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"Cadillac-ATS", from 1 700 000 rubles., CAR from 17.69 rubles / km
Something in the air
The narrow roads of Bavaria are famously twisted by loops, but there is no killer magic of the “Northern loop” in them - no matter how much you look. Nevertheless, it is here that the headquarters of the entire Big Three are located. It is evident that it was no accident that the presentation of the new Cadillac was organized here - in the natural habitat of the main competitors. The hint is more than transparent: the Americans are seriously landing on "enemy territory." Both at the press conference and in behind-the-scenes conversations, the main goals were clearly identified: 3rd series, C-class and A4. So seriously regarding the Germans, the Yankees were not tuned for a year, it seems that way since 1944 …
The ATS was based on the Alpha platform, which was invented for the new Camaro. On the front is the McPherson, on the back is the five-link multi-link. The front axle subframe, wheel hubs and brake calipers are made of aluminum, and light alloys have been diligently used in the body structure. The Italians from Brembo worked on the brakes, and the Germans from ZF built the power steering. The bottom is covered by aerodynamic shields, and a diffuser has grown under the rear bumper - also not for beauty. Finally, the Nurburgring, also located on the territory of the likely enemy, took the exam at the sedan.
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With a human face
It’s too early to write off the Art and Science style as a scrap. Nevertheless, one cannot but admit: the novelty turned out to be very similar to the neighbors in the show room. However, already this year we will be shown the new CTS - maybe then the difference between the two brothers will become more obvious.
Of course, ATS has some of its own special features. For example, daytime lights "flowing" along the verticals of the head optics and "dripping" onto the front bumper. The effective illumination of the door handles also works, thanks to which the ATS is not like any other car at night.
And in the light of day, the Cadillac is a pile of planes and ribs. True, over the years of exercises with “art and science”, designers have gotten their hands up: the car looks fresh and dynamic - it’s not a shame to show people.
In the cabin - the strongest “wow factor”. At rest, the glass center console of the new Cuddy is a “sleeping face” of silver strokes. But it’s worth turning on the ignition and pictograms bloom under the glass. They respond to touch, but you can press on the silver edging - it will also work. In response, the machine responds with a slight vibration: "command accepted."
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Above all this beauty rises the screen of the CUE multimedia system - Cadillac User Experience. Translating into Russian is no easier than understanding. The screen was developed in the “pre-iPad” era, and this has to be discounted. The capacitive display does not respond to pressure, but to touch, and in addition supports “folding” - that is, it has a multi-touch function. However, the pauses between pressing and executing the desired result reach a second - by today's standards, it is prohibitively long! By and large, CUE is the first “automobile” attempt to combine phone book contacts, music tracks, radio stations and locations into a single user interface. You can install additional software widget modules into the system, like on any smartphone, and new versions of system software are downloaded from the company website. Cool? How to say: today for ten to twenty thousand I can buy a tablet computer that can do the same, but it works much faster.
Having played enough with CUE, I switched my attention to the instrument cluster. A three-segment screen “lives” in it, the components of which can be selected to your liking. It all switches with comfortable rocking keys on the steering wheel spokes, everything is simple and clear. Shine!
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The lesson of humanism
With all this electronic hustle and bustle, Caddy’s philanthropy was nearly forgotten. He welcomes guests in the second row of seats with hospitality that is not characteristic of premium middle-class sedans. Getting into the salon may not be very easy - you have to almost dive there. But, being in the arms of a sofa, you understand: they were waiting for you here. With an increase of 184 centimeters, I had enough space to fit behind the front seat adjusted for myself.
A comfortable armrest hides a ski hatch, and the back of the sofa folds easily. Behind her was a modest-sized luggage carrier equipped with an internal handle: Americans still fear that instead of suitcases you will hide in the darkness of children.
Speaking of children. If a child, after playing with a tear, breaks into a Cadillac, which is hitting in reverse, the car not only learns the kinder in a timely manner, but also puts the brakes into action, without waiting for the driver’s reaction. And from this system, unlike the active cruise control radar, there really is a benefit even in Russia.
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Operation Overlord
It's time for the main exam. Following the push of a button, a 4-cylinder Ecotech comes to life under the hood. A twin-channel twin-scroll turbocharging system with a pressure of 1.36 bar blows out 276 forces from two liters. The maximum torque is already available from 1700 rpm, and this makes you feel confident pickup. Ah, the Bavarian turns soaked in a light rain raced under all-wheel drive!
All the pleasure was almost ruined by the "enemy" electrified amplifier. Initially, efforts were not enough in the near-zero zone, but the problem was resolved by transferring the “driver” systems to the “sport” mode.
Well, what can I say? Cuddy rides deliciously - they don’t do that anymore. For the first time in recent months, I got the feeling that they were not stopping me from driving the car. “Here you go - go!” - commanded the car. And you are going. The leg commands the floor accelerator pedal, hands lie on a comfortable steering wheel, before the eyes there is a windshield with the indications of the projector. Easy gas discharge, turn the steering wheel, apex and - again open.
And if even faster? The limit is felt by both the "center of gravity" and the fingertips. Fearfully? Do not be afraid! The sedan reacts to excessive courage with the same oversteer. And only here the four-wheel drive begins to show itself. It feels good how the torque reaches the front axle, but the car is in no hurry to stabilize and allows you to drive a little sideways, preventing it from sliding into the oncoming one. Finally, fear takes its toll, hands turn the steering wheel in the direction of skidding - and then the Stabilitrek is cut in.
All this is not only not “Cadillac-style”, but generally somehow untimely. Moreover, time after time I caught myself thinking that the “Germans” could go faster - and in each of these turns. In addition to ATS brakes, you do not get used to it right away - and the lack of confidence in this component considerably prevents you from indulging in a drive. And yet, after an aggressive interception on the “hills”, some surprisingly pleasant feeling remained inside - either a job well done, or an almost vicious pleasure.
Nice damn it!
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Alternative cost
Of course, the ATS can be just a convenient daily car. Even the lightweight “at zero” steering wheel does not interfere with driving - neither along mountain convolutions, nor along straight roads. In addition, the suspension is energy intensive, and sound insulation - in good faith. It remains to answer the main question - will the American manage to gain a foothold on the "German coast"?
The answer came with a price tag. Just yesterday, I believed that ATS would indeed be a little cheaper than a three-ruble note, as I was assured at the presentation. And what? For me, so the base price of 1, 700, 000 rubles looks, to put it mildly, repulsive. However, with the final diagnosis, I would wait until sparring with the same "treshka".
Hurry up!
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"Cadillac-ATS", from 1 700 000 rubles., CAR from 17.69 rubles / km
