2nd place: Cadillac CTS4 SIDI (78.2%)

We have to admit: we didn't think the CTS would shine very brightly in this group. We already knew that the new generation of the little Caddy was a big improvement over the previous one, but this time, it's the all-wheel drive system that really impressed us.


In addition, the traction and stability control systems of the CTS are the least intrusive while driving; when wheel slippage occurs, the engine's power isn't totally shut down. As a result, the Cadillac was declared the winner of our slalom test.

The 304 horsepower of the direct-injection V6 provides swift acceleration, but the car's heft makes it the slowest of the group; it's a negligible gap, though. The manual mode of the transmission isn't the quickest in execution. But the steering and handling of the car largely compensate for the CTS' weight, which really surprised us.

The Cadillac's cockpit is both retro and modern, and its finish is better to what we're used to seeing in GM vehicles. The various buttons and switches are spread out, though, and the seats are a little soft to our tastes. The comfortable ride of the CTS is the most appreciated of the quartet, despite the Performance Package that the car was equipped with.

The Cadillac was also criticized for its reduced rearward visibility and the incompetence of its rain-sensing wipers. The low roofline also complicates entry and exit, and headroom suffers accordingly. Like the Infiniti, the narrow opening of the trunk prevents us from loading big objects.


Despite these negative points, we really liked the CTS. And the cherry on the sundae is that the Cadillac is visually the most striking and most distinct of the group. In short, it's an excellent effort from GM. The CTS is now among the best of its category.

"Through the slalom, we recorded the same elapsed time with and without the help of the Stabilitrak system, which leads us to believe that the latter is very well adapted and has maximum efficiency." - Bertrand Godin