Cadillac BLS Wagon
General Motors is expanding its presence on the European market with new station wagon based on the current Cadillac BLS small sedan, which, although 6 inches longer, is sharing its platform with front-wheel drive Opel Vectra and Saab 9-3. Although looking much less agile than the sedan, the new Cadillac BLS Wagon is nevertheless a nice choice for a European customer who always wanted to have a Cadillac but couldn't afford the big one.



Cadillac BLS Wagon (back)
The cars will be available in the fourth quarter of 2007 with a choice of four engines: three turbocharged gasoline engines and a 1.9-liter direct-injection turbodiesel with a maintenance-free particulate filter, capable of delivering up to 150 hp of power. The line of gasoline engines includes two 2.0-liter four-bangers, producing 175 hp and 210 hp respectively, and a 2.8-liter V6 a twin-scroll turbocharger and variable phasing of the intake camshafts pumping out some 255 hp.

The engines are mated with either six-speed manual or five- or six-speed automatic transmissions with a "Sport Mode" shift pattern.

Inside, the Cadillac BLS Wagon features an audio system from Bose; a DVD-based navigation system with touch-screen operation; a Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone system with a hands-free kit; and remote controls on the steering wheel.

Its main problem is that you still can't tell the BLS from the Opel Vectra when looking from a distance. The real problem, indeed.

See also: Diesel-powered 2008 Cadillac CTS to invade Europe