View from the cockpit
You posed some questions in the comments of the previous post:
Steering wheel: Yes, it is rather large but it has power-adjustable controls and doesn't feel too oversized when driving. And the feature buttons are a nice thumb-size so there's no fumbling about when advancing tracks or changing volume.
CTS Wagon vs. SRX: Yes, the wagon will come here and the SRX is getting smaller. So, it will be a matter of preference. How high do you like to sit?
The plastic thingy near the shifter: Dan answered this is a previous post:
2008 Cadillac CTS: What Does This Thing Do?
Donna DeRosa, Managing Editor
benson2175 says:
10:26 PM, 04/27/09
Thanks. It was driving me nuts to find out what that plastic thing was. It's a "This is the place the feature you didn't get goes" button. I hate those, and right in the center of the dash too. Ouch.
billt9 says:
11:36 PM, 04/27/09
you guys totally should get both a long term SRX and a long term CTS and have the ultimate showdown between Crossover vs Wagon, from the same brand, and approximately the same size finally.
People always compare a wagon of a crossover of different sizes and draw funny conclusions about mpg and cargo space... from 2 cars of different size classes...
billt9 says:
12:15 AM, 04/28/09
CTS Wagon
304 hp, 25 cu ft cargo
191.3 x 72.6 x 59.1
3900 lb+, 17/26 mpg AWD
SRX
300 hp, 29.2 cu ft cargo
190.2 x 75.1 x 65.6
4224 lb, 15/21 mpg AWD
Be sure to try whooping them off road in the mud too.
2006vr6 says:
04:50 AM, 04/28/09
The ladies will want to feel safe. Backing up and the rear side and direct rear will be a factor. Possibly husbands w/out a truck my steer things over to the SRX for towing a small boat, camper, or trailer. Gas mileage will also have play. Rear parking sensors, backup camera are great but my Mrs. will drive the wagon back if she doesn't have good visibility towards the rear end. Dodge Magnum, a rental, got taken back while in Atlanta during a trip and just a couple of weeks ago we saw one right after he swerved into a lane occupied by a mid size rig that smashed the rear of the wagon and pushed it into the medium causing front and side damage. Beautiful German Shepard looking out of the back door window was okay but surely got shaken and rocked. Car looked totaled. Wagons come into play because of the mileage and they can get out of possible danger quicker. Two factors that will sway, along with lower price, interested consumers.
dougtheeng says:
05:59 AM, 04/28/09
I can't see people buying the wagon over the SRX. Despite the enthusiasm on these forums, I really think the wagon is going to be a flop. I hope I'm proved wrong.
pengwin says:
11:51 AM, 04/28/09
Wagons dont work. Hatchbacks do.
Wagons seem oddly proportioned..I don't know I could never see myself buying a wagon, but a hatchback is perfectly fine in my book.
hondacura4 says:
02:38 PM, 04/28/09
In regards to the wagon, I think Cadillac's main goal is to penetrate the European market where hatchbacks and estates are quite popular. Gorgeous car!
In regards to the new SRX, I wish Cadillac would have used the CTS platform and kept in the same segment instead of using a FWD based platform and lowering its position. I fully understand Cadillac's desire for the SRX to appeal to more buyers however, given their desired performance image, I just cant agree their decision.