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Walkaround
First impressions of the Catera may be a little underwhelming. When compared to the crisply-drawn shapes of its German rivals from BMW or Mercedes-Benz, or even the Italianate curves of the Lexus GS 300, the Catera's soft and understated exterior lacks the kind of appeal that sets checkbooks to rustling. It is, in most respects, a readily recognizable product of GM Design Staff, even though the basic shape is derived from the core car, Opel's successful Omega MV6. But good detail elements relieve this rather subdued exterior treatment. The nose in particular effectively blends traditional Cadillac cues--a large black-chrome grille with the company's wreath-and-crest emblem, for example--with aerodynamic requirements. And the rear deck, high and softly shaped, conceals a generous cargo space. Catera is offered in one model, well-equipped with standard aluminum alloy wheels, tinted windows and folding outside mirrors and an impressive catalogue of standard interior features covered below. Two alternate styles of road wheels are offered--one chromed, the other left in natural finish--as is a power-operated sunroof.
Interior Features
Although the Catera's exterior isn't likely to seduce potential buyers on its own, we think folks who take the time to climb inside may change their minds. Cadillac did a complete makeover of the Omega's coalbin interior, and created an excellent driving environment in the process. It's the strongest part of the Catera's appeal, preserving European sport sedan flavor while adding warm earth tones and high-quality materials that should appeal to American tastes. Thanks to its generous mid-size proportions, the Catera is roomy enough for five adults, all of whom will find enough head, hip and legroom in which to get comfortable. The front seats are especially good, offering standard power adjustment (eight-way on the driver's side, two-way for the passenger, as well as carefully designed cushion shapes and sumptuous padding. Heated seats front and rear are optional, as is leather upholstery to replace the excellent standard cloth trim. The instrument panel is attractive and unusually comprehensive, if somewhat anonymous in shape. It holds large, readable analog gauges for speed, engine rpm, volts, coolant temperature, fuel level and oil pressure, plus the usual array of warning lights. Headlights are controlled by a large round pull-out knob to the driver's left, while switches for most other functions--including the heat/vent/air conditioning and audio controls--are located on the center console. Control positioning is very good, and the airbag-equipped steering wheel (the front passenger gets a dash-mounted airbag) has a leather-wrapped rim and carries auxiliary controls for ventilation and audio systems on its hub. Side airbags will join the list of safety features this spring. A long list of standard fitments dress up the Catera cabin. In addition to the items mentioned earlier, all Cateras have a tilt steering wheel, power windows/mirrors/door locks, automatic climate control, and a good sound system that can be enhanced with a trunk-mounted CD changer or replaced with one of two optional Bose eight-speaker systems. Material and fit-and-finish quality are both well above average, rivaling the best from competing makes.
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