Power is transferred to the back-end via a six-speed autobox. It does a good job on the road but did battle a bit in gear selection while on the track. Using the steering mounted paddle shift manual gear selection option proved a little disappointing.

Track distractions

Slow changes meant that I was concentrating on shifting early in order to get the car set-up of the corners on time. Oh, another distraction was the poorly bolstered seat squab meant my right leg kept falling over while cornering and I bruised my knee on the door pocket. The same issue in the upper body department meant clinging to the steering wheel to keep balance ? not ideal for setting lap records. All in all the Cadillac CTS impressed, it did it a little differently to the Germans but the end result (lap time) was very similar. It is a real class competitor for those that want a good specification level and front of class performance for less money but all the while a little different.

If you look at the stats, the Cadillac is bigger than the 3-Series rivals its priced against and also offers more power for the price. The value offered by this American is really hard to ignore.

Right now I?d go for the Caddy in a shootout but I do feel my favour could be a fleeting moment and I quickly go back to German. It is similar to eating cornflakes for breakfast then one day getting a craving for a chocolate milk and chocolate brownie instead. The brownie/brown milk tastes good for a few days but you eventually grow tired and pick up your high-fibre cereal again. It keeps you regular.

WE LIKE
Ride, acceleration, relative price and buckets of street cred
WE DON'T
Aftermarket-looking rims, gaudy dash and iffy ergonomics.

SAFETY
Airbags: Front, side and curtain
Safety Equipment: ABS, EBD, Stabilitrak ESP, traction control.

WE SAY
"If you?re looking for a luxury sedan that stands out in a crowd, this Caddy is hard to ignore, offering loads of metal for the money. It?s a comfortable and spacious cruiser with all the gadgets and more power than the Germans offer for the price. With the change you can definitely afford some gold jewellery, but don?t stick your arm out the window in this country!" -Jason Woosey
"It?s when you get into the CTS and notice the 7000rpm redline tachometer that the coin drops. In a Caddy it doesn?t inspire much confidence, but once underway and revving so freely, it?s joined by refined and positive road holding to match most Euro rivals. Is it true that the engine has links to the Alfa V6?" -Mario Lupini

AT A GLANCE
Engine: Strong and refined = 8
Chassis: Not bad, not outstanding = 7
Transmission: Not the top of the game = 6
Brakes: Lack feel but work fine = 7
Safety: What you expect = 8
Handling: Soft ride, OK cornering = 7
Specification: You shouldn?t want more = 8
Cabin: Needs more class = 5
Styling: Cool but it?ll date = 7
Fun Factor: Good red carpet fun = 6

Total: Cool car. But why? = 69

VERDICT
Princess by dawn - A confident alternative to the Germans but the bling will get stale.