The Essentials

• Price from £40,897
• What Car? says:
• Fuel economy: up to 28.8mpg
• What is it? This unusual executive car will get you noticed but enjoys support from a very limited dealer network

• Drive

  Engines are willing, the ride and handling decent. Auto-box hinders overtaking and smooth driving, though

• Inside

  Pedal position will leave you feeling a little wonky

• Safety

  They take this stuff seriously in the Land of the Free

• Reliability

  Shouldn't be many problems: which is good, as finding a main dealer for repairs will be a pain

• Space

  Kylie-types might marvel at the headroom, but the less diminutive will get a cricked neck

• Standard and extras

  Leather, alloys, electrically adjusted front seats and climate control all standard

• What's it like to drive?

  There are lots of flat, straight roads in America so luxury-loving Thelmas and Louises are happy with cars that ride and handle like blancmange. That won't cut it for the British driver, so the Cadillac CTS is more European in outlook. The ride is reasonable, and controlled at speed and on bends, but soggy steering is disappointing. Throaty V6 engines are let down by a standard automatic gearbox that doesn't inspire overtaking confidence.

• What's it like inside?

  The Cadillac CTS's electrically adjustable seat is fine for your bottom and back, but a steering wheel and pedals that are positioned as if only on nodding terms means comfort is hard to achieve. The back seats offer lots of legroom, but thanks to a low roof that's only useful if your passengers are leggy but short up top. The controls are logical and easy to use, though.

• How reliable is it?

  In the USA Cadillac's reliability ratings are on the up. The cabin trim in the Cadillac CTS doesn't feel as special as that in similarly priced European cars but it does feel robust. It should be as safe as The Pentagon thanks to curtain airbags that run the length of the cabin, electronic stability control, doors that automatically lock just after entry, and an alarm and immobiliser.

• Should I buy one?

  While not a true gas-guzzler in the classic American sense, don't expect the Cadillac CTS to be cheap to run. And if you think the car will be a rare sight on the UK roads wait until you start looking out for Caddy dealers: they're few and far between. Getting your car serviced could be as complicated as blindfold knitting and it'll affect the resale value too.