Cadillac's CTS was once hailed as a potential game-changer in the UK market, but its ambitious plans never fully materialized. This article explores the rise and fall of the CTS in the UK, its strengths and weaknesses, and the current state of Cadillac's presence in the country.
Cadillac's ambitious attempt to conquer the European market in the early 2000s with the CTS remains one of the most intriguing chapters in automotive history .
The CTS, often hailed as the finest American saloon ever produced, was meant to redefine Cadillac's presence in the UK. The brand had long struggled to gain a foothold in the country, lacking a robust dealership network and facing stiff competition from established European and Japanese manufacturers. In the early 2000s, Cadillac planned to change this with an 18-strong dealership network and a commitment to produce right-hand-drive versions of the CTS, targeting the mid-sized executive market.
However, the market was already saturated with formidable rivals, and despite the CTS's impressive qualities, the brand's image was tarnished by the presence of the outdated Seville STS in showrooms. The dealership network never materialized, and by 2010, only one Cadillac outlet remained in the UK—Bauer Millett in Manchester—which eventually closed in 2015, splitting into Bauer Publishing and Milletts, a camping gear retailer.
The CTS-V, with its powerful 5.7-litre or 6.0-litre V8 engines, would have been the ideal choice for enthusiasts, but none are currently available in the UK. The only CTS for sale is a 3.6-litre V6 model priced at £1,950, with 81,000 miles on the clock. This model, while not as powerful as the V8 variants, still offers a respectable 255hp and 252lb ft of torque, capable of reaching 0-60mph in the low sevens and a top speed of 145mph.
However, potential buyers should be aware of its fuel consumption of 25mpg and an annual VED bill of £790. On the positive side, the CTS is rear-wheel drive and handles well, with many owners praising its comfort, spaciousness, and reliability.
However, some owners have reported issues such as engine coking, oil consumption, and electrical problems, particularly in models built between 2003 and 2007. This particular CTS appears to be well-maintained, with the last owner taking care of it for 16 years. It recently passed its MOT with no issues, and previous advisories for brake discs and a worn track rod joint have been addressed. Even the brake lines, often ignored in MOTs, have been replaced.
Cadillac's current efforts to re-enter the UK market focus on premium electric SUVs, but progress has been slow. The Lyriq, priced at nearly 70,000 euros, is only available in select European countries like Switzerland, Germany, and Sweden. Cadillac's 'direct to customer' business model relies on aftersales support from partners rather than a formal dealership network.
Clive Sutton has been appointed to develop a UK dealer network for GM Specialty Vehicles, selling high-end models like the Escalade, but it remains uncertain whether UK motorists will embrace Cadillacs in significant numbers. For now, the focus is on whether parts for a 2006 CTS are still available. While OEM parts are becoming harder to find, most consumables can be sourced from suppliers like GSF, Autodoc, and EUspares
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