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December 4, 2014
Cadillac's Vision for Automotive Safety | Cadillac
Cadillac SRX Crossover
“Superior Safety” Isn’t Just a European and Japanese Car Claim
Cadillac's Vision of Automotive Safety
The brand that represents luxurious and high-class America, a favorite among celebrities, is actually more eager than European and Japanese cars to adopt high technology and is quality-conscious. Kenichi Sakurai test-drives the Cadillac SRX Crossover, a leader among luxury SUVs born in the American market.
Text by SAKURAI Kenichi
Photographs by NAITO Takahito
The Unchanging Equation in the US Market: Luxury Cars = SUVs
While European brands currently dominate the SUV market, America has historically been the world's largest market for them. Even today, with calls for better fuel efficiency and downsizing, SUVs remain an indispensable presence for American customers.
Even America's premier luxury car brands, such as Cadillac and Lincoln, have long offered SUVs in their lineups. In fact, it's no exaggeration to say that these two brands pioneered the modern luxury SUV.
Cadillac'sEscaladeand Lincoln's "Navigator" prove that SUVs occupy the top category for luxury brands. Indeed, celebrities and athletes alike are choosing large SUVs as their preferred vehicles. It's almost accurate to say that the luxury car of choice for successful individuals is now synonymous with the SUV.
Introduced to Japan in 2010, the Cadillac SRX Crossover is a second-tier SUV that embodies Cadillac's "Art & Science" concept, featuring a stylish design and high-quality interior and exterior.
Above the SRX Crossover sits the Escalade, equipped with three rows of seats.The current SRX Crossover model received a minor change in November 2012with a sharper design for the front upper and lower grilles.
New turn signal indicators utilizing light pipe technology were added to the side vents. The Premium grade features new 20-inch chrome aluminum wheels, distinguishing it from the pre-minor change model.
There were no major changes to the powertrain; it continues to use a 3.0-liter V6 direct-injection DOHC engine, delivering a maximum output of 269 ps and a maximum torque of 302 Nm (30.8 kgm).
The AWD system employs a Haldex electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD), also used in vehicles like Volvo, which automatically optimizes torque distribution between the front and rear from 0-100% and between the rear wheels from 15-85%. This ensures excellent traction performance regardless of road conditions, providing stable driving even on wet highways.
Cadillac SRX Crossover
“Superior Safety” Isn’t Just a European and Japanese Car Claim
Cadillac's Vision of Automotive Safety (2)
All the Latest Technology
The latest model comes standard with CUE (Cadillac User Experience), an advanced integrated interface for operating infotainment systems. Using an 8-inch multi-touch display and steering wheel controls, it allows for intuitive control of audio, climate, vehicle settings, and hands-free calling, much like a tablet or smartphone.
However, similar to the Cadillac ATS we reviewed previously,Cadillac ATSthe navigation system integrated into CUE in the US market is unfortunately not compatible with Japan, requiring a separate, power-retractable navigation unit on the dashboard.
The "Rear Cross Traffic Alert" assists in checking the safety of blind spots on either side when backing out of a parking space.
In addition to CUE, the comprehensive safety features are noteworthy. The SRX Crossover's top-tier Premium grade includes "Forward Collision Alert," "Lane Departure Warning," "Adaptive Cruise Control," and "Front & Rear Automatic Braking" – essentially all the "collision avoidance" features found in systems like Subaru's EyeSight. The SRX Crossover comes equipped with all of these.
An American Ingenuity
Furthermore, it incorporates "Rear Cross Traffic Alert" and "Side Blind Zone Alert." The "Rear Cross Traffic Alert" is a particularly practical feature for the American market, where pulling into parking spaces head-first is common, meaning backing out is the usual departure method.
Test drive footage of the "Lane Departure Warning"
The "Lane Departure Warning" detects lane markings on the road and alerts the driver if the vehicle drifts out of its lane without the turn signal activated. The indicator lights up, and an audible beep or vibration from the seat cushion alerts the driver.
The sensors responsible for these safety features include mid- to long-range radar, two short-range radars, four ultrasonic sensors, and a front camera at the front of the vehicle, and three short-range radars, four ultrasonic sensors, and a rear camera at the rear. It is equipped with every available safety technology without reservation.
Additionally, it alerts the driver to potential hazards not only through visual and audible warnings but also by vibrating the seat cushion (Safety Alert Driver Seat), a novel approach.
This feature works in conjunction with Forward Collision Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Parking Assist, vibrating the seat cushion on the side of the detected risk, allowing the driver to perceive danger with exceptional clarity.
Cadillac SRX Crossover
“Superior Safety” Isn’t Just a European and Japanese Car Claim
Cadillac's Vision of Automotive Safety (3)
Practical Safety Features for Daily Use
During the test drive, we were able to experience demonstrations of how the "Forward Collision Alert" and "Front & Rear Automatic Braking" function when the vehicle is put into Drive and allowed to creep towards an obstacle without driver intervention, and how the "Adaptive Cruise Control" operates at realistic speeds.
We've all likely experienced a moment where we almost rear-ended the car in front of us because we didn't notice the traffic light change. The "Front & Rear Automatic Braking" is effective in preventing rear-end collisions in common urban driving scenarios, such as when distracted.
When an object enters the blind spot on either side of the vehicle, the "Side Blind Zone Alert" activates. An orange warning light illuminates on the side mirror (left photo) to alert the driver.
The "Adaptive Cruise Control" is a truly invaluable feature for highway driving, especially in traffic jams. Once set, the car automatically follows the vehicle ahead, accelerating and braking as needed, significantly reducing driver fatigue.
While further testing in everyday conditions is warranted, once accustomed to these features, it's easy to imagine becoming so reliant on them that choosing a car without them would be unthinkable.
Just as no one would choose a car without air conditioning, a standard comfort feature today, it's conceivable that the day will come when we'll be afraid to drive anything but cars with comprehensive safety features that prevent collisions.
In the Japanese market, where the concept of "water and safety are free" still largely prevails, Cadillac is directly competing with European brands by emphasizing its high level of safety.
The brand representing luxurious and high-class America, a favorite among celebrities, is actually more eager than European cars to adopt high technology and is quality-conscious. While the myth of Mercedes-Benz and Volvo having superior safety still holds strong, it's time to recognize that Cadillac also possesses top-tier safety performance.
Refinement, safety, and quality. These are all keywords fitting for introducing European cars, but they apply equally to the Cadillac of today.
Cadillac SRX Crossover
Body Size | Overall Length 4,855 x Overall Width 1,910 x Overall Height 1,690mm
Wheelbase | 2,810mm
Weight | 2,060kg (Luxury), 2,080kg (Premium)
Engine | 3.0-liter V6 DOHC Direct Injection
Maximum Output | 198kW (269ps) / 6,950rpm
Maximum Torque | 302Nm (30.8kgm) / 5,100rpm
Fuel Economy | 7.7 km/liter (JC08 mode)
Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 liters
Drivetrain | Electronically Controlled AWD
Suspension (Front/Rear) | MacPherson / Multi-link
Tires | 235/65 R18 104H (Luxury), 235/55 R20 102H (Premium)
Brakes | Ventilated Discs
Transmission | 6-speed Automatic
Price | ¥4,990,000 (Luxury), ¥6,250,000 (Premium)
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