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Cadillac XLR

Fancy a cut-price Mercedes SL? General Motors is touting this - the new Cadillac XLR - as a possible alternative. The car was launched recently in the US and is set for a European debut later this year, although bosses are still debating whether or not to bring the newcomer to Britain.

By Jurgen Zoellter

April 2003

Fancy a cut-price Mercedes SL? General Motors is touting this - the new Cadillac XLR - as a possible alternative. The car was launched recently in the US and is set for a European debut later this year, although bosses are still debating whether or not to bring the newcomer to Britain.

The company pulled out of the UK market in 2001 because of dwindling sales, but because the XLR will be engineered for right-hand drive, GM is considering selling the car here in limited numbers. Priced around ΂£40,000, it will be nearly ΂£16,500 cheaper than the entry-level Mercedes SL.

Based on the Evoq concept unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show in 2001, the XLR is strikingly styled, with lots of sharp edges and a boxy front end. As with the SL, it features a folding metal hard-top, although this operates with much less panache than that of the German model. Instead of sliding gracefully backward, the whole rear end of the car lifts up and swallows the roof in two pieces. Nonetheless, it's impressive stuff, especially as the Caddy's bodywork is made entirely of fibreglass.

That means light weight, and consequently impressive performance from the 4.6-litre Northstar V8 engine. The sprint from 0-60mph is despatched in only six seconds, while the top speed is electronically limited to 155mph. The XLR is fairly good dynamically, too. It's more of a grand tourer than a sports car, and the steering lacks feel, but the supple ride and well balanced chassis mean it always feels safe and well controlled. Our biggest gripe is with the fit and finish. Despite the incredibly generous levels of equipment, attractive eucalyptus wood trim and soft leather, the XLR's cabin lacks quality. The switches are brittle and plasticky, while the overall appearance is tacky.

And that's a shame, because in all other respects the Cadillac is a promising development. If it does come to showrooms here, GM won't be aiming for many sales. But for those who do buy it, the XLR will be a refreshing and exclusive alternative to German models, if missing that overall feelgood factor.

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FIRST OPINION

    What the Caddy lacks in quality it makes up for dynamically. For those who want to make a statement, it's an attractive rival to a BMW or Mercedes. However, the brand lacks prestige in Britain, while the lacklustre finish and crude roof mechanism aren't likely to satisfy European tastes.
 

AT A GLANCE

    Cadillac XLR goes on sale in Europe in the summer
    Supercharged 450bhp and V12 versions to follow in 2004
     
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