After my first test-drive of the all-new ATS 3.6, it not only became my new favorite Cadillac
but my top pick in the compact luxury sports sedan segment.
And now, Caddy is giving Coupe lovers their own version in this new 2015 ATS 2.0T. As
the CTS grew-up, a slot was available for a smaller, nimbler car to take on the likes
of German competitors.
Cue the ATS – the future of Cadillac that burst onto the scene a couple of years ago
showing that America cannot only build a sports sedan on par with the stalwarts but one that’s
even better.
And now there’s this good looking coupe to go with it and a recently announced high-performance
ATS-V which looks to really shake up the segment.
Having previously driven the ATS with the optional V6, this car gave me my first go
with the 2.0-liter turbo – a direct-injected engine producing a sprightly 272 horsepower
and nearly 300 pound-feet of torque – easily enough to break the rear tires loose.
There’s no upfront financial penalty for choosing to shift gears yourself, but the
6-speed manual returns 1mpg less in combined fuel economy when compared to this 6-speed
auto, which is rated at 21mpg city/30mpg highway on regular gasoline.
It includes a sport mode and manual shifting via sizeable, metallic-looking paddle shifters.
The lightweight revolution is here, driven by fuel economy gains yes but for driving
enthusiasts fun is typically defined by how agile a car is and the less mass there is
to move the better the physics work in your favor.
The ATS is a perfect example.
Sticking with the turbo-4 still gives most drivers enough power to have fun with this
Caddy’s very willing chassis.
And its rear drive setup provides coupe buyers the added excitement they’re looking for.
Riding on 18” max performance summer-use Bridgestone run-flats, the ATS maintains a
scrupulously compliant ride quality thanks to its magnetic ride control shocks – adjustable
between Tour and Sport modes.
Its 3,411 pounds is evenly distributed and a limited-slip differential helps the rear
tires bite, but if you like a car that will happily hang its tail out you’ll find it
here; a manageable playfulness sports car aficionado will appreciate.
This model also provides a quicker steering gear with electric assist that’s direct
and accurate.
Brembo brakes work as fluidly and decisively as the rest of the driver controls.
Technically, the ATS Coupe is a driving talent, spotlighting Cadillac’s detailed toils.
Yet, at times it can feel a bit soulless – lacking any Coupe worthy sounds and other peripheral
goodies to stimulate the experience.
It can put away 60mph in a not too shabby 5.6-seconds and turning the traction control
off allows for ample playtime.
But this is not a hardcore machine – it keeps its luxury senses about it at all times,
particularly in this highest Premium trim offering.
The focal point of the cabin is the CUE system – a touchscreen interface with a customizable
gauge cluster.
This isn’t the full-blown version found in higher Cadillacs but there are still plenty
of display options and the haptic feedback, button-free CUE interface still packs in the
features, though I’d love to see at least a few buttons included for redundancy.
Interaction via spoken commands is much better than most
and there’s Siri Eyes Free for iPhone users to talk to their phone.
Caddy starts you out with a 3 month trial of their OnStar 4G Wi-Fi hotspot and 5 years
of the basic OnStar plan.
And tucked behind the screen is a Qi wireless charging mat for compatible devices which
does not include iPhone without an aftermarket case.
I love a heads-up display, particularly in sporty cars which allows me to keep my eyes
on the road but Caddy’s basic version now looks dim and low-res compared to say newer
setups from Mercedes.
And the driver assistive electronics are oddly packaged.
For instance this car comes standard with the vibrating Safety Alert Seat, Forward Collision
Alert, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist – yet leaves the most important feature
– side blind zone alert – in an optional $3,000 package.
Though most Coupe buyers likely have other priorities, the rear seats are difficult to
access because of poor seatbelt management and sit quite deep affording better legroom
but at the same time squashing headroom.
This feature heavy, luxuriously stocked ATS 2.0T RWD Premium with no options stickers
for $48,090.
All-wheel drive is also available.
Proudly displaying the new Cadillac crest and awesome LED light pipes, the Coupe is
a welcome addition to the growing ATS family.