Description

Cadillac's attempts to break into the compact luxury sedan market have historically been unsuccessful. The Catera, for example, was a poorly disguised Opel Omega, while the infamous Cimarron's Chevy Cavalier roots make it an ever-popular choice for Worst Cars Ever lists (including our own). But the 2016 Cadillac ATS impressively distances itself from its underwhelming predecessors. Boasting crisp, angular sheet metal, an attractive cabin and excellent handling, it's America's best answer yet to the BMW 3 Series. The angular exterior design of the 2016 ATS stands in sharp contrast to conservatively styled competitors. The 2016 model year brings a slew of improvements to the ATS. An eight-speed automatic transmission replaces last year's six-speed unit, while the all-new 3.6-liter V6 engine adds 12 horsepower and 11 pound-feet of torque compared to the outgoing V6, along with an extra 2 mpg on the highway. On the inside, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration have been added to models equipped with the CUE infotainment system. The CUE interface also receives a more powerful processor and redesigned menus intended to make it more bearable, though the finicky touch-sensitive center stack remains a potential source of frustration on the road. You might be less annoyed by CUE than we are, however, in which case the ATS's exceptionally athletic chassis could give it an edge over the competition. Of course, the BMW 3 Series remains the poster child for the class, providing sporty handling of its own along with diverse and stellar engine options. The recently redesigned Mercedes-Benz C-Class, meanwhile, offers an elegant cabin awash in jaw-dropping wood, soft-touch and metallic accents. The Audi A4 and Lexus IS are also attractive alternatives, and it's worth noting that all four rivals have roomier backseats and trunks. Yet even in such illustrious company, the 2016 Cadillac ATS is a strong contender that's well worth sampling before you make your decision.