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2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon Review


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2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon

SEE ALSO: Cadillac Buyers Guide

...the 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon is a true station wagon with all of the practicality of past wagons and the added caché and goodies of today's Cadillac.

THE AUTO PAGE
By JOHN HEILIG

SPECIFICATIONS
Model:
2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon
Engine: 3.6-liter V6
Horsepower/Torque: 304 hp @ 6,400 rpm/273 lb.-ft. @ 5,200 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic with Driver Shift control
Wheelbase: 113.4 in.
Length/Width/Height: 191.3 x 72.6 x 59.1 in.
Tires: P245/45ZR19 (compact spare)
Cargo volume: 25/58 cu. ft. (rear seat backs up/down)
Fuel economy: 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway/13.9 mpg test
Fuel capacity:
Curb weight: 3,872 lbs.
Sticker: $$51,215 (includes $825 destination charge and $2,550 in options)

The Bottom Line: Like the 2010 Cadillac CTS Sedan and soon-to-come 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe, the 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon is, as one bystander put it, "a really really really really nice car." Despite former VP Bob Lutz's aversion to wagons, the 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon is a true station wagon with all of the practicality of past wagons and the added caché and goodies of today's Cadillac.

Cadillac is an interesting brand these days. While it was once the brand of "old fogies," the company is trying to lower its demographic age by offering more interesting vehicles. The Escalade series of sport utilities is one example, the XLR sports car is another and the SLR SUV is a third.

Now Caddy has come up with a variation of the CTS sedan in the 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon. Don't be disillusioned. The 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon is every bit a station wagon as was our old Ford Country Squire. All that's missing is the enormous size and gas-guzzling 427 cubic inch V8.

And the 2010 Cadillac CTS is a true sport wagon. It has the 304 horsepower 3.6-liter V8 of the sedan hooked to a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic. You can shift the automatic if you choose, using rocker switches behind the steering wheel, but I found that except maybe for a tight 180-degree turn at the bottom of a hill I usually travel over, the automatic does as well shifting as I can.

Cadillac claims decent fuel economy with the 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon - 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Unfortunately, the best we could get for a normal driving routine was 13.9.

The 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon is built on a long 113.4-inch wheelbase, which provides for a comfortable ride. Unlike wagons of the past, a wheelbase of this length doesn't translate into a 20-foot long vehicle. The CTS's 191.3-inch (just under 16 feet) overall length is quite manageable.

You aren't hurting in the cargo department either. Granted, modern families have learned to cope with smaller trunks (although they're a lot more practical than in the boats of the past), 25 cubic feet of cargo behind the rear seats is plenty. Fold down the rear seat backs and you have 58 cubic feet, more than enough for two people to stow all their luggage for a long vacation.

The cargo area also has tie-downs on rails that make securing cargo a cinch. It's like an interior roof rack. There's also a small under-floor storage area with a foldable cover that's great for grocery bags. The power rear hatch can be adjusted for full open or 3/4 open. We went for full open because in the 3/4-open test I bumped my head.

Front row seats are comfortable, if firm. They're heated and cooled. The rear seats have good leg and knee room for two. There's a tall rear center hump that would force an adult sitting back there to have his or her knees up under her or his chin. Child seats fit well.

Cadillac has a huge "Ultraview" sunroof that the grandkids liked. It has a mesh cover, so that even when it's open there's some protection. The glass part only opens in the front area, but the mesh rolls back fully if you want it that way.

I liked the instrument panel with a tachometer, speedometer and a tri-gauge with fuel, water and oil pressure. There's also a digital speedometer in the information center with trip information.

The navigation system has a screen that lowers so it isn't a distraction when it's not in use. And of course, there's the analog clock that's de rigueur for luxury cars these days.

And, being a Cadillac, there's nice wood trim inside, rather than the faux wood trim on the outside of my LTD. Brushed aluminum adds to the luxury feel.

I was impressed with how low overall the CTS Sport Wagon is. Inside, it feels comfortable large. But parked next to an SUV of any size, the CTS is much lower.

The 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon is a nice addition to the CTS line. I have always felt that true wagons are an important part of the mix, despite the popularity of SUVs and minivans.

© 2010 The Auto Page Syndicate