Cadillac ATS

Name: 2019 Cadillac ATS
Brand: Cadillac

EPA MPG: 25 mpg

Cadillac ATS First Drive

Summary

Stylish and agile coupe. Too bad the controls are not more user friendly.

Cadillac's capable sports sedan is discontinued for 2019 and remains in coupe only guise. It's capable and fun to drive but rather maddening to live with. The ATS's sharp handling and eager performance give up nothing compared with the best European sports coupes, including the Audi A5 and BMW 4 Series. We actually prefer the lively steering in the Cadillac over that of most peers. The ride is taut and controlled without being punishing or harsh.

Braking performance is outstanding. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine provides ample power but doesn't shine in terms of refinement or fuel economy, which was a mere 23 mpg overall when we tested it as a sedan. The ATS-V high-performance version exhibits all the capability of the ATS.

Interior fit and finish is impressive, and the front seats are very comfortable. The backseat is extremely cramped and access to it is awkward. The trunk is tiny, even by the modest standards of this class.

Worst of all, Cadillac's CUE entertainment system will be a complete deal-breaker for many buyers. It's infuriating to use while driving. Illogical menus, hidden icons, and slow responses make it extremely distracting and frustrating.

Impressions

The ATS hugs the pavement, yet feels light on its feet, just the way a sports sedan should. Impressive body control keeps body lean at bay. The steering is quick, linear, and well-weighted. Even on the track the ATS was at its element with tenacious cornering grip and a balanced behavior at its limits. All the more so with the ATS-V. With its punchy performance, athletic moves, and invigorating sound, the ATS-V always left a smile on our faces, whether whipping around our track or taking a discrete prowl in the country.

Most buyers will get the 272-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Its acceleration numbers on the track are impressive, springing from 0-60 mph in a quick 6.5 seconds. But on the road, power delivery isn't always smooth or instant. Refinement isn't a strong suite due to a wheezy exhaust note. Cadillac's 3.6-liter, V6 is a better choice, one that we've enjoyed in other Cadillacs. Its performance is brisk, and it's a lot more refined than the 2.0-liter turbo. The transmission is usually smooth and responsive. Steering wheel paddle shifters allow for "manual" gear selection, and a Sport mode favors lower gears for better part-throttle response.

As for the ATS-V, if you didn't know better, you'd swear a V8 lurked under the vented hood. The turbo V6 almost feels and sounds like a big eight, and the car launches as if shot from a cannon. Smooth, linear power flows effortlessly to the rear wheels with a deep, warm, and melodic soundtrack exiting from the dual exhaust. Selecting the Sport or Track modes enhances the aural pleasure. The eight-speed automatic plays a supporting role with quick, timely shifts.

The ride is firm and well controlled, certainly not plush. Body motions are short and quick, but there is a layer of isolation. The ATS is quiet, but not Cadillac quiet. Road and wind noise are well-suppressed, but gruff engine noise comes through loud and clear. Even with active noise cancellation, the four-cylinder turbo moans while cruising.

Stopping distances were excellent on both wet and dry surfaces and the linear pedal modulation inspired confidence.

Most dashboard and door surfaces are padded; it's quite thick and cushy in spots. Copious stitching details the dashboard and door panels along with lots of shiny piano-black and chrome trim. The perforated leather seats are well trimmed and tailored. The cockpit is snug, but major controls fall easily to the driver's hands. Thin windshield pillars help visibility to the front but like every coupe rear and side visibility is hampered. The front seats are comfortable for the long haul, with generous travel and bottom cushion adjustments. Our only beef is that for this price, the lumbar support should adjust for height as well as pressure. The rear seat is super cramped.

The controls are convoluted, complicated, and confusing. We much prefer the simpler Chevrolet and Buick systems which are just as capable and much less complicated. Flush radio and climate-control switches recognize an input, sometimes they don't, and sometimes they register more touches than you intended. Sometimes you touch something, and the selection just below it activates. Sometimes you have to tap rather firmly. Most tasks require drivers to look to find the button, press it, and then look back to see what happened, which adds to time with eyes off the road and hand off the wheel.

There's not much cabin storage up front other than multi-tiered map pockets in the doors, a shallow covered bin between the seats. Front passengers have two cup holders between the seats. The optional Cold Weather package, which included a heated steering wheel and three-stage heated front seats was appreciated. The ATS's trunk is shallow and narrow, and its opening is small.

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Cadillac ATS

Cadillac ATS First Drive

Summary

Introduction

Overview

Impressions