Cadillac SRX
My sister-in-law recently chose the Cadillac SRX for her new vehicle without my advice, but knowing I loved my Caddy CTS.
She made a wise choice. SRX offers a dynamic alternative in the mid-luxury crossover segment, with a dramatic design, efficient engine choices and a nimble driving experience.
SRX customers now have increased access to the features they demand most, with expanded availability of the optional rear-vision camera system and keyless access feature. In addition, the cargo fence is standard on all the collections, allowing customers to leverage the SRX’s rear storage system.
The vehicle seats five and delivers generous occupant and cargo room; it can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. A 3.0-liter direct injected V-6 engine is standard and a 2.8-liter turbocharged V-6, which we test drove, is optional. Both employ advanced technology that helps produce strong performance that is typical of larger-displacement engines, but with greater fuel economy and lower emissions. SRX Turbo AWD is rated at 22 miles per gallon on the highway.
SRX has a wide stance, minimal overhangs and wheels pushed to corners. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard and 20-inch wheels are offered. A bold accent line dives across the body side and culminates at a chrome front fender vent that incorporates a side marker lamp. An integrated spoiler on the rearward edge of the roof extends the sleek lines and improves aerodynamics.
The vehicle features numerous advanced electronic systems. Highlights include a “pop-up” navigation screen in the dashboard with three-dimensional imaging, adaptive forward lighting that swivels the headlamps in synch with vehicle steering, power liftgate with programmable height setting, integrated hard disc drive for audio storage and a dual-screen system for rear entertainment.
For 2011, the SRX is equipped with ninth-generation OnStar technology. The flexible speech recognition system is now smart enough to interpret different sentences/phrases without actually hearing the exact two- to three-word commands from the user. For example, a subscriber who wants to place a call using the Hands Free Calling System simply says: “I would like to make a phone call” or “Need to make a phone call” instead of saying the exact “dial” or “call” command.
Additionally, significant improvements have been made to OnStar’s flexible speech recognition system to allow it to better understand many regional dialects. This means that a subscriber in Louisiana will be just as easily understood as a subscriber in Long Island or Minnesota. OnStar engineers in North America and China performed extensive validation testing across four languages (English, French, Spanish and Mandarin), more than 30 different dialects and vehicle models in a wide range of driving and noise conditions.
— Mary Ann Van Osdell
Published in August 2011
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