2009 Cadillac STS

NEW FOR 2009:

- 12-month XM satellite radio subscription included

Having undergone several modifications for 2008, the 2009 Cadillac STS is unchanged, save that the XM satellite radio subscription has been lengthened from three months to one year.

The STS sedan is available with a choice of three engines: a 3.6-litre V6 in the STS V6, a 4.6-litre V8 in the STS V8, and a supercharged 4.4-litre V8 in the STS-V. All use a six-speed automatic transmission. All are rear-wheel drive, but the V6 and V8 can be optioned with all-wheel drive.

Features on the V6 include 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, fog lights, variable intermittent wipers, aluminum trim accents, cruise control, driver information centre, tire pressure monitoring system, compass, auto-dimming mirror, power tilt and telescopic leather-wrapped wheel with audio controls, express up/down windows, eight-way power leather seats, fixed rear seat with pass-through, CD/MP3 Bose stereo with XM satellite radio, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, speed-sensitive variable assist steering, keyless entry, automatic headlamps, theft deterrent system, rear parking assist, StabiliTrak electronic stability control, and OnStar with Turn by Turn Navigation.

The V8 adds rain-sensing wipers, genuine wood trim, rear-seat climate controls, heated wood and leather steering wheel, cargo net, front and rear heated seats, front power lumbar adjustment, driver's side memory, six-CD/MP3 stereo, and auto-levelling rear suspension.

The STS-V adds 18-inch front and 19-inch rear alloy wheels, deck lid spoiler, power sunroof, heated washer nozzles, olive ash burlwood trim, leather-trimmed instrument panel, heated wheel with aluminum accents, heated leather-trimmed seats with suede fabric inserts, navigation system, four-wheel Brembo brakes with four-piston front calipers and high-performance pads, limited-slip rear differential, variable-ratio performance steering, performance suspension with larger stabilizer bars, xenon headlamps with automatic high-beam control, lane departure warning system, and four-mode driver-selectable StabiliTrak.

Depending on the model, options include summer performance tires, sunroof, Platinum Edition Package, adaptive cruise control, head-up display, perforated leather seats, and performance suspension.

The STS offers a range of driving experiences, from V6 power to the sports-oriented V model, but all provide excellent performance and the luxury touches expected from Cadillac. Rear-seat room can be tight, but this is primarily a driver's vehicle. Available packages can add several levels of luxury, performance and technology features.