REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Now, don ’ t laugh

We know how much you loved the squarish and classic lines of the previous generation, the very same one that never gave the slightest bit of feedback on road conditions and had suspensions so soft they could make you seasick on the highs and lows typical of our roadways. Poor Granddad! The new De Ville is so very far from a sleeping pill on wheels. Good-bye chrome- laden controls, plush carpeting and velveteen bench seat.

With its ergonomic passenger compartment, high-tech accessories and inspired handling, this newcomer has resolutely turned its back on an entire era.

There is no question that dear old Granddad is bound to feel left out in the cold, along with a number of the make’s dealerships. After all, even if it was an automotive dinosaur, the old De Ville sold well. So shed a tear and turn the page, Granddad.The assignment given to Cadillac’s designers was challenging: reconcile the apparently irreconcilable. Still, the final result shows that where there’s a will, there’s a way. Even if the De Ville is nothing extraordinary to look at, it is nevertheless very elegant and very contemporary.

Its roof design can easily accommodate the padded vinyl cover and big buttons so dear to Granddad. Bad news: the chrome crown that used to perch on the very end of the hood, the better to let him gauge distances before running into somebody, is gone. But don ’ t worry, Granddad, there are alternative solutions.

There was a time that to truly appreciate a ride aboard a De Ville, your best bet was to opt for the rear seat. But before trying to stretch out back there, be warned that the new De Ville is shorter (read: easier to park) and narrower than the model it’s replacing. This being said, note that the wheelbase is longer, which means that the interior is as roomy as it always was.

The dashboard sports brilliant ergonomics and detailed instrumentation, although some indicators aren’t as easy to read as we ’ d like. On the other hand, night driving is as easy as can be since this Cadillac is the first automobile in the world to feature a Night Vision system. An infrared camera installed in the grille detects the presence of objects (or people) along its trajectory based on the heat they emit, providing a range that goes far beyond the range provided by headlights. Ingenious and efficient!

Loyal to the American tradition, depending on which version you choose the De Ville comes equipped with an imposing bench seat, but despite all of the efforts made to improve its lumbar and lateral support, it fails to live up to the standards set by the two nice-looking bucket seats featured on the DTS version.By definition, an American luxury car used to be an unparalleled jumble of equipment, where ride is an abstract notion. Quote, unquote.

No wonder I was reluctant to set out on a jaunt over long and winding roads. Behind the wheel of a Corvette, maybe — but a De Ville? Of course, all I had in mind was the boat- like handling typical of previous generations. Surprise: the De Ville — at least in the DTS version — proved me wrong.

The steering system is astonishingly responsive compared to what it used to be and compared to some of this model’s main Japanese and North American rivals. This car takes all kinds of corners very well and the electronic suspension on our test vehicle had a lot to do with the De Ville’s reassuring handling capabilities. Roadholding is impeccable and while the De Ville does show some tendency to roll, the drawback is only minor. The Touring suspension and 16-inch tires featured on the LHS make for very neutral read ability, with no negative effect on comfort. Coupled with ABS, the all disc braking is efficient and resists overheating very well. And if you’re a bit careless, much like Granddad can be at times, not to worry — you’ll be able to stop before getting into any real trouble.

There’s no question that you have to go out onto the highway to really appreciate this car. The ride is quiet, except for some wind and tire noise, the latter more obvious on the DTS, which is equipped with high-performance tires.

Under the hood is a 4.6-litre V8 Northstar engine. The base and DHS versions have a 275-hp output, while the sportier DTS has 25 more (yes, that makes 300 horses). Regardless of the configuration (275 or 300 horses), the De Ville’s front wheels are driven by a perfect four-speed automatic transmission. And despite its weight, the De Ville fares very well when it comes to pick-up and fuel consumption.

Cadillac’s objective was to make this luxury sedan more driveable and the result is a bull’s-eye. At a time when there are many choices available to potential buyers, the De Ville has got what it takes to sway consumers. Even if he is 85 or so, even good old Granddad may decide that this is his best option.

PROS
Powerful engine
Superb technology
Roomy interior

CONS
Unproven technological reliability
Make’s tarnished image

CRASH TEST (five stars indicate the best protection)
Driver: * * *
Passenger: * * * *