SRX: All seasons, reasons
The mid-size SRX is Cadillac's first crossover, blending the considerable virtues of a sport utility with those of a premium sedan.
New for 2004, it uses the same rear-drive Sigma architecture as the CTS and STS sedans.
Hence, the lean, athletic ride – a total departure from Caddies of yesteryear.
The wreath-and-crest brand (the crest is derived from that of Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, founder of Detroit) has been in renaissance mode since 2002.
The versatile, invigorating SRX reflects this fresh thinking.
Two powertrains are offered:
a 255 hp, 3.6 L V6, attached to a five-speed automatic;
a 320-horse, 4.6 L Northstar V8, driving a six-speed automatic.
Both engines are aluminum, four-camshaft units. Either can be had with all-wheel drive.
Five-seat and seven-seat configurations are available.
The tester was a five-seat SRX V8 with AWD, done in Sunset Blue with Ebony leather interior.
SRX V6 prices start at $46,695, the V8 at $60,300. The loaded tester had $8,980 in options, chief among them a Sport package ($3,275 – 20-inch polished rims, etc.), a great two-row Ultraview sunroof that GM calls the segment's biggest ($2,770) and AWD ($2,625).
Price as tested: $73,130 (including a $1,420 destination charge).
The SRX, along with the CTS and STS, is built in Lansing, Mich.
GM isn't saying much about its SRX plans. A smaller, five-seat BRX is said to be coming for 2009.
THREE STARS
You feel calmer, more focused in a Cadillac. Explanations are rarely necessary. The car talks for you.
The big V8 and buttery six-speed automatic move this Caddy with alacrity. Standard traction control and skid-fighting StabiliTrak are there to bail you out.
Room is the ultimate luxury, and SRX, sporting what its maker says is the longest wheelbase in its class, has plenty. The second-row split bench slides 10 cm fore and aft.
THREE STRIKES
The boxy lines lack organic flow.
The 76 L fuel tank seemed to run low rather often. Transport Canada ratings: 16 L/100 km city, 10 highway. Premium recommended but not required. No locking gas cap.
I could have used more verticality in the driver's power seatback. The front windows with auto up and down proved tricky to regulate.
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