 Cadillac ATS 3.6 AWD. Click image to enlarge |
Review and photos by Paul Williams
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2013 Cadillac ATS
The 2013 Cadillac ATS generated buzz for quite a while before its formal launch in the summer of 2012. Cadillac promised a genuine contender in the compact luxury sports sedan segment where the brand really needs a presence, so auto writers were keeping an eye on this car to see if it would deliver.
Overall, the ATS exceeds expectations in style and performance. Winning the Luxury Car category in the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) 2013 Canadian Car of the Year program, followed by an outright win as 2013 North American Car of the Year, this all-new Cadillac obviously has some chops. It’s not perfect, however, but where it’s good, it’s very good.
Built on an all-new rear-wheel-drive platform, the ATS starts at $35,195 for the 202-hp/191 lb-ft torque 2.5L model. You can also choose a $36,985 2.0L Turbo version that raises power to 272 hp/260 lb-ft or the 3.6L V6 version with 321 hp and 275 lb-ft torque. All engines are direct injected.
Our $46,660 3.6L Luxury all-wheel-drive model added the CUE (Cadillac User Experience) and Navigation package (not to be confused with a conventional navigation system) and $1,395 sunroof. With a $1,650 Destination Charge, the total price was $51,145 plus sales taxes.
 Cadillac ATS 3.6 AWD. Click image to enlarge |
There are, I should point out, currently 16 “flavours” of ATS available, the full details of which I will not go into here. Suffice it to say that combining one of the three engine options with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (not available with 2.5L), along with Base, Luxury, Performance and Premium variants where available, you end up with 16 versions and a price range of $35,195–$53,450 plus options, Destination fees and taxes. Additionally, a six-speed manual transmission can be specified for the rear-wheel-drive 2.0L Turbo model, decreasing its price by $1,495 (a six-speed automatic with manual shift is otherwise standard across the range).
Key standard inclusions for our “Luxury” model were the heated steering wheel rim, dual automatic climate control, leather seating surfaces with power/memory seats, universal home remote, rear vision camera, adaptive remote start, polished aluminum wheels, Bose audio system, and auto dimming mirrors.
My first impression of the ATS was that it’s a terrific take on current Cadillac design. Not quite as sharp-edged as other Cadillac models, it’s a very tidy and tightly integrated look that to my eyes is successful from every angle. Aside from the smallish 17-inch wheels (18-inchers are optional for $630; I’d take them) and our car’s insipid Glacier Blue paint, it looks a winner to me.
Obvious competitors are “the Germans”: BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. From Japan, Infiniti and Lexus will also divert attention, and some might remember the Swedish Volvo S60, but I think the 3 Series is everybody’s target.
The ATS is just about the same size as the 3 Series in length, width and height. It still manages to look somewhat smaller, to my eye; I guess because of the design.
Keyless entry and start is standard on this car, although I have to mention that it didn’t work properly on our tester. It functioned, but slowly, except for the driver’s door which would neither lock nor unlock keylessly in the –20 degree temperatures experienced during our test drive. Once it warmed to around the freezing mark, the system worked better.
 Cadillac ATS 3.6 AWD. Click image to enlarge |
Once inside, you’re greeted with quality materials and design, commensurate with expectations of a vehicle in this segment. The interior is finely tailored, the leather upholstery looking rich and smart; the multi-adjustable power seat is comfortable and supportive in all the right places. Looking around, one is impressed by the thin A-pillars, contrasting seat stitching and even fitment of the interior panels. The gloss graphic on the brushed aluminum trim is not to my taste, however (I would select “delete” if it was an option, but it’s not). Other trim options are wood, carbon fibre, gloss black and “oil rubbed” bronze, their availability depending on the model and exterior colour selected.
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).
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It seems like it should be a good system, as it looks clean and tidy (the proximity-sensing display responds to your hand approaching it, for instance, by making visible all the options available, then hides the options when you’re not using them), but it’s fussy to operate. Maybe it can be updated with new firmware; I don’t know – I just didn’t like it. There’s more I didn’t like about CUE, but I’ve made my point.
Another observation about the driver’s “office,” so to speak, is the abundance of chrome trim. I guess if it’s a Cadillac, it has to have chrome trim, but like the polished wheels, is chrome classy or gaudy? Personal taste, I guess.
The snug interior of the ATS wouldn’t be a deal-breaker for me. I like the size of this car and its agile responsiveness on the road. Its power, modern suspension, balanced weight distribution and light weight (1,503 kilograms) create in the ATS a feeling of sportiness, refinement and, yes, enjoyment.
It’s up against tough competition, though. The German companies are established luxury marques, notwithstanding their excellent driving dynamics and quality. But I think the big corner Cadillac is turning is almost complete. It belongs on the list; this ATS should be on your list if you’re in the market for a sharp-handling, sharp looking compact luxury sedan.
Pricing: 2013 Cadillac ATS
Base Price (3.6 AWD Luxury): $46,660
Options: Cadillac User Experience with Navigation – $1,495; Sunroof – $1,395
Destination: $1,650
A/C Tax: $100
Price as tested: $51,245
