Some dumb gadgets
The Sight and Sound Package includes rain-sensing windshield wipers that I don't recommend. On a slushy day when you use up lots of washer fluid, this dumb system doesn't even realize that the windshield is getting dirty and isn't wiping it; I can't see a thing, and I'm always stuck turning the wipers on and off while I'm driving.

Also, if you leave the rain-sensing function activated, the system will remind you of it by wiping the windshield once in a while, which smears it uselessly and scares the hell out of you, since you're not expecting it. The worse part is that the rain sensor replaces the manually-operated intermittent feature.

A major irritant, the rain-sensing wipers are not up to the task.

The EZ Key keyless access and start system allows the driver to get in the car and start it without taking the key out of his or her pocket. However, when exiting the car, you must either take out the keyfob to lock the doors, or use the lock button located on the inside of the driver's door, which locks up the car a few seconds after the doors are closed.

That's a bad habit to have, since it's one of the best ways of locking yourself out of your car. The competition either has buttons on the outside door handles, or you just have to touch the handle with your finger and the car locks up.

And I don't know why, but anytime I have my foot on the gas pedal, I'm hearing a small clicking sound coming from inside the dash. If I lift off the throttle, the noise disappears. I accelerate again, and the mysterious sound is back. I hope it's an isolated issue...

Competition
This CTS SIDI costs $41,400. However, a bunch of options rapidly escalate the price tag: Comfort and Convenience Package ($2,735), Performance Package ($1,480), Sight and Sound Package ($1,735), 5.1 Surround Sound System with Navigation ($3,900), automatic transmission ($1,700), UltraView moonroof ($1,660) and polished alloy wheels ($695). The total invoice soars to $55,305. You like the Crystal Red paint? That's another $1,295.

With options that allow a similar level of equipment, here's what the competition offers:
Audi A4 3.2 quattro, 255 hp, $56,550
BMW 335i, 300 hp, $58,650
Infiniti G35, 306 hp, $48,290
Jaguar X-Type 3.0, 227 hp, $52,550
Lexus IS 350, 306 hp, $55,450
Lincoln MKZ, 263 hp, $46,014
Mercedes-Benz C350, 268 hp, $59,000
Saab 9-3 Aero, 255 hp, $50,385
Volvo S60 T5, 257 hp, $57,995

With this redesign, the CTS should see its popularity soar.