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Cadillac XLR
Car Review
Cadillac XLR
The Cadillac XLR is a decent looking convertible in a sector that sports very attractive cars. The Cadillac may have some difficulty keeping up with the competition from some of the more stylish manufacturers. But the XLR is well worth a second look.
Cadillac XLR Car Review Summary
Cadillac XLR
The Cadillac XLR is the firm’s convertible competitor. The car boasts a good sound mechanical build quality, but may not meet up to the standards of some prestigious rivals.
The Cadillac XLR delivers a quality top up ride on the smooth motorway. However, the car boasts more of a relaxed ride than a sporty one. The car’s exterior is attractive yet lacks real distinction. The competition is not likely to feel too threatened by the XLR.
The car’s interior is somewhat of a disappointment as well. Some of the cabin’s metallic finishes look cheap and the car’s instrumentation also looks cheap and unattractive.
The Cadillac XLR interior offers a lot of standard features, but doesn’t seem to pull it all together and lacks a premium quality feel. The interior is more representative of lesser brands.
The XLR can achieve 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds, and boasts a maximum speed of 155 mph. The car delivers an exceptionally smooth and comfortable ride, but may have some difficulty competing with more premium quality convertibles.
The XLR comes with a whole host of safety features and will be appealing to many buyers. Buyers who are put off by the inferior materials that have been used in the car’s cabin will probably look elsewhere for better value for the money.
Practicality
The XLR will be an expensive car to buy. Insurance and running costs are likely to be high as well. The car does feel well put together though and maintenance should be routine.
The Cadillac XLR cabin offers good passenger space and head and legroom should be good all-round. Boot space is seriously compromised with the top down. Both front and rear passengers should have plenty of room to ride comfortably.
The XLR switchgear looks and feels cheap. That being said, it is all logically placed and functional. The switches bear the name of watchmaker, Bulgari and seem a little silly.
The Cadillac XLR scores well for comfort. The seats are supportive and comfortable, and space is adequate. The car is fun to drive and provides a smooth and comfortable ride. The XLR will not disappoint buyers seeking a good deal of comfort in the form of a convertible.
The car provides good accessibility. The doors are large and provide a wide aperture for easy access and egress from the car’s cabin. With the top down access and egress is completely unhindered.
Parking the XLR is an easy task. The car provides good visibility especially when the top is down. The car’s extremities can be difficult to judge and caution must be taken especially when reverse parking.
Cadillac XLR
Life Style
The Cadillac XLR provides a good driving experience and provides plenty of power. The car handles well but the steering lacks a little something. The car’s sturdy build is obvious and other than the inferior quality of the cabin the car provides an excellent ride.
The XLR could be a good second car to a family. It would provide lots of fun for young and old alike. The car would not make a good primary verhicle due to the lack of cabin and passengers space and limited boot space, especially when the top is down.
The XLR would probably not be a good first car. It’s too expensive and running costs will be too high. Insurance will also be high and novice drivers may have a difficult time parking the XLR. There are definitely more affordable, better first cars available.
The XLR would be a fine addition to the Cadillac fleet if the interior lived up to the quality of the car’s exterior design. The car feels well built and should be reliable and fun to drive.
Cadillac XLR
Security and Safety
The Cadillac XLR standard safety features include keyless entry and an auto-lock function. The car comes with an alarm system and an engine immobilizer.
The car’s safety features include twin front and side airbags, ABS with EBD, traction and stability control.
The Finishing Touches
The Cadillac XLR standard audio unit features an XM Satellite Radio as standard equipment, and the wood treatment on the dashboard has been redesigned. The system provides good sound quality and is easy to use.
Two new colours are available: Gold Mist and Infrared. The XLR also features Cadillac’s first use of Adaptive Forward Lighting, a technology in which the headlights “turn” through corners to better illuminate the road ahead.
