Although the Catera's exterior isn't likely to seduce potential buyers
on its own, we think folks who take the time to climb inside may change
their minds. Cadillac did a complete makeover of the Omega's coalbin interior,
and created an excellent driving environment in the process. It's the strongest
part of the Catera's appeal, preserving European sport sedan flavor while
adding warm earth tones and high-quality materials that should appeal to
American tastes.
Thanks to its generous mid-size proportions, the Catera is roomy enough
for five adults, all of whom will find enough head, hip and legroom in
which to get comfortable. The front seats are especially good, offering
standard power adjustment (eight-way on the driver's side, two-way for
the passenger, as well as carefully designed cushion shapes and sumptuous
padding. Heated seats front and rear are optional, as is leather upholstery
to replace the excellent standard cloth trim.
The instrument panel is attractive and unusually comprehensive, if somewhat
anonymous in shape. It holds large, readable analog gauges for speed, engine
rpm, volts, coolant temperature, fuel level and oil pressure, plus the
usual array of warning lights. Headlights are controlled by a large round
pull-out knob to the driver's left, while switches for most other functions--including
the heat/vent/air conditioning and audio controls--are located on the center
console. Control positioning is very good, and the airbag-equipped steering
wheel (the front passenger gets a dash-mounted airbag) has a leather-wrapped
rim and carries auxiliary controls for ventilation and audio systems on
its hub. Side airbags will join the list of safety features this spring.
A long list of standard fitments dress up the Catera cabin. In addition
to the items mentioned earlier, all Cateras have a tilt steering wheel,
power windows/mirrors/door locks, automatic climate control, and a good
sound system that can be enhanced with a trunk-mounted CD changer or replaced
with one of two optional Bose eight-speaker systems. Material and fit-and-finish
quality are both well above average, rivaling the best from competing makes.
Catera's biggest asset in its quest to charm Eurocentric drivers doesn't
become apparent right away. It takes some miles to realize that the Catera
is alone among current U.S. market GM sedans in having rear-wheel drive.
As such, it offers a driving experience more akin to that of its major
German rivals than to Lexus and Infiniti front-drivers. Traction is good
over all but very slick surfaces--a standard Traction Control system helps--and
the Catera is more fun to hustle down a winding road than any other Cadillac.
Which, of course, is the basic idea--luring younger buyers who would otherwise
be shopping at an import store.
Good steering and firm damping are fun for the driver, but are in this
case complemented by enough suspension compliance to ensure a smooth ride.
Subjectively, the Catera's ride-handling balance is excellent, regardless
of pavement condition. And its autobahn breeding shows up in excellent
stability at high speed. Some body roll is evident during fast cornering,
but that's not the kind of use most Cateras will get.
Far more important to this class is long-distance comfort; Catera scores
high marks in this department. And does so regardless of how many people
and how much luggage it carries, due in part to standard automatic load-level
control that keeps it on an even keel at all times. Catera's four-wheel
disc brakes with standard ABS are simply outstanding, delivering short,
undramatic stops in all driving situations.
For a car that will tip the scales at two tons with driver and passenger
aboard, a 200-hp dohc 24-valve V6 can only be considered adequate. Smooth
and quiet--but with an assertive rasp when revved up--the Catera engine
is happiest when it is used in the European manner to deliver effortless
cruising. Its companion four-speed automatic transmission--the only transmission
offered--shifts easily and unobtrusively, like all GM automatics.
In town or on the open highway, Catera is in its element. The only notable
sounds generated by our test car during normal driving came from the tire
treads; wind and engine noises were well-muted.