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An ’08 Cadillac Crossover SRX4 SUV from Findlay Cadillac Saab is seen on Highway 143 headed to Brian Head Ski Resort during a snowstorm recently in Southern Utah. The all-wheel drive vehicle powered by the 4.6-liter Northstar V-8 also included traction control, which proved invaluable while driving during inclement weather conditions.
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There is a certain mystic about driving a Cadillac – and an ’08 Cadillac Crossover SRX4 SUV proved multi-faceted during its test drive during a dangerous Southern Utah snow storm that featured every conceivable challenge ranging from white out conditions to snow and ice-covered roads along Highway 143 stretching from Duck Creek to Brian Head Ski Resort.
The Crossover provided by Findlay Cadillac Saab General Manager John Saksa and Marketing Director Pat Wall has the traditional Cadillac smooth ride and luxurious interior which has made the company a staple for decades. As the Motor Trend SUV luxury crossover of the year for three consecutive years, it came with accolades.
However, while the trip up I-15 to Cedar City and east over State Route Highway 14 east was effortless behind a 4.6 liter Northstar V8 VVT power plant featuring 320 horsepower, it was the sure-footed handling of the vehicle during near-blizzard conditions on Highway 143 heading from Duck Creek to Brian Head that was really impressive. A set of Goodyear Eagles made traction even better.
The Crossover had all-wheel drive along with traction control, a feature used extensively by Formula One race competitors. The combination proved invaluable and once I discovered how it worked in trying conditions, I found confidence in the vehicle even though the center line was covered with snow and the only real guiding factor I had were the poles on each side of the road.
Simply put the Cadillac Crossover fits everywhere from the valet of a ritzy hotel casino to the cabins of Duck Creek, Utah to the state’s most respected ski slopes. It is versatile, comfortable, flawless in the worst of snowstorm conditions and yet another example of General Motors’ brilliance to reach another market.
And while we put the vehicle through extreme challenges, still one other impressive part of the Crossover is its roomy interior, which can seat seven with three seats. `We packed the Crossover heading to Utah with groceries, two boxes of mini blinds and even a kennel for our Schnauzer – and still had plenty of room.
Yuppies will love it because it has room for golf clubs, bowling balls and snow skis and the Cadillac traditionalist will love it because it still has Cadillac quality and mystique. It has quick response off the line and an ability to reach highway speeds in no time.
Even soccer moms will like the Crossover and besides, their vehicle will sure get looks when friends see the kids are being transported in a Cadillac.
Add in the fact that the Crossover gets about 20 miles per gallon on the highway and it’s easy to see why it has become popular.
Add in a 5.1Cabin Surround Sound Bose system which rivals Carnegie Hall and it’s easy to see why the Crossover is easy to like especially when it is combined with DVD based navigation. Throw in a good challenge like a winter snowstorm and it’s easy to see why this may be one of the most versatile vehicles in America.
The Crossover is priced from the high-$30,000s. It has been lauded with Motor Trend Magazine’s Crossover Luxury Vehicle of the Year – and for good reason.
Findlay Cadillac Saab is part of the Findlay Automotive Group umbrella of dealerships, which was founded more than 46 years ago by the late Pete Findlay, whose son, Cliff, now spearheads operations in Nevada, Utah, Arizona and Idaho.
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