The ATS cabin does feel a bit snug, though. If it was a house, a real estate agent would euphemistically refer to it as “cozy”, and with the ATS the numbers support the impression.
 Cadillac ATS 3.6 AWD. Click image to enlarge |
Compared with the all-important 3 Series, the ATS has less legroom, headroom, shoulder room and hip room, front and rear. That’s just about every important dimension. The ATS is significantly tighter for rear seat occupants. For the driver and front seat passenger, all is good, although there’s little storage space in the container below the centre armrest or in the door pockets. The seatbelt receptacle is also down deep, making access a chore for the driver.
The trunk is large, however, and the rear seats fold 60/40 and include a ski pass-through.
Starting the ATS 3.6L produces a throaty blast from the exhaust that quickly quietens to an agreeable note that suggests performance. Put it into gear and the suggestion becomes reality, because here is where the ATS absolutely shines. Acceleration, handling, braking… this car is a hoot to drive. And with all-wheel drive in our current ice-and-snow conditions, the ATS couldn’t feel more stable and responsive.
Three drive modes are available – Touring, Sport and Snow/Ice – via a button on the centre console. Brembo front brakes are standard on the Luxury model, and the new five-link independent rear suspension (a first for Cadillac) and 50/50 front/rear weight distribution creates a balanced and predictable ride.
I remember driving a similarly equipped ATS at AJAC’s Car of the Year testing in October, 2012. Everyone was talking about its amazing handling, and I, too, was blown away by its performance on AJAC’s closed, high-speed circuit. This is a vehicle you’ll enjoy just tooling around town, cruising down the highway and especially on a twisty piece of road where you can really experience its balance and responsiveness. There’s a lot of “sport” in this luxury sport sedan.
Not that I’m going to burst the bubble here, but there’s a feature of this car that I do not like. It’s the CUE (Cadillac User Experience) interface, and really, most of its switchgear and minor controls.
  Cadillac ATS 3.6 AWD. Click image to enlarge |
The CUE system uses a strange combination of haptic and touchscreen technology to activate occupant amenities (heated seats, audio, climate, phone, navigation, etc.). First of all, whatever button you press, it’s slow to respond; secondly, the physical feedback you get when it does respond is actually unpleasant (a lifeless thump under your finger), and thirdly, it often doesn’t respond at all (a gloved hand typically gets you nowhere).
