Acceleration

Base, automatic	Direct Injection, automatic	Direct Injection w/ Performance Pkg., automatic	Class Average
6	8	8	7.5

With automatic transmission, both engines have good low-speed punch and plenty of passing power, with the Direct Injection model providing more muscle at all times. Automatic provides seamless and timely shifts. No opportunity to test with the manual transmission.

Fuel Economy

Base, automatic	Direct Injection, automatic	Direct Injection w/ Performance Pkg., automatic	Class Average
4	5	5	4.2

In Consumer Guide testing, a Direct Injection sedan with automatic transmission averaged 22.2 mpg. Base and Direct Injection CTS models use regular-grade gas. CTS-V requires premium.

Ride Quality

Base, automatic	Direct Injection, automatic	Direct Injection w/ Performance Pkg., automatic	Class Average
7	7	4	6.3

CTS with standard suspension has a reassuring, solid feel, with compliant ride and excellent bump absorption. Most road imperfections are more heard than actually felt. The available Summer Tire Performance Package is a huge detriment to ride quality, adding undue stiffness with little appreciable gain in handling.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base, automatic	Direct Injection, automatic	Direct Injection w/ Performance Pkg., automatic	Class Average
7	8	8	6.9

With standard suspension, an easy match for BMW 3-Series and Infiniti G35. Steering precise with excellent road feel. Well checked lean in corners. Brake feel and performance impressive on Base model; Direct Injection models have uprated brakes and provide sports car-like stopping ability. The available Summer Tire Performance Package does little to enhance CTS's sporting character, but takes a huge toll on ride quality.

Quietness

Base, automatic	Direct Injection, automatic	Direct Injection w/ Performance Pkg., automatic	Class Average
7	8	7	7.2

Cabin impressively hushed overall. Coarse pavement tire roar can intrude at speed. Base engine generally well behaved, but can sound unrefined during acceleration. Direct Injection engine notably more polished, well muted even when pushed. Road noise levels increase with available summer tires.

Controls

Base, automatic	Direct Injection, automatic	Direct Injection w/ Performance Pkg., automatic	Class Average
8	8	8	6.3

Major gauges are large and easy to read. Likewise, most commonly-used controls fall readily to hand.

Details

Base, automatic	Direct Injection, automatic	Direct Injection w/ Performance Pkg., automatic	Class Average
8	8	8	7.5

Cadillac addresses a major CTS complaint for 2008, upgrading interior materials and design markedly. Luxury grade trim now rivals the best-in-class, with apparent improvements in assembly quality.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base, automatic	Direct Injection, automatic	Direct Injection w/ Performance Pkg., automatic	Class Average
7	7	7	6.8

Seats are roomy and supportive, complemented by an available tilt and telescopic steering wheel. Rakish roof line hurts visibility, however, with thick rear pillars a major annoyance. Note that some testers found that one of the central-dash vents blew directly onto the driver's hand, and could not be adjusted away--a major annoyance with the air conditioning running.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base, automatic	Direct Injection, automatic	Direct Injection w/ Performance Pkg., automatic	Class Average
5	5	5	4.5

Adequate rear seat space, though larger adults will feel crowded. Marginal headroom reduced by available sunroof.

Cargo Room

Base, automatic	Direct Injection, automatic	Direct Injection w/ Performance Pkg., automatic	Class Average
3	3	3	3.5

Usefulness of biggish, boxy trunk compromised by small opening. The optional split folding rear seat backs fold completely flat to accommodate longer parcels. Interior storage includes roomy center console and glovebox.

Value within Class

Base, automatic	Direct Injection, automatic	Direct Injection w/ Performance Pkg., automatic	Class Average
9	10	6	6.1

CTS now plays with the big boys. Major upgrades to the interior address the previous generation's most glaring flaws, while the new direct-injection engine delivers class-topping refinement and performance. Cadillac's smallest sedan is finally a legitimate alternative to cars from Audi, BMW, and Infiniti. Competitive pricing is icing on the cake for this Best Buy premium midsize sedan.

Total Score

Base, automatic	Direct Injection, automatic	Direct Injection w/ Performance Pkg., automatic	Class Average
71	77	69	66.8

Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score		56
Average Score		66
High Score		77