Cadillac SRX is a crossover built on the Provoq concept By ROB BEINTEMA Metroland Media Group Carguide Magazine The only thing new about the whole concept of crossovers is the name of the niche. Taking the attributes of one class of vehicles and blending them with another, well, that's old hat, a recurring theme of automotive evolution that has spawned everything from station wagons and sports sedans to minivans and multi-purpose vehicles. In the case of crossovers, it's a bounce back from SUV excess. Crossovers keep the best sport ute characteristics-- the higher vantage point and tall-wagon spaciousness, along with the all-weather attitude and optional all-wheel-drive capabilities. But they gladly give up the worst trucklike traits-- the oversized awkwardness, the harsh ride and poor handling of bigger SUVs-- for sedan-platform civility, nimbler packaging and a smoother ride and better fuel economy. It's a hot-selling but uncertain segment of the market. Even the vehicles within it are constantly shifting and evolving. Take, for example, the 2010 Cadillac SRX. This mid-size, mid-luxury crossover is all-new for 2010. Built on a new platform with a body-style based on the Provoq concept, this second-generation version was initially intended to be new BRX before Cadillac decided to stick with SRX name recognition. The new SRX drops the third-row option and fully accepts its role as a fivepassenger vehicle, settling itself firmly into the gap between Cadillac's CTS Sport Wagon and the full-size Escalade mother ship. The 2010 Cadillac SRX is shorter in length, height and wheelbase when compared to the previous model. But with wheels-to-the-corners architecture, a wider track and a corresponding bump up in overall width, the SRX was de- 3 WHEELS April 08, 2010 The Cadillac SRX is completely redesigned for 2010 with striking styling inside and out, two new and more efficient V6 engine choices, a new available all-wheel-drive system and a full load of available luxuries and technological content. signed to feel planted and sure-footed on the road. It also trades in the previous model's rear-wheel/all-wheel drive combo for a new front-wheel-drive system with optional all-wheel-drive models available. The redesigned 2010 SRX crossover harnesses two new powertrain choices, the smallest-displacement engines Cadillac offers in North America. A new, 3.0litre direct-injected V6 engine is standard and the 2.8-litre SFI turbocharged V6 is optional. Both engines, tested here, were designed to produce power levels typical of larger-displacement engines, but with lower fuel economy and lower emissions. See CADILLAC, pg. 4 "You will be completely or satisfied with your sales service experience, or you can call me directly!" John Perl, President CONCEPT FORD 361 Guelph St. (Hwy. #7), Georgetown 905-873-1626 www.conceptford.com