VIDEO: US car of the year named
2013-01-15 09:00
ENTRY LEVEL LUXURY: The ATS is Cadillac's first shot at competing in the entry-level luxury sedan segment as it takes on well-established rivals including the BMW 3 Series.
DETROIT, Michigan - The Cadillac ATS luxury sport sedan has been named the 2013 North American Car of the Year.
The award was announced at a media conference ahead of the 25th annual North American International Auto Show.
FIVE-STAR SAFETY
Bob Ferguson, a General Motors' vice-president, said: "This is a very meaningful honour for the entire Cadillac team, especially the men and women who build the ATS in Lansing, Michigan, and our dedicated and talented designers and engineers.
"A car such as the ATS is the result of incredible commitment and focus. That's the only way to create a great performing luxury car."
The ATS is based on General Motors Alpha platform.
Watch the video
The base engine is a fuel-injected 2.5 petrol unit capable of 151kW. Other petrol units include a turbocharged two-litre (203kW) and a 3.6 V6 that does 239kW. The engines are normally mated to six-speed auto 'boxes but the two-litre turb can be ordered with a six-speed manual.
The ATS received a five-star overall crash-test rating at US standards.
