If our new long-termer sends a blizzard of déjà vu tearing up through your brain, there’s good reason for it. This is the Cadillac SRX’s second coming to our long-term garage. However, this time in a 2012 model year guise.
The biggest change is the new direct injected 306bhp 3.6-litre V6, which replaces the old 3.0-litre lump. And the first impressions are favourable: the SRX feels much more capable now. The outgoing engine was the stark opposite of gusty. At full tilt it wheezed and puffed heaving the two-tonne SRX and in the process creating a pained din that gave you the impression the engine was devouring itself from the inside out.
Credit where it’s due though, the 2011 SRX had a lot going for it, but performance and pace weren’t amongst them. The 2.0-litre Audi Q5 felt noticeably more rapid and willing. Now with the new six-pot at the helm progress is smoother and much livelier, propelling the baby Caddy to 100kph from standstill in about 7.2 seconds.
Other changes include standard Bluetooth and heated steering wheel (always helpful in the Middle East) and additional lock/unlock button on the doors — the previous version sported them inconveniently on the centre console only. The lovely styling remains unaltered which means that despite its tiny proportions, the SRX still boasts big brother Escalade’s imposing design. It’s kind of like a toddler walking around in his father’s oversized boots. It’s endearing.
There are the obligatory new optional paint finish (Xenon Blue Metallic ) and wheel design, but that engine has really transformed the SRX into the car it should’ve been from the start. But perhaps it’s just the power of suggestion. Or the power of power. We’ll soon find out.
