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This is the Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon, the firm’s latest attempt to turn itself into a respected global premium brand.
Sources at the company have said that the Sport Wagon owes its existence to Cadillac’s decision to make a serious push to break into the European premium market, something which it recognises requires a full range of models, including the upcoming Cadillac CTS coupe.
Although premium estate cars are not popular in the US, Cadillac said that the new model could be arriving in its home market “at the right time” as drivers downsize from fuel-hungry SUVs.
The Sport wagon has the same 2.88m wheelbase as the saloon and is marginally shorter, though the company promises a healthy 720-litre boot space with the rear seats in place and 1452 litres with the seats folded.
It also uses the same rear doors as the saloon, although a very aggressive side window treatment goes some way to disguising the fact.
The CTS’s dramatic design theme is carried through into the new and highly distinctive rear end.
Clay Dean, Cadillac’s global design director, has admitted that there’s a hint of Cadillac’s classic ‘fins’ at the point the subtle, almost hidden, roof bars flow into the tips of the full-height rear light clusters. Options will include a power-operated tailgate and a large panoramic rear sunroof.
It’s unlikely that the CTS will make any kind of breakthrough in the European market until the car gets a diesel engine. GM has said that the first diesel unit destined for the CTS is a home-grown 2.9-litre, 24-valve V6 unit good for 250bhp. There’s no firm date for that engine, but it will probably arrive when the Sport Wagon goes on sale in Europe.
Other powertrain options shared with the saloon version include a 307bhp 3.6-litre, direct-injection, V6 as well as the current 208bhp V6 VVT unit. A six-speed manual, six-speed auto and all-wheel drive are also like to be on the options list, although this is unconfirmed by Cadillac UK.
Based on the CTS saloon, the Sport Wagon was unveiled at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance ahead of it going on sale in the US next spring.
The Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon is unlikely to reach European markets until this time next year and is expected to command a £1500 premium over the four-door CTS.
Hilton Holloway
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