FIRST DRIVE
Cadillac BLS Wagon - Road Test
The BLS Wagon is the first entry into the estate market for Cadillac and it has made a good fist of it, from the outset.
Thanks to GM owning Saab when the car was initially made, the BLS shares its underpinnings with the Saab 9-3 Sportwagon. In fact both cars came out of the same manufacturing plant in Sweden, that is were the similarities end.
STYLING
As you can see from the pictures the BLS is an American car, it has the familiar angular styling and has a meaty edge to it. The car has a high waistline, while the windows have been squared off giving the BLS a distinctive look.
INTERIOR
Jump into the BLS Wagon and just as expected there is acres of space for driver and passengers. However, it is a different matter when you take a look at room in the boot, when the seats are in place the car has a modest 419-litres of luggage room, fold the rear seats flat and this expands to1,273-litres. Cadillac has equipped the car with a lot of kit as standard, this includes cruise control.
It’s more spacious up front, where generous standard kit includes items such as cruise control. Leather-wrapped steering wheel If you are loading the shopping in the boot then you will be pleased to know that Cadillac has installed a cargo cover and a net. There is also a fold-up grocery bag holder with hooks including a floor load net.
PERFORMANCE
There are six engines to choose from, three petrol units (2.0 T 175 Ps, 2.0 T 210 Ps, 2.8 T V6 255 Ps) and three diesel variants (1.9 d 150 Ps, 1.9 d 180 Ps, 2.0 T Flexpower 200 Ps). We were impressed by the ride of the BLS, the suspension could be a little stiff for some, however, we liked it as it made for good handling. Only the steering is somewhat lacking, we felt that it was vague and felt there was not enough feedback for the driver. This let the BLS down when it comes to ‘driving on’. The diesel power plants are good too, there is plenty of lowdown torque and the car has great acceleration for such a sizeable vehicle.
OWNERSHIP
The Cadillac BLS Wagon starts from £22,295 for the entry-level model, however negotiating a discount could be a deal maker. There is not many BLS Wagons on UK roads but this does not mean that the car will not depreciate, it will and according to Parkers Guide it could drop like a stone.
AT A GLANCE
| Name/Price: | Cadillac BLS Wagon/From £23,495 |
| Engine/power: | 1.9D/147bhp |
| Co2 emissions: | 167g/km |
| Official Combined fuel economy: | 44mpg |
IMN VERDICT
Cadillac has produced a good car. The BLS Wagon will stand out from the crowd, as it will be a rare sight on UK roads. However, depreciation may put some buyers off. If you want to keep the BLS for a long time then this may be the car for you, as it has a generous range of standard equipment and is using Saab underpinnings.
Simon McBride