Test Drive Cadillac BS since 2006 Sedan

Cadillac for nation

The new, the Europeanized Cadillac BS caused a lot of contradictory emotions of both journalists and truck fans. For the first time in the history of Caddy, it is collected in Sweden, and it is based on the SAAB 9-3 chassis, which in turn leads the pedigree from Opel Vectra. Cadillac marketers call the BLS with a new step towards the development of the brand and turning it from a purely American worldwide, while the conservatives hold the opposite point of view and accuse the General Motors concern in all mortal sins.
We tried to completely abstract from the opinions of protesters and evaluate the car as it is in fact, without going into marketing subtleties.
Outwardly difficult to get rid of the impression of the mixing in the style of styles. A characteristic cellular radiator grille with a large emblem Caddilac is present, but it is located somehow not in place - too low and with a significant slope. Also somewhat embarrassing the low window line - usually cadyllases are slightly reminded by a bridge on wheels and the large windows are contraindicated to him. But the face of BLS is real, what should be in the real American: high angular with vertical lanterns and a red ribbon of a stop signal at the entire lid of the trunk.
Interior also raises questions. It is clearly seen the elements of the cabin that can be replaced with original with minimal cost, but there are also such, the change of which will turn into a penny or in a more significant euro. So, the central console is clearly made in style from Cadillac - without elegant shooting hours and a powerful audio system could not even try to remove the car to the European market - SAB salon is so original that even those who never owned this car know about his features.
However, behind the massive emblem of Caddy on the steering wheel, wide leather chairs, practically devoid of lateral support, and the arrow hours can easily see the branded Saabov details. What is just one manual brake, in which the button is not on the end, but under the index finger. Once, speaking in amateur ice races on Saab 9-3, I happened several times hurts to pinch my finger, and many of my rivals flew off the track, while not finding this ill-fated button. Give yourself and stealing switches, without changing the borrowed from the Swedes. It is also good that for BLs moved the ignition lock from the central tunnel to the steering column.
But there is enough correspondence comparison, especially since the generally assembled and thought out the interior is quite successful and there are no serious ergonomic miscalculations in it, not counting that cotton front armies and not very spacious rear sofa. And we will leave the question of the borrowing of the details on the conscience of the developers. It's time the key to the start (by the way, the key itself, too, one to one repeats Saabovsky), especially since we got the top version with the latest turbo engine 2.8 V6 of impressive power 260 hp
Despite the American-Australian origin, the World Engine of the General Motors concern turned out to be very similar to the company Saabov engine 2.0 Turbo. The excellent thrust already from 2000 rpm is maintained up to the triggering of the limiter (according to passport data, the torque regiment in 365 nm is in the range of 1800 to 4500 rpm). Such a linear characteristic is more impressive in a pair with a manual transmission, but also with the Cadillac machine, it accelerates very dynamically. The only thing that could prevent a rapid start is a wet or slippery road that in Moscow, alas, remains almost six months. A powerful motor is difficult to realize a huge torque through the front axle. In part, the situation could save the distillation of the differential, which is used on many powerful front-wheel drive cars, but in BLS it, unfortunately, is not. Relevant to the number of active drivers, usually trying to do without the help of a stabilization system even in urban conditions. The absence of an electronic collar allows you to better feel the car and enjoy your driving. But in BLS Love to turn off ESP played with me a cruel joke. Having stopped in a steep turn of 180 degrees and adding gas, I felt that BLS helplessly grind asphalt with one wheel, and instead of accelerating, slows down almost before stopping ...
After this incident, the stabilization system was re-activated, and all attempts of steep aggregates were left for a more suitable car. Elements of Cadillac, like most American cars, is Highway. Here the electronics no longer bothers the front wheels to slip and BLS confidently gains speed. The modern 6-speed automatic works very damaged. Here are just the gear shift keys located on the steering wheel are active only when the manual mode is turned on, whereas, for example, on AUDI cars, they always work and allow you to close the reduced transmission to the engine or faster acceleration at any time.
Despite the powerful engine, Cadillac has a fairly comfortable suspension, and this is perhaps the strongest difference from SAAB 9-3 AERO, equipped with a similar motor. Of course, for many, Cadillac brand admirers are primarily associated with comfort, but here the car caused a number of complaints.
The powerful engine on the front-wheel drive car, alas, is badly combined with a soft suspension. Leading - and they are driven - wheels have too greater freedom of movement relative to the body, which suffers from the accuracy of reactions. Of course, in a straight line Bs flies, as if released from Luke Arrow, and here a particular thanks to the well-thought-out engineers Saab aerodynamics. Also, the car perfectly prescribes gesture gestures, but it is standing on the arc to get under the wheels with poor asphalt, as control over Caddy is drown through the fingers. The suspension is trying to ensure the comfort of passengers, and the driver suffers from the lack of reactive efforts on the steering wheel, and turn the ram to turn to the touch.
The last couple of years of business from the Concern General Motors is not very, in the US market the company wills tolerate great losses and is forced to close the plants and reduce the workers. These are not popular measures lead to the fall of the company's authority and the cost of its shares. Therefore, the desire to expand its influence on the European market with the help of a new Cadillac model is quite understandable and explained. However, the result of such exquisites, unfortunately, is not impressive. Completely, why buy BLS in the maximum configuration for $ 49,100, when at a similar price (from 40,410 dollars, but without many options) you can buy absolutely identical Saab 9-3 Aero, which has no less interesting design or pedigree and at the same time More assembled on the road and the driver listens better. In addition, Saab offers the ability to choose between a sedan and stylish universal, and the options can only be chosen by those that are needed, and not buy all in bulk. Another alternative to Cadillac BLs can be considered a complaimed Opel Signum. Thanks to the long base, it is best suited for the role of a representative car, and the top version with a 2.8 Turbo engine with a machine gun costs from $ 40,390.
If the desire to possess Cadillac with a capital letter is really great, but the real classic models do not have enough funds, it is better to pay attention to BLS with a faster 175-strong engine 2.0 turbo. Considering slippery roads and front-wheel drive, the difference in the dynamics will be unobistant, and the easier car will certainly be better controlled. In addition, its price begins with a mark of $ 34,100, and after surcharge, another 2000, you can get a version with a machine gun - a real folk Cadillac.
 
Leonid Pavlov
 
 
 
   
 

Source: Carclub.ru.