Cadillac’s sweet ATS 2.0 Turbo sparks four-cylinder infatuation

Cadillac’s smallest, most lightweight and agile sedan, the ATS, is attracting plenty of attention, even among folks who previously wouldn’t have been caught dead in a Caddy store.
And with good reason. It’s the first American-brand compact sport sedan that can seriously compete with the imports, desirable vehicles such as BMW’s iconic 3-series, Mercedes-Benz’s C-Class, Audi’s A4 and Lexus’ IS.
In January, I was surprised and impressed during a week’s test drive in a V-6-equipped ATS. But with two four-cylinder engines available — the standard 2.5-liter providing 202 horsepower and an optional turbocharged 2.0-liter, cranking out 272 horses — I was somewhat dubious as to whether the lesser powerplants could meet the demands of going toe-to-toe with the competition.
Well, call me convinced. Granted, I haven’t driven the 2.5-liter model — it’s probably only offered as a way to keep the entry-level price point down.
But for me, the biggest revelation is just how beautifully the 2.0 turbo performs. In fact, I actually prefer it over the six-cylinder version. It loves to rev, smoothly with a nice snarl, right up to redline. There’s no hint of turbo lag — power is available instantaneously when called for. And who can argue with a 30-mpg highway rating?
Unusual for a Cadillac, a six-speed manual transmission is offered with the 2.0 engine. Our vehicle had the ultra-smooth six-speed automatic, featuring a sport setting and steering-wheel paddles for drivers who prefer more control over shifts.

2013 Cadillac ATS AWD 2.0T Performance VEHICLE TYPE: Four-door, five-passenger, compact luxury sport sedan BASE PRICE: $43,895 PRICE AS TESTED: $48,375 (incl. delivery fees) POWERTRAIN: 2.0-liter, DOHC, tubocharged inline four-cylinder; 272 horsepower; 260 pound-feet torque; six-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel drive WHEELBASE/LENGTH: 109.3”/182.8” CURB WEIGHT: 3,191 pounds EPA FUEL RATING: 20 mpg city/30 highway (regular grade accepted; premium preferred)

Sure, the 321-horsepower six will out-accelerate the 272-horsepower four, but outright thrust is just one part of the sport in a sport sedan.
Cadillac claims an ideal 50/50 weight balance for the ATS, regardless of engine. Perhaps it’s the result of lower mass over the front wheels, or maybe our test car’s all-wheel drive, but the 2.0 tester felt a bit more eager to dive into corners than the six. In both cars, the electronic power steering delivered excellent response and on-center characteristics, with just the right amount of heft. But overall, the 2.0 seemed to be a bit more nimble.
One of the ATS’ most noticeable features, regardless of engine choice, is the car’s taut, solid build quality. This is a wonderfully engineered and lovingly assembled vehicle, evidenced by its fit and finish inside and out.
Consumer Reports’ just-released 2013 annual auto edition rated Cadillac as the highest-ranked American brand. The sweet, sporty ATS can only burnish that reputation.