The Cadillac ATS 0-60 test which shows it needs 7.4 seconds to reach up 60 miles per hour seems to be not enough. First introduced for the 2013 model year, there is no major upgrades already take place to compare the first Cadillac ATS to its most current model year. However, in general, the ATS brags its up-to-date styling, an engaging driving feel, and a well-equipped interior that allows the car to strongly compete with its competitors. Less costly and smaller than CTS, the ATS aims the heart of titans like the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4, which are known to dominate the sport sedan market.
Without taking the old Cimarron it account, which is actually a good decision as its best left forgotten, the ATS can fills the gap the company leaves for a true compact luxury sport sedan. Agile and sharp, Cadillac ATS is simply desirable. Four trim levels are available for the ATS: Standard, Luxury, Performance, and Premium. Depending on the trim level buyers choose, there are three engine options available.
The base engine is a 2.5L 4-cylinder rated at 202 horsepower of total output and 190 lb.-ft. of torque. The second engine option is a turbocharged 4-cylinder with 2.0 liters of displacement, rated at 272 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. The top powertrain under the hood is the 3.6L V6 cranking out total output of 321 horsepower, in addition to torque of 274 lb.-ft. All of the trims for Cadillac ATS come standard with a rear-wheel drive system, with all-wheel drive as an option. The engine is mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission, but the 6-speed manual is also available as option for the turbo 4-cyl powertrain.
The 2.5L equipped ATS is merely adequate. It also lacks the power you may have expected from a sport sedan. We personally recommend you to go for the turbo 2.0L 4-cyl engine or even the top 3.6L V6 as they can guarantee you the more stirring performance. Handling, even so, is where the Cadillac ATS truly shines. It has responsive steering, in addition to a buttoned-down attitude when pressed, contribute to the competency for the car to fare well both in daily commuting and keen cornering.
Even so, there are some aspects where the ATS falls behind marginally, such as power with its base engine and trunk space. But in general, the Cadillac ATS fares and compares really well to its rivals in terms of handling, price, and features. The ATS 0-60 can make a great choice for a shopper seeking entry-level luxury sport sedan.