2008 Cadillac CTS

NEW FOR 2008:

- All-new styling

- New 3.6-litre V6 engine with direct-injection technology

- Six-speed transmissions paired with all powertrains

- Rear- and all-wheel drive models

- Six standard airbags, including dual-depth front passenger airbag

- Adaptive forward lighting

- New handcrafted cut-and-sewn interior trim

For 2008, the Cadillac CTS is redesigned, with a handsome new exterior adapted from the Cadillac Sixteen show car, and an improved interior. The V8-powered CTS-V of 2007 has not been carried over.

The CTS comes with a choice of two V6 engines: a 263-hp 3.6-litre V6, and the optional 3.6-litre with direct injection, producing 304 hp. Both engines come with a six-speed manual that can be optioned to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, and both engines can be optioned with all-wheel drive.

Features on the CTS include 17-inch aluminum wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated mirrors, variable intermittent wipers with heated washer fluid system, cruise control, driver information centre, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, leather-wrapped wheel with audio controls, cargo net, heated eight-way power leather seats with memory, fixed rear seat with pass-through, CD/MP3 stereo with XM Satellite Radio, automatic headlamps, keyless entry and OnStar.

Available options include a power sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, heated and ventilated seats, folding rear seat, six-CD stereo, DVD system and a performance package.

One of Cadillac's more impressive makeovers, the CTS may be the brand's entry-level sedan but looks twice its price. The ability to order both engines with a six-speed manual aims this sedan at its European competitors, and should hold its own against them. The vastly improved interior is also now up to the traditional Cadillac name, although the thinner seats ? designed to improve interior room ? may be a bit too thin and firm for some.