Cadillac just nailed the ats, I have a 14 2.0t rwd performance trim. It’s just an amazing thrill to drive!! The ats is slept on very much, more people need to drive this car!!
Nice to see you again Csaba! I think the real challenge here is not the car, it's the brand. With Cadillac being a disrepaired brand for decades, brand perception and image are going to be tough for potential buyers of this car to overcome. I wish GM luck and this car is a good effort to turn the brand around. Keep it up!
I'm impressed, as someone who's looking at buying a 3 series soon I'll definitely have to take this car for a test drive. I love the styling, and it's nice to see an American made car that's as good or better than it's German rivals.
This is one of the best new cars that has came out in recent years. I'm pretty sure that this Cadillac ATS will be a choice that luxury performance compact sedan buyers would think of. I would for sure buy this car. I will be saving up money for this car. Great job Cadillac.
summing up the resonance of the car press and automotive journalists thus far, and considering the fact that the ATS is Cadillac's first venture into a segment that's been largely owned by the germans i guess it is safe to say that Cadillac definitely has a winner on its hands with the ATS. i certainly am most impressed with it already and i'm sure that it will make its mark and be a success for Cadillac, further helping the brand to ascend to new heights.
A lot of people are making a lot of comments about the 2.5. But it does make a lot of sense for drivers that don't really care about speed (many women drivers). The advantage of the 2.5 is that it will probably run on 87 octane whereas the 2.0 will take premium. If your commuting in traffic everyday the 2.5 makes more sense. Also, turbo motors usually require more maintenance, and many turbo cars end up in the junkyard prematurely due to lack of maintenance.
I liked this review. It seemed less bias than others I have watched. I would really like to see him do a back to back ATS vs BMW 3 Series test and give his opinion.
Is it maybe that (YOU) are the one that's not a "car" guy. Just appreciate the fact that auto industry evolved to accomodate every kind of driver/buyer. There's absolutely nothing wrong with purchasing a "name brand" vehicle so long as you can afford it. So many haters with so little time. smh
I drove the ATS and fell in love with it. It handles like a razor blade and it's style like it was facetted by a diamond cutter inside and out. I'm looking forward to the new CTS too as well as the Ceil. By the way why do we have to argue over the Mercedes and the Cadillac. Why can't we appreciate both for what they are. Choice is a good thing to have. By the way Rolls-Royces and Bentleys don't suck either.
I am European (Austrian) and I do like it, just because of its extraordinary design and the fact that Cadillacs are - unfortunately - extremely rare in Europe!
Great video with very useful information, thanks! I really like the look of the car and would certainly consider buying it. It will be a tough battle against the entrenched BMW and Audi models but every review I've read/viewed seems to think this car is up to the challenge.
I have a few hardware quirks with my 2006 Chrysler 300, (steering wheel squeak, loosening dashboard and squeak from playing radio to loud, but its engine and fuel system, emissions and exhaust system are solid as a rock
According to Road and Track, the turbo will run on regular 87 octane but it will be down 20 bhp versus the recommended 93 octane. So on 87 octane the 2.5L would generate 202 bhp and the 2.0 turbo, about 252 bhp. The extra cost is $1800 for the turbo.
After having rented one of the 2.0 Turbo ATS's, I will be buying one of these in the very near future. I am a HUGE fan of the BMW 3 series and while the Bimmer is still the undisputed class leader, the ATS comes awfully close to BMW performance for less money.
I think that the ATS is one of the best values on the market today. The base-model 2.0T can be purchase for $36-$38k which is only a few thousand more than a Kia Optima SXL and it is still a great-looking, very premium-feeling car. I do wish that the base ATS came with fog lights though, I am hoping that they are able to be dealer-installed because the front end does look incomplete without them.
I'd serious consider an ATS-V coupe. I currently have a M3 with a DSC trans. and it and a few other minor problems would lead me to try the ATS-V. I was fortunate to drive a CTS-V coupe on a track and I was really impressed! It was just a little too big and too heavy for my liking.
This is true. It's completely apparent by them getting rid of the DTS. The only thing they have that comes close to an old people's car is the XTS which still doesn't look like an old person car.
I bet you would not be disappointed with a Buick Regal GS. I have heard they ride very well, are quiet, but are very sporty and fun to drive. Like a more laid back caddy kinda. Won't be as sporty, but will be a quiet cloud.
