Within minutes of this thing arriving at our office for a test, an argument ensued. SUV or station wagon? That is the burning question. Being American and accustomed to massive station wagons like Oldsmobiles and Chevrolet Caprices, I leaned towards classifying this Cadillac SRX as a station wagon.

But my South African counterparts disagreed. Anything this size is an SUV in these parts.

I may have to admit I’m wrong though. Only after I dug out some media info on this Caddy did I see that it’s all-wheel drive. I’m shocked actually. I drove this beast around for three days and I never had a clue. Still a smallish SUV, by American standards anyway. Wait, I take that back. The SRX is one of the most cumbersome cars I’ve driven this year. Its ass sticks out, not like a sore thumb, but like a thumb that’s been crushed in a vice and then stung by a swarm of killer bees. Massive back end on this thing.

Its sheer mass is part of why I like it so much. And it’s brash like anything American should be. You’ll probably either love or hate its styling. Pity we don’t get the 239kW, 427Nm 4.6-litre V8 version in SA. Maybe one day. But the six under the hood is good enough for now. It does look funny in there though. There’s definitely enough space in this engine compartment for at least another two cylinders. Maybe another six.

If you remember only one thing about what I say here, remember that I say that the SRX is an enormous improvement from Caddy’s BLS. Or maybe I should say Saab. That’s all that piece of metal is to me. Not quite a Cadillac if you ask me. I’ve experienced real Cadillacs in all their glory back in the day, when my Grandfathers drove them, and this SRX is much closer to the real deal.

Excellent suspension too. I’d almost go so far as saying the SRX’s ride quality could rival 7-Series or S-Class, but I can’t go quite that far. Very good though. And once the radio is at a happy decibel level, road noise is non-existent. Just like a real Caddy should be. Extremely comfy car this.

Although I never got to test out the electronically folding third row of seats, I have to give them a mention. Seven seats is just such a determining factor when it comes to SUVs and station wagons these days. I did manage to see them work however. Just push a button and abracadabra! Seven seats! Very nifty addition the soccer moms should adore.

I’m fairly happy with this Cadillac. It’s still a far cry from Caddys of old, but definitely worthy of wearing the badge. The only improvements I would ask GM to make are cosmetic. Toss those 17-inch wheels in the bin and fit a set of 22s. At least. I reckon a set of low-pro tyres would take this car over the top and demand a lot more attention too. But you can fit those yourself. Too bad about that V8 though. South Africans would love that choice.

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