Not yet the Cadillac SRX

The SRX is intended to be a rival to the BMW X5, Mercedes ML and Lexus RX and was planned to be built in both left- and right-hand drive, enabling it to be sold in Australia.

However, given the current crisis gripping the automotive industry, and the new focus on more fuel-efficient models, the SRX is as yet unconfirmed for sale Down Under.

It was expected to follow Cadillac’s highly regarded new mid-size sedan, the CTS, which is due in Australian showrooms in March.

The CTS sedan is a rival to the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C Class and Lexus IS250, but it is expected to be dearer than the starting prices of those models. The established players start at about $50,000 but the Cadillac sedan is expected to start at about $70,000.

Given Australia’s appetite for soft-roaders (one in five of all new vehicles sold last year was a recreational vehicle) the SRX 4WD was next on the list after the CTS sedan and coupe to expand Cadillac’s local range.

While the CTS coupe is still likely at the end of 2009 and the SRX could have followed in 2010, the SRX right-hand-drive program is likely delayed while GM diverts its resources on more urgent projects.

According to the spokeswoman for Cadillac in Australia, Rebecca Clout: “We would love to add [the SRX] to the line-up in Australia but at this point we aren’t in a position to confirm anything. We will get CTS launched and see how it is received and then go from there on adding any additional product to the line-up.”

The all-wheel-drive SRX is powered by a choice of a 3.0-litre petrol V6 or a 2.8-litre turbo diesel V6 engines. Both come with a six-speed automatic transmission with sports shift.

Pricing was yet to be announced for the North American market, but an educated guess would put the starting price of the SRX in Australia at about $80,000.

Cabin highlights include a “pop up” navigation screen, and a built-in hard disc to store music. Safety and convenience features include headlights that follow the direction of the steering, and a power-operated tailgate, similar to the one that is standard on the Lexus RX.

The company says the SRX was designed to meet new, stringent pedestrian safety standards in Europe and the front bumper is positioned to have “greater compatibility” with car bumpers.

The SRX soft-roader is expected to become the second most popular Cadillac model in North America after the CTS sedan.

The 2009 Detroit Motor Show