Agreed. They need to cut the 2.5L option for next year and give the US market the 2.8L Turbo Diesel engine that the ATS will have as an option in Europe. An engine that makes 346 lb ft of torque but also gets better mileage that the 2.5L
Parking my 3 series BMW next to this Ats really makes me think that GM has finally stepped up their game in a real tangible way , not just bluster and TV commercials ..I truly believe it will be my next car ..I am still waiting for a V version with a turbo V-6 to see how that one stacks up in cost and quality against the M 3 class BMW., then I'lll make my decision .They need to compete with the power of the ecoboost V-6 from Ford , and offer it with all wheel drive , for all us Northern dwellers
I like this car a lot. I buy what most appeals to me. I don't care about which is the fastest and whatever. To me it's not a compitition. It's cost, features, what appeals to me the most and what suits my needs.
I've liked Cadillacs for being their own car...they don't have to copy. In fact when you have Ferrari borrowing suspension components from an American car that's a huge complement. I'm loving their new styling more, they're very competitive with European luxury cars now. I've driven one and sat in several...I'm impressed with how far they've come. Of course they're not going to take the compact market by storm but this little rocket will certainly be a force to be reconconed with.
The V6 ATS will easily be able to hang with the acceleration of its German counterparts. I can't wait to see what Cadillac has in store for the ATS-V and how it compares to the M3
test drove this ATS (V4) fell in love with the looks of the car inside and out. However, was not too satisfied with the way it ran when i steeped on the gas. the lack of power was a turn off, and decided to call it a day there... think i might just keep faithful to BMW POWER!!!
Ive been one of the few true cadillac fans even though the 90's FWD platform was awful in my opinion. The new face of Cadillac is really impressive honestly I like the ATS and If i was looking for a car in this segment i would choose the ATS over the BMW for many reasons. 1 being the reliability I know the 3.6l v6 is extremely well built. 2 the quality is finally comparable to the Germans.
the 2012 BMW 3 series (F30) is the best looking car in compact luxury segment in my opinion, but it's nice to see how American car manufacturer now try to level up their luxury cars to match their European rivals
The problem with the CTS is the platform itself. The Sigma platform is old(been around since 2002, and was in development for 4 years before that with Holden in Australia)and heavy(compared to the Alpha platform the ATS is based on). This new platform is lighter, smaller and, supposedly, costs less to make. For those reasons, it's also supposed to be the base for the next gen CTS and Camaro.
You know what's most amazing about this? This is Cadillac's FIRST attempt at building a competitor to the compact luxury leaders, and they hit it out of the park. Americans, we've always had the ability to build cars like this, it's just that our priorities were different than our foreign competitors. Americans are notorious for loving money, and that's why our cars were always compromised; building cars cheaply mean't you could price them cheaply, and Americans love a deal.
We know that many former german car owners, do not like german cars anymore, and are buying Cadillac, Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler now. Anyway, in Europe you still don´t find many Cadillac dealerships and not many Cadillac-s are driving around. We hope that this improves.
Yeah, I was going to say the exact same thing! I've been reading the magazines since I was 6 or 7 (now I'm 23) and I've always had the "C's" sounding like an "S" in his name.
I would love to see that too, but everyone is predicting cadillac's performance department are going to use a twin turbocharged 3.0 L V6 that will make a minimum of 380 hp
Oh wow, we've been hearing different rumors, the info I got is a couple months old, the idea originally was that they were going for lightweight efficiency out of a smaller displacement
No one in my family has yet to own an American car that has needed a major repair with less than 200,000 miles on it. I just got rid of a BMW because, it had more problems then my entire family's cars combined. I needed an engine rebuild at 80,000 miles, I had to have the entire braking system replaced at 100,000 miles, plus electrical problems. The final straw was when the transmission broke at 110,000 miles. The reason my engine broke was so common a class actions lawsuit was filed against BMW
At the end, anyone else notice the ATS features the same theatre exterior lighting as the XTS? I thought i saw it with the graduation effect upon unlock and lock.
Based on your comment. There's only two scenarios with you: A.) You drive a fully loaded Altima and you constantly explain why your "situation" has more value. But deep inside, your upset cause you can't afford anything more. OR B.) You drive a 75K+ automobile and are upset cause the marginal difference in overall quality between the guy in the 35K automobile significantly closes the gap on the vehicle that cost you an arm and a leg.
