4 Inside, the new 2010 CaWHEELS April 08 2010 dillac SRX features handcut-and-sewn coverings on the instrument panel, excellent fit and finish, ambient lighting and a full suite of instruments and available luxury fittings. Cadillac SRX boasts new 3.0-litre V6 Continued from pg. 3 The SRX starts with the new direct-injected 3.0litre V6 that replaces the previous 3.6-litre standard engine. This 3.0-litre is a smaller version of the directinjection engine featured in the CTS sport sedan, a motor that was named one of the World's 10 Best Engines for 2009. The 3.0-litre SRX derivative delivers 265 hp and 223 lb/ft of torque, equivalent power really when compared to the old SRX engine, with a little more horsepower and a little less torque. But the direct-injection and variable valve timing technologies, along with an early-shifting Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission, have optimized power with a resulting 10-15 percent better fuel efficiency. My mixed-driving average ran around 13L/100km. It's a capable powertrain but it downshifts at the slightest acceleration and this engine still has to work to motivate the SRX's two tons of fun, loaded as it is with all its luxury and tech goodies. A move up to the 2.8-litre turbocharged V6 bumps the power to 300 hp and 295 lb/ft of torque. This motor was derived from a family of engines that GM uses in luxury European models. It replaces the optional 4.6-litre V8 in the previous model. That's a big challenge for a smallish V6, but the torque still comes in at a very usable 2000-rpm level, and this turbocharged mill seems more lively and up to the task. And, of course, with its smaller displacement, it delivers better fuel consumption under lower-load driving conditions, such as during highway cruising. After picking up the turbo version, I managed 8.5L/100km on the 60 km highway run home. After combining that with city driving, and only occasionally goosing the turbo to fury, my overall average finally settled in at around 12.8L/100km. The 2.8-litre turbo V6 mates with a six-speed automatic as well, but this model-specific Aisin AF40 tranny includes a driver-selectable "eco mode" that lowers the shift points to maximize fuel economy. The SRX turbo version's performance can be enhanced with an optional sport suspension and all models come with ABS braking, Brake Assist, hill hold assist, Stabilitrak and traction control. You can bump up the SRX's content and dynamic abilities further from a long list of option packages. Other available techno-goodies include a new, advanced AWD system, featuring an electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD), adaptive lighting that swivels the headlamps in synch with vehicle steering, a power liftgate with programmable height setting, an integrated hard disc drive for audio storage, a dual-screen system for rear entertainment, Bluetooth compatibility and OnStar's Turn-by-Turn Navigation service for buyers who do not select the navigation system option. The 2010 SRX, a mid-size, mid-luxury crossover with a wide variety of model and equipment choices, with a starting price about $5k lower than the previous model. And if tripling the sales numbers of its predecessor is any indication, Cadillac definitely has a new heavy-hitter in its lineup for 2010. CADILLAC SRX 2010 AT A GLANCE BODY STYLE: Mid-size mid-luxury crossover. DRIVE METHOD: front engine, front-wheeldrive/all-wheel-drive. ENGINE: 3.0-litre direct-injected V6 engine (265 hp, 223 lb/ft) w/ six-speed automatic; 2.8-litre turbocharged SFI V6 engine (300 hp, 295 lb/ft) w/ sixspeed automatic. FUEL ECONOMY (AS TESTED): 3.0-litre AWD 12.2/8.8L/100km (city/hwy); 2.8-litre turbo V6 AWD - 13.6/9.1L/100km (city/hwy) PRICES: 2010 SRX starting price - $41,575 As tested: 2010 SRX AWD 3.0-litre Performance - $52,295 As tested: 2010 SRX AWD 2.8-litre Turbo Premium - $62,885 (Destination not incl.) WEB SITE: gm.ca