2010 Cadillac SRX By  ALAN GELL www.CarColumns.Net The SRX is not your ordinary Cadillac.  It is a mid-size SUV – that has become very popular among those wanting a premium luxury SUV rather than just a sedan.  The GM engineers have really done a great job in re-designing the SRX from the previous model.

   I first saw the  new SRX at the Detroit Auto Show early in 2009, but I didn’t get to drive it.  The SRX is not a new model, but it has certainly been redesigned for 2010.  It is actually smaller.  The third row seat has been removed and that allowed the design engineers to style the exterior to look more sleek and modern instead of looking like a mini-van or a station wagon.   Our test model was a Front Wheel Drive model, although All-Wheel-Drive is an option.  The exterior color was called Crystal Red Tintcoat with the interior called Ebony with Titanium.  

The 2010 Cadillac is built on a new platform and really delivers great performance for a crossover.  It is powered by a 3.0 liter V6 engine, matched with a 6 speed automatic transmission.   It produces 260 horsepower.  There is also a turbo-charged 2.8 liter V-6 engine that has 300 horsepower, although the engine in our test model did all that it needed to do.  It had a lot of pep and pizzazz.   It included four wheel independent sport suspension, which probably added to the great feel and handling.  I never had the feeling of body roll or slow response in steering.

Inside, the SRX, it is still pure Cadillac luxury.  Quality materials are used throughout and there is a lot of emphasis on creature comfort and amenities.  The navigation screen is large and easy to see, but it is a pop-up style, so that it is down and out-of-sight unless it is being used.  The dashboard is covered with hand-sewn leather.  There is a rear entertainment system that offered two screens, wireless headphones, and a remote control.  This was an add-on option, but it was quite appealing to our granddaughter on a short road trip.  Among the standard luxury and convenience touches was power adjustable pedals, leather wrapped steering wheel with controls, heated front and rear seats, and adaptive remote start.  I especially liked the ultraview sunroof.  The powered sunroof consisted of two sections – the front half like most other cars and a second half that opened up over the second row seat. 

The exterior simply looked attractive.  The chrome roof rails added a nice luxury touch, as wells as the chromed fender wells.  The vertical headlights blended nicely.  I like those adaptive forward lights that “bend” with your steering.

The EPA fuel ratings are 18 in the city and 25 on the highway, although I was getting slightly better than that doing a lot of highway driving this past week.  MSRP is $43,895, but with delivery charges and some options added, the bottom sticker price on my test model was $47,010.  There is no secret that Cadillac is going after Lexus with this new 2010 SRX.  It has been redesigned to look better and drive better.  It is priced lower than the comparable Lexus.  It has the look and feel of a true Cadillac.  Check it out yourself at a General Motors dealership.