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Elvis Would have Loved This!
By Don Booker MBE
 The common vision of American cars is that of bulky bodywork, prominent fins on the wings and lots of chrome trim.
In fact the cars owned by Elvis Presley, mostly convertibles, and those which appear on our television screens with the lively music of Sheila’s Wheels. I’m sure you will have heard what they offer.
Cadillac, however, are trying to change that image and develop sales and a major presence in Europe. American cars have never excited my motoring life, but I accept that many drivers love them as much as I love the British classic-look.
The marque’s crossover SRX is a five-door seven seater which now comes in right-hand-drive and is totally more acceptable than some US cars because it has a crisp, sharp-edged look like those early Jeeps which still look good and serve the rugged use they are expected to face.
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It would be right to say this newcomer is attractive, and bridges the gap between a performance saloon and sports utility vehicle. On a driving route dominated by off-roaders it stood out because it has pleasing, sporting lines that were first seen on the CTS saloon.
We British love tradition which Americans love to share, and the traditional Cadillac family looks, such as the V-shaped grille and vertical headlamps and tail-lights are there, although first appearing in 1965.
In a car park, paddock, country lane or city street, the SRX is a car to be proud of, and prices range from around £28,000 to £37,000.
The inside has been greatly improved with body-hugging seats, quality trim and well placed switches and instruments. There is even a hidden storage compartment on the fascia and lots of wood trim which we English appreciate.
Cadillac claim the wood comes from East Africa, rarely used on cars – more often by makers of fine home furnishings and acoustic guitars. Say no more.
The driving position offers excellent view of the road which will be a point attracting women drivers who really love the possibility of all-wheel drive cars.
The commanding visibility extends to the two rows behind, where theatre-style seating again provides excellent all-round visibility. The second row is higher than the front, aiding that better view.
The rear and centre row seats can be quickly folded down, increasing the carrying space to 1,960 litres. To create even more space the third row seats can be power-folded into the floor at the touch of a button.
An option is the huge glass sliding roof that is power-operated giving open-air luxury. These panoramic tops are growing in popularity and I feel if not greatly integrated into the body shell, could cause flexing creaks. Only time will tell. There was no problem with the SRX.
Two engines are available to drive all-four wheels through a five-speed gearbox or a six-speed automatic. The 3.6 V6 develops 258bhp with a top speed of 125mph and 0-62mph figure of 8.1 seconds consumption is 20.2mpg combined.
The 4.6 V8 offers 325bhp, top speed of 140mph, 0-62mph in 7.4 seconds and consumption of 17mpg.
The steering column is not fully adjustable. Instead, a control to the left of the column adjusts the pedals to your requirements – odd, but it works well.
The system, it is claimed, allows the full deployment of the airbag.
Brit Award winner James Morris has bought himself a classic Cadillac, which he says is the “coolest” car he has even been in. The seven-seater SRX will strengthen the maker’s clam in the market place and is miles away from being a Sheilamobile.
Published Summer 2007. All information correct at time of print
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