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Available in August, the 2010
SRX is a five-passenger, mid-size crossover. The design forgoes the
rear-wheel-drive architecture of the old SRX in favor of a
transverse-engine, front- and all-wheel-drive-capable chassis that is
about the same size as the popular Lexus RX 350.
Editors at TheCarConnection.com agree that the look of 2010 Cadillac SRX
is a huge improvement over the outgoing model, a vehicle that looked too
tall and too long for its narrow width. The new SRX is more than six
inches shorter and two inches wider than the outgoing model.
Importantly, there's less front and rear overhang. This combination
helps tighten up the crossover's proportions.
Vertically stacked headlights and a trapezoidal chrome grille give the
SRX a Cadillac family look without it appearing cookie cutter. The
dramatic side sections outdo Lexus's popular RX in terms of style. A
powerful character line beginning at the trailing edge of the front
wheel well culminates at the taillight lens. These lens looks to be
vestigial tailfins, but unlike the fins of the 1950s, this design
actually helps aerodynamically by breaking the airflow from the body. An
integrated spoiler on the rearward edge of the roof extends the sleek
lines and improves aerodynamics. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard and
20-inch wheels are offered. Design misses includes the too-heavy-seeming
rear hatch and the opportunity they had to hide the rear wiper up under
the rear spoiler; the look is less clean than it could be.
Inside the 2010 SRX, hand-cut-and-sewn coverings on the instrument panel
and ambient lighting make for a rich environment that continues
Cadillac's commitment to top-flight interiors. An integrated center
stack houses controls for climate and audio systems, while the optional
NAV system rises from the center of the instrument panel just like it
does on the Cadillac CTS. The Cadillac's extra width (compared to some
other new mid-size crossovers such as the Volvo XC60) helps the rear
seats feel more spacious. A newly developing required bling feature, an
illuminated logo glows through the front door sill plates when the doors
open (but like lights in refrigerators, how do we know that they turn
off?).
Following the trend TheCarConnection.com sees with many manufacturers,
the 2010 SRX is doing more with less in the performance department. The
outgoing 2009 SRX offered a 3.6-liter V-6 and a 4.6-liter V-8. The 2010
SRX comes standard with a new, 265-horsepower 3.0-liter direct-injected
V-6 engine that Cadillac expects to deliver 25 mpg on the highway
(certified figures aren't available for this post) and about 18 mpg
city. In the SRX, the new 3.0-liter produces more horsepower and gets
better fuel economy than the 3.6-liter in the outgoing model. GM's
2.8-liter turbocharged V-6 is optional for 2010. Horsepower for the
single-turbo 2.8-liter is expected to be 300 even. The engine performs
beautifully in Saab applications and should provide plenty of thrust for
the SRX when it becomes available late in 2009. The powertrain provides
a useful maximum tow rating of 3,500 pounds.
Both engines utilize a six-speed automatic that powers the front wheels.
All-wheel drive by Haldex is optional and includes an electronic
limited-slip rear differential that delivers excellent poor-weather
grip. Our test drive happened on a snowy, cold spring day in Michigan,
and the SRX plowed through as if the roads were dry. Some drivers may
miss the availability of paddle shifters on the steering wheel. We
didn't.
During our enthusiastic drive over twisting roads in southern Michigan,
we learned that the chassis of the 2010 Cadillac SRX is stiff, which
means the shock absorbers and springs can be tuned more softly,
delivering a comfortable, though still responsive ride. Two suspensions
are offered: the standard tune and the optional FE3 that features
Continuous Damping Control, aka an active suspension that reads and
adjusts every two milliseconds. The SRX's ride, even with 20-inch
wheels, is smooth. Better yet, steering response is more akin to a sport
sedan than what you'd experience in many other crossovers, including the
Lexus RX 350. Our only complaint is that at high engine speeds (over
6,000 rpm), the engine is too loud for this level of luxury vehicle. At
all other engine speeds, the engine is appropriately quiet and plenty
powerful.
The 2010 SRX features numerous electronic gadgets and systems.
Highlights include adaptive forward lighting that swivels the headlamps
in sync with vehicle steering; a power liftgate with adjustable height
setting (it won't hit your garage door if opened while parked inside);
an integrated hard disc drive for audio storage; and a dual-screen video
system for rear entertainment. Bluetooth compatibility is standard, as
is OnStar's turn-by-turn navigation service for buyers who do not opt
for the car's navigation system option.
The 2010 Cadillac SRX carries all of the safety equipment one expects in
a premium crossover: standard head-curtain side airbags, front
seat-mounted side airbags, safety belts with dual pretensioners and load
limiters, and OnStar. The SRX also introduces the use of Martensitic
steel, one of the strongest available. It helps protect against
intrusion during a side impact, while also maintaining the structure
during front and rear crashes. The SRX hasn't been tested by the
government or the IIHS, but we'll keep you posted on results as these
tests are completed.
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