CTS Coupé is perfect for the family

Last weekend, I put our Cadillac CTS Coupé to arguably, its biggest test yet. No, I didn't have a drag race at Yas Marina against the new Camaro convertible. Nor did I take it to the Nürburgring to give its magnetic ride control a proper workout. What bigger challenge could there be than those? Simple. Picking up family and their luggage from the airport.

Usually, a large SUV would be everyone's choice of vehicle for this kind of thing. How on earth would the two-door CTS accommodate my uncle, his wife, their daughter and their luggage? Rather easily, as I found out.

Despite what Amit says, I found the back had plenty of space. Admittedly, I had never even bothered to turn my neck further than my blind spot to see what was there before. But now, with a reason to look, I was very impressed.

First of all, and perhaps most importantly — the back seat actually looks inviting enough for you to want to sit there. The plush, black leather hide is superbly cushioned and offers plenty of lumbar support and comfort for long trips. Add in a decent amount of legroom — 889mm — and you have a winning formula. You certainly won't be sighing in disapproval at being sent back there. Then, throw in 879mm of headroom and it's clear to see the CTS is not only a good-looking car, it's actually quite practical too when you're carrying more than yourself.

That comes as something of a surprise since its roof line slants so sharply, you'd think you would need a head the size of a pea to be able to sit in the second row. It's rather deceptive from the outside coupled with that high belt line, but inside, it isn't so cramped. Those blessed with a large bonse needn't worry.

However, getting in and out of the back is a different matter altogether. First of all, there is no quick way to slide the front seats forward to allow passengers to clamber in. The electric motors take forever when you hit the button on the side of the front chairs. Once your passengers are in, you have to slide it back again, which can get quite tiresome. And, it doesn't help when you look into your rear-view mirror to find two heads blocking whatever little you could already see, or rather, not see out of the rear window.

But, how did the boot cope with a large suitcase and five smaller bags? Without any problem at all. With 297 litres of room, it proved to be deep and wide enough and it could have swallowed another small bag or two.

Pleased with the generous amount of space, I began to wonder how it would drive with the extra weight on board. There wasn't much change in the steering, which remained slick and responsive, though I find it a bit too light for my liking. Meanwhile, the brakes didn't feel as strong as when driving alone and stopping distances seemed to grow considerably, which was understandable.

The V6 was working overtime to power the rear wheels and aside from a squeak or two from the shocks when it rolled over a bump in the road, the Caddy behaved just fine.

It impressed me no end.

The CTS Coupé's build quality is almost on a par with its German rivals. We set out to find if the V Coupé's brilliance has rubbed off on it.

Facts

Driven by Imran
Start mileage 9,721km
Recent cost Fuel
Average fuel economy Approx 14 litres-per-100km
Highs Roomy
Lows Steering feels a bit too light

The progress

Week 4
The suspension is eerily capable of soaking up road imperfections and the air-conditioning is extremely effective.
Highs Reliability
Lows Seats lack adequate bolstering

Week 3
When American cars are increasingly going the European way, Imran finds it heartening that theCTS is still an honest-to-goodness Yank tank.
Highs Great styling, reversing camera
Lows Tilt sunroof, key fob works when it wants to

Week 2

The CTS is a remarkable cruiser. The ride quality is sublime. Furthermore, at highway speeds the cabin is extremely quiet.
Highs Ride quality, good engine
Lows Handling could be sharper

Week 1
The CTS Coupé’s build quality is almost on a par with its German rivals. We set out to find if the V Coupé’s brilliance has rubbed off on it.
Highs Great looks, a lot of car for the money
Lows None