ll find exactly that- 2.0 liters and a turbocharged inline-4 connecting for 272 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. Finally, ATS 3.6 trims are paired with a 3.6 liter V6 that produces 321 horses and 274 lb.-ft.
2.5 trims are handed a 6-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. 3.6 trims get the same transmission but are also offered an all-wheel drive option. 2.0 Turbo models are treated to rear or all-wheel drive and also get a 6-speed manual choice if the automatic doesn’t provide the right fit.
Cadillac ATS Fuel Economy
ATS 2.5 models have been given an EPA estimated 22/33/26 (city/highway/combined) MPG; 3.6 editions drop to 19/28/22 when equipped with rear-wheel drive, or 18/26/21 with the all-wheel option. The ATS 2.0 Turbo runs 21/31 MPG (city/highway) when paired with rear-wheel drive, and the all-wheel option drops 1 MPG in each category for 20/30. Both 2.0 Turbo figures are gauged with the 6-speed auto; manual trim numbers haven’t been released yet.
Cadillac ATS Interior Highlights
ATS stays fresh with attractive luxury staples like wood, aluminum & carbon fiber trim, along with available multi-color leather seating options. Securing interior serenity is Bose active noise cancellation, which works to neutralize engine noise- seems Cadillac is embarrassed by performance growls. Comfort and control welcome drivers, helped by CUE’s friendly hands-on usability. Further back, the ‘compact’ designation means things can be tight for rear-seat passengers.
Slapping your preconceived Cadillac notions in the face is a tight trunk that offers just 10.2 cubic feet of space. 60/40 split folding seats help expand for more room, though they do not come standard.
Cadillac ATS Safety
Standard on all 2013 ATS trims are 4-wheel antilock disc brakes (3.6 and 2.0 Turbo get Brembo front brakes), stability & traction control, OnStar emergency/roadside services, and ten airbags. A limited rear slip differential is also available for 3.6 and 2.0 Turbo ATS. Other options include adaptive cruise control with forward collision alert, blind spot and rear cross-traffic alert systems, front & rear park assist, and head up display.
Crash ratings are not yet available, possibly because nobody could get ATS to crash.
Cadillac ATS Summary
Cadillac gives the ATS nearly everything it needs to push to the front of the sports sedan segment. It can be said that the 3-Series has a bit more driving refinement, though ATS has a great foundation with which to grow upon. Choose ATS, and drive home excited- and original.
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