2nd, actually, ahead of Porsche(!). Yeah, Jags used to be laughable in terms of reliability. But it looks like they've really stepped up their game in the past few years.
FYI To all the American Car Haters and Badge Snobs Autocar an independent British auto reviewer whom historically has been most harsh on GM loves the Cadillac ATS and they said it was better than the new 3 Series in many areas... If Autocar says it's good then it's good... They would be the first to point out flaws and they havent yet
Mess up a good car by having a manual?! More like mess up a good car by having an auto! I have owned a CTS-V for years now, and my 6-speed MT is definitely awesome to have. Sounds like Abdulla never learned how to drive stick. What a shame. You should try it. You'll love it.
nice car..gotta see how t does a couple of years from now..one thing Mr.Csere.. tell the guy that caddy tried to be in the compact luxury in the early 80' with something named cimarron...I know you remember it...
The XTS is like the phasing out of the older folks. I mean what old person is gonna learn how to use the Cue system lol. They need to come out with a like old school button basic model.
Yes, But the CTS is a bit of a fence rider, it's bigger than a 3 and smaller than a 5. That's why they made the ATS, To better fit its segment. As for the CTS, later next year it will get bigger to better compete with the 5 series and what not. As for the XTS, as nice as it is, it's really to make sure old people keep buying Caddies. We'll have to wait for what will likely be named the LTS for real 7 series, and A8 competition.
Beating BMW at engines won't be a walk in the park. If there is one thing they have consistently done right for decades, in each model, it has been engine design (but their roots would make that obvious). As far as matching or beating Audi on interiors, that could happen quickly, if they aren't afraid to spend the money. They also need to take into account just what it is that people like about Audi interiors. It's not just throwing high quality materials in a washing machine.
Sometimes, automakers have something called a "design theme", which they apply to all of their vehicles to create a sense of identity and uniformity. You should take a look at BMW.
As a person who has owned both a Mercedes and an BMW. I can tell you from personal experience that German car quality is not always everything it's cracked up to be and they use just as much cheesy plastic as other car companies. I love my E350 but when I eventually go for a new vehicle Mercedes is going to have some competition for my money.
The average ATS customer will always opt for the automatic transmission... the standard ATS buyer is someone who will be more engaged sipping their Starbucks latte' in the car, than manually working the transmission. The people who WILL want a manual ATS are the customers who would be in the market for an ATS-V.
oh no my friend the ats is marketed as a more trendy and youthful vehicle cadillac been hard at work trying to erase stereotype of being a old's people personally i'd take the turbo 4 banger with the manual i can see the aftermarket potential in that variant
Cadillac just nailed the ats, I have a 14 2.0t rwd performance trim. It’s just an amazing thrill to drive!! The ats is slept on very much, more people need to drive this car!!
How is it holding up so far? I'm thinking about buying one cause there's a really good deal in my area
Once again Mr. Csere is the best journalist in the auto industry!!!!
Csaba csere, one of the best and most veteran automotive journalists in the business
Nice to see you again Csaba! I think the real challenge here is not the car, it's the brand. With Cadillac being a disrepaired brand for decades, brand perception and image are going to be tough for potential buyers of this car to overcome. I wish GM luck and this car is a good effort to turn the brand around. Keep it up!
this car will sell like no other. its magnetic ride and compact size has me sold
I like Csaba's reviews. I have been reading them for years and it's nice to know see him online.
BigBoyWoogie same here very good
I'm impressed, as someone who's looking at buying a 3 series soon I'll definitely have to take this car for a test drive. I love the styling, and it's nice to see an American made car that's as good or better than it's German rivals.
This is one of the best new cars that has came out in recent years. I'm pretty sure that this Cadillac ATS will be a choice that luxury performance compact sedan buyers would think of. I would for sure buy this car. I will be saving up money for this car. Great job Cadillac.
cant wait for the comparison article!
summing up the resonance of the car press and automotive journalists thus far, and considering the fact that the ATS is Cadillac's first venture into a segment that's been largely owned by the germans i guess it is safe to say that Cadillac definitely has a winner on its hands with the ATS. i certainly am most impressed with it already and i'm sure that it will make its mark and be a success for Cadillac, further helping the brand to ascend to new heights.
Csaba Csere. What a name!
With that being said, great video from C&D! Also, I do like the looks of the ATS and I think it will grow on me even more.
car looks gorgeous in blue! i'd love to test drive this as soon as it hits the dealers.
