Cadillac BLS

The car Cadillac says will finally put it on the map in the UK has arrived. Featuring the US firm's first turbodiesel - borrowed from the Saab 9-3 and Vauxhall Vectra - the saloon enters the competitive compact executive market. So how does it measure up?

The BLS is certainly different, but its edgy look has an American feel. Inside, the design is more to European tastes, and the quality on offer impresses, too.

Turn the key and you know you're in a diesel, but on the move the 1.9-litre unit is refined. Power delivery is strong from low in the rev range, and the six-speed manual gearbox is easy to use.

The stick is smooth into the gate, although there's too much clutch travel due to the deep-set pedals. The steering isn't pin-sharp, either, with vagueness on each side of straight ahead.

Still, the cockpit is spacious, and the driver's seat widely adjustable. And while there haven't been many advance orders, prices that are five to 10 per cent lower than rivals' will ensure this changes.