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After recently deciding to fast throughout the holy month, I was in need of a distraction to take my thoughts off the ensuing hunger pangs. So what better way than to spend a few hours on a glorious afternoon taming Cadillac’s latest beast, the 2015 ATS Sedan?
Maybe beast is the wrong word. After all, how can something so smooth, accommodating and responsive to the human touch be labelled a beast?
Perhaps because it sounds like one. The initial roar when you put pedal to metal is enormously satisfying, but it’s the throaty growl when you take the foot off the accelerator that leaves an indelible mark. The naturally-aspirated 2.5l, 202bhp engine may not be the quickest out of the blocks, but with a noise like that, particularly when you flick it into Sport mode, it doesn’t need to be.
This luxury model looks the part, with a sleek design that matches curves with muscle. Of course, the front is dominated by the wide grille and the iconic badge, while from behind, the thin, vertical tail-lamps preserve the Cadillac trademark while also making the car look wide, squat, and powerful.
However, the car’s aerodynamic lines have been streamlined around the chassis to look lither and less overtly masculine, so this car will appeal to all buyers.
Taking new intern Amani out for her first test drive experience, I was bombarded with various cries of ‘oh, this is cool’ and ‘isn’t this nifty?’ as she explored the centre stack and infotainment systems.
Of particular interest was a secret compartment located just below the eight-inch touch-screen console, which was activated by swiping your finger along a chrome trim. We must have spent a good five minutes just opening and closing this compartment, simply because of its futuristic simplicity, and trying to find how many other hidden goodies this car held.
This 007-esque storage bin is used to wirelessly charge your phone using the new Powermat technology. Powermat enables the phone to simply sit on a rubberised pad while the battery is charged by means of an electromagnetic field. The technology works with the latest models, such as the Samsung Galaxy S6 and the iPhone 5 onwards.
Of course, leaving your phone here is no issue thanks to the extensive Bluetooth technology which means you can both make and take phone calls and enjoy other connectivity elements like music playback with both hands on the wheel and the phone charging out of sight.
The infotainment system also impresses, with the software including enhanced content such as a text-to-voice feature for smartphone users, which reads incoming texts through the car’s speakers. There are also standards such as two USB ports, AUX, AM/FM radio and navigation (optional), all accessed by the intuitive and easy-to-use touchscreen.
As well as the sound outside the car, it sounds great inside too with integrated Bose speakers that pump out music with crystal-clear clarity with an impressive range.
Aside from the tepid acceleration, especially compared with similar entry-level powertrains in this class, the only other area that perhaps needs addressing is the limited space in the rear. Considering the boot is surprisingly spacious, I feel that it could have been sacrificed a little to prevent getting kneed in the back by stretching kids on longer journeys.
But if it’s a smooth drive you’re looking for, the ATS is the car for you. The steering is gloriously heavy, which is a personal delight as I like to feel I’m in control of a vehicle as I whip it round the highways, rather than many modern monstrosities that allow you to do a three-point turn with just your little finger.
With a classy hybrid design on the outside, a luxurious trim on the inside, fantastic entertainment features and a beautiful-sounding engine, the 2015 Cadillac ATS is a sedan for all potential customers looking for something a bit different in this segment.
The 2015 Cadillac ATS is available for the special Ramadan price of BD14,950 (reduced from BD15,900) from the National Motor Company Cadillac showroom in Sitra. Call 17457100 for more details.