Is Csere back at C&D? one of my automotive heroes so happy to see him doing a test run. The car looks really competitive cant wait to see what happens
That guy has a great voice! Talk about man with a golden voice!
Okay that a really good car. Finally an American car that is modern in every possible way looks great!
A lot of people are making a lot of comments about the 2.5. But it does make a lot of sense for drivers that don't really care about speed (many women drivers). The advantage of the 2.5 is that it will probably run on 87 octane whereas the 2.0 will take premium. If your commuting in traffic everyday the 2.5 makes more sense. Also, turbo motors usually require more maintenance, and many turbo cars end up in the junkyard prematurely due to lack of maintenance.
I liked this review. It seemed less bias than others I have watched. I would really like to see him do a back to back ATS vs BMW 3 Series test and give his opinion.
Is it maybe that (YOU) are the one that's not a "car" guy. Just appreciate the fact that auto industry evolved to accomodate every kind of driver/buyer. There's absolutely nothing wrong with purchasing a "name brand" vehicle so long as you can afford it. So many haters with so little time. smh
I drove the ATS and fell in love with it. It handles like a razor blade and it's style like it was facetted by a diamond cutter inside and out. I'm looking forward to the new CTS too as well as the Ceil. By the way why do we have to argue over the Mercedes and the Cadillac. Why can't we appreciate both for what they are. Choice is a good thing to have. By the way Rolls-Royces and Bentleys don't suck either.
I am European (Austrian) and I do like it, just because of its extraordinary design and the fact that Cadillacs are - unfortunately - extremely rare in Europe!
Car reviewers love it, and it's freaking gorgeous. Sounds like a winner.
Great video with very useful information, thanks! I really like the look of the car and would certainly consider buying it. It will be a tough battle against the entrenched BMW and Audi models but every review I've read/viewed seems to think this car is up to the challenge.
Absolutely agree. I doubt there will be any sales outside US.
I really like this man and his review. I expect more videos by him.
Great Review just what I was looking for
I have a few hardware quirks with my 2006 Chrysler 300, (steering wheel squeak, loosening dashboard and squeak from playing radio to loud, but its engine and fuel system, emissions and exhaust system are solid as a rock
According to Road and Track, the turbo will run on regular 87 octane but it will be down 20 bhp versus the recommended 93 octane. So on 87 octane the 2.5L would generate 202 bhp and the 2.0 turbo, about 252 bhp. The extra cost is $1800 for the turbo.
After having rented one of the 2.0 Turbo ATS's, I will be buying one of these in the very near future. I am a HUGE fan of the BMW 3 series and while the Bimmer is still the undisputed class leader, the ATS comes awfully close to BMW performance for less money.
can't wait to lease this baby after I return my CTS
it looks much better in black than the red in the press photos. i really hope it does well for cadilliac!
I think that the ATS is one of the best values on the market today. The base-model 2.0T can be purchase for $36-$38k which is only a few thousand more than a Kia Optima SXL and it is still a great-looking, very premium-feeling car.
I do wish that the base ATS came with fog lights though, I am hoping that they are able to be dealer-installed because the front end does look incomplete without them.
Cadillac need to strive for excellence!
I'd serious consider an ATS-V coupe. I currently have a M3 with a DSC trans. and it and a few other minor problems would lead me to try the ATS-V. I was fortunate to drive a CTS-V coupe on a track and I was really impressed! It was just a little too big and too heavy for my liking.
This is true. It's completely apparent by them getting rid of the DTS. The only thing they have that comes close to an old people's car is the XTS which still doesn't look like an old person car.
Csaba Csere is da man!
Love the ATS and I love CUE and yes, they definitely need a manual for the V6 engine.
Very good video guys!
What car segment is this guy talking about? Is it the same segment the Cadillac CTS is already in compared to the 3 series, G37 and Audi A4
I bet you would not be disappointed with a Buick Regal GS. I have heard they ride very well, are quiet, but are very sporty and fun to drive. Like a more laid back caddy kinda. Won't be as sporty, but will be a quiet cloud.
Agreed. They need to cut the 2.5L option for next year and give the US market the 2.8L Turbo Diesel engine that the ATS will have as an option in Europe. An engine that makes 346 lb ft of torque but also gets better mileage that the 2.5L
Parking my 3 series BMW next to this Ats really makes me think that GM has finally stepped up their game in a real tangible way , not just bluster and TV commercials ..I truly believe it will be my next car ..I am still waiting for a V version with a turbo V-6 to see how that one stacks up in cost and quality against the M 3
class BMW., then I'lll make my decision .They need to compete with the power of the ecoboost V-6 from Ford , and offer it with all wheel drive , for all us Northern dwellers
I cant wait for the coupe/ v series version of this car.
