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comparison, a BMW X6, a somewhat comparable vehicle, with the 3.0 liter gas
engine averaged 16.8 in a similar week of driving.
On the highway, I did a 30-minute freeway test with the cruise control set at 68
miles an hour and got a posted 31.3 mpg in the diesel. Think of that. A
5,225-pound SUV with no aerodynamics to speak of and full time all-wheel drive
getting fuel economy numbers similar to a Chevy Aveo, a Scion xB or a Nissan
Cube. A Chevy Tahoe hybrid is rated at 21 to 22 mpg.
The starting price for the X5 35d is about $52,000, which includes a bundle of
luxuries like all-wheel drive, stability control, traction control, hill
descent control, dynamic cruise control, xenon headlamps, rain sensing wipers,
panorama sun roof, leather seating and wood trim to name a few.
Those predisposed to looking at this class of vehicle and the X5 specifically,
owe it to themselves to test the 35d before making a final decision.
CADILLAC CTS SPORT WAGON
If you were Cadillac, how would you fully take advantage of your popular CTS
franchise? The company has been quite successful at remaking itself, and the
CTS has been the biggest catalyst in that success. Heretofore, only a sedan was
offered. Later this year, Cadillac will offer a Sport Wagon version and next
year a very stylish coupe.
The new Sport Wagon retains the desirable aspects of the CTS sedan but adds a
new dimension to the vehicle. The front half of the wagon is virtually
identical to the sedan, but the rear half is all new. The roofline is extended
rearward in a striking and stylish manner. The car is designed to make a unique
statement. It is expressive and dynamic. The styling alone might be sufficient
cause to buy this model. The functional benefit, however, is the doubling of
the cargo volume and
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the increased head room in the rear seating area. Behind the second row of seats
is a flat load area containing an in-the-floor cargo rail system with available
attachments. Below the floor is a hidden storage area plus a divider that keeps
cargo and groceries from sliding all over.
The power liftgate is programmable, allowing you to limit the opening height of
the gate to avoid banging it on the garage ceiling. With the second row of
seats folded flat
—and they do fold completely flat—you’ll discover 54 cubic feet of cargo space. If you need more room, the built-in
roof system will allow rails and more cargo.
The interior remains luxurious and interesting. Features like an HDD audio
system that automatically copies the CDs you play onto the onboard hard drive
is very nice. Fully automatic climate control plus OnStar with turn-by-turn
directions are very useful. A voice command street address entry system
alleviates the need of manually punching street addresses into a touch-screen
navigation system. Clearly state your desired destination and it plots the
course.
Previously, the CTS was offered with two versions of the 3.6 liter V-6. The base
engine was a less efficient port injected version and a direct injection high
output 3.6 was also offered. A new 3.0 liter direct injection V-6 now replaces
the base 3.6. It offers more power and higher fuel economy than the former
engine. The CTS Sport Wagon is capable of an EPA 28 mile per gallon rating on
the highway. The CTS comes standard in a rear-wheel drive configuration in
keeping with its sporty roots. An all-wheel drive setup is also available.
In total, the CTS Sport Wagon is a trim versatile vehicle that is stylish, fun
and functional. It could be the best CTS yet.
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