The Cadillac ATS comes loaded with all the bells and whistles associated with GM’s top marquee. With a base price of $35,195 and a total price as tested of $43,935 our tester included the following options:

• Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights with Adaptive Forward Lighting and LED daytime running lights
• Performance front bucket seats
• 10-way power front bucket seats with 2-way power lumbar support and a 4-way adjustable head restraint
• Full-colour Head-Up Display (HUD)
• Electronic parking brake
• Illuminated exterior door handles
• Dual exhaust with outlets integrated into rear fascia
• Sport alloy pedals
• Bose® 5.1 10-speaker Cabin Surround® audio system
• Rear outboard seat-mounted side-impact airbags
• Lane departure warning
• Forward collision alert
• Rear vision camera
• CUE communications and entertainment system

Fuel economy:

The 2.0T with manual transmission is rated at:

• City 10.6L/100 KM
• Highway 6.7L/100 KM
• Combined 8.8L/100 KM

Interior:

Our tester came equipped with the optional Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system which includes a 8-inch touch screen that operates like a smartphone or tablet. Although the touch screen did require some initial acclimation, we did like it overall but we could see how it could be difficult for more mature drivers who may not be as familiar with smartphone technology. As well, the climate controls are included in this system and for the older demographic not having physical buttons could be problematic.

Although not for everyone, we were partial to the sexy red interior and its plush leather bucket seats with lumbar support make you want to drive farther as you pull into your destination.

The back seat is best designed for two adults and legroom is about standard for any sport luxury sedan. Having hot and cold ventilation in the back seats is a great touch, especially during a July heatwave where temps reached the mid 40s with the humidex.

The ATS has 10.2 cubic feet of trunk space which is slightly less than some of its competitors, however, we found the space ample for our weekend cottage trip and really how much more space do you need in a luxury sports sedan?

Competition: These are some heavy hitters for sure.

• Audi A4 sedan
• Lexus IS sedan
• BMW 3-series sedan
• Mercedes-Benz C-class
• Infiniti G37 sedan

Final thoughts:

With its sleek, sexy styling the Cadillac ATS is a real eye pleaser. So, it was no surprise throughout the week, people would come up and ask what Cadillac model it was – the ultimate compliment for any car owner. Having only the opportunity to test the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with the manual transmission we can only speak to the one model. However, we thoroughly enjoyed our time behind the wheel while experiencing first hand the fruits of Cadillac’s R&D labour to create this award winning new product.

Time will tell how overall sales do in comparison to its rivals as Cadillac has stiff competition with BMW, Audi and Mercedes as their brands are already entrenched and successful in this segment. Nevertheless, we are positive there is room for one more player in the segment and the 2013 Cadillac ATS should be able to hold its own among these German juggernauts.