What's this?
This is the new Cadillac ATS Coupe - the two-door version of the smallest Caddy saloon. It runs on virtually the same underpinnings - though the front and rear tracks are fractionally wider - the main difference being the lower roofline and the deletion of two doors.
This car will soon be fulfilling the coupe role for the whole of the ATS/CTS range, which share the same platform, as the current CTS Coupe will not be replaced anytime soon. Likewise, as much as we love ‘em, there will not be an estate version of either car anywhere in their immediate future as the simple fact is they don't sell in the SUV-crazed US.
The styling is quite similar to the ATS saloon's. How much has been changed?
The strong family resemblance - the vertical headlights and crisp creases - belies the fact that everything other than the bonnet is a totally new. Including the Cadillac badge, which now no longer has the laurels around the shield.
Are the looks the only real difference between this and the ATS saloon?
Not entirely. Even though it uses a lot of the same components as the saloon, they've been subtly remixed in this US-produced BMW 4-Series competitor. Engine choices are now just the 272bhp turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder and normally aspirated 321bhp 3.6-litre V6 - the rather dull 2.5-litre four has not been invited to join this line up.
The suspension has also been tuned to be slightly more taut and 18-inch wheels now come as standard. Brembo brakes are standard all round, as is a comprehensive safety package that should give you no excuse but to blame yourself if you have an accident. All-wheel drive can be specified and driven by either of the two engines, but if you want a rear-drive manual that's only available with the 2.0 turbo.
What about inside?
Cadillac is very proud of what it calls its ‘cut-and-sew' leather interiors. Rightly so on the basis of the Coupe's cabin. But the key thing is the driving position, which is adjustable enough to allow a variety of shaped and sized drivers to find a comfortable perch.
The steering wheel is a little thicker than on the saloon, the whole feeling just a little tighter and slicker. The rear seats are nothing to write home about but they're no better or worse than the German competition. The big win is that the Cue infotainment system has been sped up and debugged so it now works much more smoothly. But we still think you should press on the metal strips rather than the plastic to operate the secondary controls.
How does it drive?
Most of the criticisms of the ATS focused around that 2.5-litre powertrain. With that option gone, there is very little to moan about and a lot to like. It immediately feels quite a lot more rigid than the saloon, transmitting appreciably more info to all points of bodily contact. And the ears - neither of the engines is particularly sonorous, even with the active noise manipulation.
We didn't get a huge amount of seat time, so have to reserve judgment of its handling at anything above 60mph. But it shares the light and immediately wieldy feel that is a trademark of all the ATS/CTS range. It's a great base from which to produce the cars we've all been waiting for - the V Spec models. Subjectively, it feels somewhere between an Audi A5 and a BMW 4-Series.
Should I buy one?
If you like the styling and don't want to join the mass ranks of German coupe buyers, the ATS coupe would be a good alternative. It's got competitive performance, quality and technology. All it lacks now is the universally accepted and desired brand image to go with them. But that's coming.
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