Long-term review: 2012 Cadillac SRX - Week 1
Long-term review: 2012 Cadillac SRX - Week 2
Having run a long-term Cadillac SRX in the past, I can say with some conviction that the 2012 version feels like a completely different car. It’s much more resolved and there is a sense of clarity in the way it goes about its business, thanks to the enhanced harmony between the engine and the six-speed automatic transmission. Like I mentioned earlier, with a 6,800rpm red-line, the new direct injected 3.6-litre V6 revs higher than the defunct six-pot delivering a respectable 306bhp and a near-flat torque curve from 2,400 to 5,300rpm.
Meanwhile, the six-speed automatic gearbox, although carried over from 2011, has got a completely new electronic brain. The transmission in the previous model always seemed confused about which gear to pick when tackling a corner and diffidently lurched between ratios, the tweaks ensure that the software now finds the right gear pronto and then resolutely sticks to it. And while we’re on the subject of cornering, it’s worth pointing out that there is a fair bit of body roll, although not as much as the softer Lexus RX.
Back to the gearbox. In fuel saving Eco mode — which according to Cadillac allows you to go half a kilometre further on every litre of petrol — the tranny swaps cogs as quickly as possible, languishes in the highest gear as long as it can and generally resists downshifts. Finally, in Sport mode, the software sharpens the throttle response and the transmission holds gears for longer. It’s also much more willing to downshift when you put your foot down. It all works rather well, but in actual fact doesn’t alter performance markedly.
The new engine does sound much better though. The exhaust note makes for a decent background score when you’re exploring the upper reaches of the SRX’s performance, which admittedly not stratospheric, are pleasingly lofty. The little Caddy gathers itself off the line with unprecedented alacrity and has much improved driving dynamics. But is it enough to lure buyers out of Mercedes GLKs, Audi Q5s and BMW X1s and into the SRX? I’m still on the fence on this one.
