Last week's "Cadillac of Crossovers Test Drive" marketing event in Bolingbrook, Ill., gave consumers a first-hand look at the redesigned 2010 Cadillac SRX.
Gone are the square-corners, high roofline and slab-side profile of the previous generation SRX, replaced by sleek tapered contours for styling definition that reflect a more youthful appearance.
The 2010 Cadillac SRX launches into the strong luxury crossover vehicle segment that now commands nearly one-fourth of all luxury vehicles sold in the U.S. market.
The five-door SRX, delivers five-passengers in traditional Cadillac luxury with a handcrafted leather cabin filled with soft touch surfaces accented by French stitching. Soft ambient interior illumination highlights the cabin's flowing contours.
SRX occupants are surrounded by "must have" amenities like iPod connectivity, an available hard drive with 10GB of music storage, a 10-speaker Bose 5.1 cabin surround sound system and pop-up navigation.
The audio system allows owners to download music off of a CD and to rewind live programming missed during the vehicle's operation.
Cadillac SRX is powered with a 3.0-liter V-6 engine for 265 hp. managed by a six-speed automatic transmission that governs a front-wheel drivetrain to yield fuel-economy of 18 mpg. in town and 25 mpg. on the highway. All-wheel drive is optional.
A 2.8L V-6 Turbo engine with 300 hp. is scheduled to arrive this fall for 15 mpg./city and 21 mpg./highway.
Outback, an available power liftgate with height-position memory, provides effortless operation to a pre-programmed height and is closed with a push of a button placed within easy reach of the user.
An available U-rail cargo management system helps tame up to 29 cu.ft. of freight behind the second row. Over 61 cu.ft. of space is accessed when the second row is laid flat into a locked position. A standard under-floor storage bin keeps smaller parcels contained and organized.
he 2010 Cadillac SRX rolls into area dealers this month at a base price that starts at $34,155.
Virtual glove box
The Internet takes a new turn with automotive-based ZazHub to help owners manage their vehicle documentation.
ZazHub offers a web-based social networking approach that provides car and truck owners a place to profile their vehicle's service log, associated receipts, documents and photos for personal records or future resale.
"A detailed vehicle history report helps sell a car faster and usually for more money," says ZazHub founder Joel Petersen. "It gives the buyer more confidence when making their purchase."
According to Petersen, the Web site helps connect owners, service providers and others on the site to view one another's vehicle history without sifting through piles of accumulated paperwork.
ZazHub is free to subscribers. To register, visit www.zazhub.com.
