Cadillac SRX: first impressions

Stitching too. And even though I think wood-lined interiors are a bit silly, at least this wood looks real. I could do without the wood on the steering wheel rim, though. Stealthy second glovebox hidden in the wooden panel on the passenger's side is a neat touch.

2. Brake dive. Not a whole lot of grip, either. However, its limits are highly usable thanks to the steering, which is linear right off center, and the lack of excessive body roll. If I had to guess I'd say it has soft springs and sizable stabilizer bars.

3. The V6 struggles a bit with the SRX's big booty, and that's with no passengers or gear, either. Hmm, driving an enormous vehicle with nothing in it. I love living up to the SUV stereotype.

The engine speaks in a louder voice than expected, too, sounding less sexy than the same engine in the last Aura XR I drove.

4. Hey, this drives like a car. Well, more like a car than its size would suggest.