I like this car a lot. I buy what most appeals to me. I don't care about which is the fastest and whatever. To me it's not a compitition. It's cost, features, what appeals to me the most and what suits my needs.
I've liked Cadillacs for being their own car...they don't have to copy. In fact when you have Ferrari borrowing suspension components from an American car that's a huge complement. I'm loving their new styling more, they're very competitive with European luxury cars now. I've driven one and sat in several...I'm impressed with how far they've come. Of course they're not going to take the compact market by storm but this little rocket will certainly be a force to be reconconed with.
You remember back in the early 2000's when they came out with the Cadillac Cien concept? I wanted that to be made badly.
Man I want one!! Looking forward to the ATS-V.
Although budget wise--I can wait for the 6th gen alpha Camaro.
The V6 ATS will easily be able to hang with the acceleration of its German counterparts. I can't wait to see what Cadillac has in store for the ATS-V and how it compares to the M3
I can't wait for this car to be out!
i think caddilac is definately making a comeback
test drove this ATS (V4) fell in love with the looks of the car inside and out. However, was not too satisfied with the way it ran when i steeped on the gas. the lack of power was a turn off, and decided to call it a day there... think i might just keep faithful to BMW POWER!!!
i completely agree :D it's a great car, but not always immediately recognizable
20 years reading the magazine. Only today i learned how to pronounce this guy's name.
Ive been one of the few true cadillac fans even though the 90's FWD platform was awful in my opinion. The new face of Cadillac is really impressive honestly I like the ATS and If i was looking for a car in this segment i would choose the ATS over the BMW for many reasons. 1 being the reliability I know the 3.6l v6 is extremely well built. 2 the quality is finally comparable to the Germans.
about the LED's, look at 3:16 , what do you see down there? And in the headlights also? It has daytime-running-lights.
How Much was it?
the 2012 BMW 3 series (F30) is the best looking car in compact luxury segment in my opinion, but it's nice to see how American car manufacturer now try to level up their luxury cars to match their European rivals
THANK YOU
The problem with the CTS is the platform itself. The Sigma platform is old(been around since 2002, and was in development for 4 years before that with Holden in Australia)and heavy(compared to the Alpha platform the ATS is based on). This new platform is lighter, smaller and, supposedly, costs less to make. For those reasons, it's also supposed to be the base for the next gen CTS and Camaro.
It takes the 3.6 Liter option just to get the 0-60 time of the new 328i's Turbo 4?
:-/
You know what's most amazing about this? This is Cadillac's FIRST attempt at building a competitor to the compact luxury leaders, and they hit it out of the park. Americans, we've always had the ability to build cars like this, it's just that our priorities were different than our foreign competitors. Americans are notorious for loving money, and that's why our cars were always compromised; building cars cheaply mean't you could price them cheaply, and Americans love a deal.
Actually it’s their second, I would love to forget the cimmeron but I can’t…
Wow, I always wondered how to pronounce Csaba Csere.
Totally not what I would have guessed.
Any plans for a coupe? ATS-V coupe?
WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS GUYS NAME LOOOOOOL!?!?!?! Csaba Csere. That's awesome! From the way he says it I would have never guessed it.
I like the presenter, really cool and competent....
I swear to god if I see another Buick Verano commercial before a TH-cam video I'm gonna go crazy...
We know that many former german car owners, do not like german cars anymore, and are buying Cadillac, Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler now. Anyway, in Europe you still don´t find many Cadillac dealerships and not many Cadillac-s are driving around. We hope that this improves.
I've heard rumors of a TT 3.0 Liter V6 for the ATS-V... But really hope they wait and drop in the new 5.5 Liter V8 from the new C7 Corvette
Yeah, I was going to say the exact same thing! I've been reading the magazines since I was 6 or 7 (now I'm 23) and I've always had the "C's" sounding like an "S" in his name.
I'm also disappointed that the Sixteen didn't make it to the showrooms! What a great flagship it would have been!
Beautiful.
I would love to see that too, but everyone is predicting cadillac's performance department are going to use a twin turbocharged 3.0 L V6 that will make a minimum of 380 hp
Oh wow, we've been hearing different rumors, the info I got is a couple months old, the idea originally was that they were going for lightweight efficiency out of a smaller displacement
is BTK now working for Car and Driver ?
No one in my family has yet to own an American car that has needed a major repair with less than 200,000 miles on it. I just got rid of a BMW because, it had more problems then my entire family's cars combined. I needed an engine rebuild at 80,000 miles, I had to have the entire braking system replaced at 100,000 miles, plus electrical problems. The final straw was when the transmission broke at 110,000 miles. The reason my engine broke was so common a class actions lawsuit was filed against BMW
At the age of 20, I'll stick with my TDi haha. If I were in the market for a compact sedan, I'd love to take ATS or the Regal GS for a ride!
I am sure we will see something exciting when they release the V-Series.
At the end, anyone else notice the ATS features the same theatre exterior lighting as the XTS? I thought i saw it with the graduation effect upon unlock and lock.
Based on your comment. There's only two scenarios with you: A.) You drive a fully loaded Altima and you constantly explain why your "situation" has more value. But deep inside, your upset cause you can't afford anything more. OR B.) You drive a 75K+ automobile and are upset cause the marginal difference in overall quality between the guy in the 35K automobile significantly closes the gap on the vehicle that cost you an arm and a leg.
this is a really nice car..
2nd, actually, ahead of Porsche(!). Yeah, Jags used to be laughable in terms of reliability. But it looks like they've really stepped up their game in the past few years.
is there Diesel Engines in USA ??
FYI To all the American Car Haters and Badge Snobs
Autocar an independent British auto reviewer whom historically has been most harsh on GM loves the Cadillac ATS and they said it was better than the new 3 Series in many areas...
If Autocar says it's good then it's good... They would be the first to point out flaws and they havent yet
agreed!
Mess up a good car by having a manual?! More like mess up a good car by having an auto! I have owned a CTS-V for years now, and my 6-speed MT is definitely awesome to have. Sounds like Abdulla never learned how to drive stick. What a shame. You should try it. You'll love it.
What was that rattling sound when he accelerated hard? Almost sounded like engine knock.
nice car..gotta see how t does a couple of years from now..one thing Mr.Csere.. tell the guy that caddy tried to be in the compact luxury in the early 80' with something named cimarron...I know you remember it...
Save the manuals. V6 with manual sounds very intriguing!
The XTS is like the phasing out of the older folks. I mean what old person is gonna learn how to use the Cue system lol. They need to come out with a like old school button basic model.
The new Cadillac ATS is getting 70% of its sales from former German car owners. Cadillac has seen a 40% increase in sales from this time last year.
great job chubba chaira
Yes, But the CTS is a bit of a fence rider, it's bigger than a 3 and smaller than a 5. That's why they made the ATS, To better fit its segment. As for the CTS, later next year it will get bigger to better compete with the 5 series and what not. As for the XTS, as nice as it is, it's really to make sure old people keep buying Caddies. We'll have to wait for what will likely be named the LTS for real 7 series, and A8 competition.
I'm 22 and I'd drive one.
Beating BMW at engines won't be a walk in the park. If there is one thing they have consistently done right for decades, in each model, it has been engine design (but their roots would make that obvious). As far as matching or beating Audi on interiors, that could happen quickly, if they aren't afraid to spend the money. They also need to take into account just what it is that people like about Audi interiors. It's not just throwing high quality materials in a washing machine.
Sometimes, automakers have something called a "design theme", which they apply to all of their vehicles to create a sense of identity and uniformity. You should take a look at BMW.
Nice, they got the size right too. Style I like - american at a glance
As a person who has owned both a Mercedes and an BMW. I can tell you from personal experience that German car quality is not always everything it's cracked up to be and they use just as much cheesy plastic as other car companies. I love my E350 but when I eventually go for a new vehicle Mercedes is going to have some competition for my money.
American cars have improved since 2000
The average ATS customer will always opt for the automatic transmission... the standard ATS buyer is someone who will be more engaged sipping their Starbucks latte' in the car, than manually working the transmission. The people who WILL want a manual ATS are the customers who would be in the market for an ATS-V.
oh no
my friend the ats is marketed as a more trendy and youthful vehicle
cadillac been hard at work trying to erase stereotype of being a old's people
personally i'd take the turbo 4 banger with the manual i can see the aftermarket potential in that variant