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But really, those are minor quibbles. The ATS delivered solid gas mileage -- around 26 mpg on the highway -- at a cruising speed that should not provide good mileage.

The cabin always felt luxurious and complete. There are plenty of interior features that were nicely executed and genuinely appreciated. I found myself frequently using the hidden storage box behind the stereo face because it included a USB port that made it a perfect spot for a phone. You could also fit a compact .45 in there if you were so inclined and had the proper license.

I also really liked the 110V outlet that faces the second row. More than once, I used it to charge my computer or other devices that needed more of a boost than a USB port allows.

While many people would prefer an all-wheel-drive model, I never found a need for it, even during the harshest of conditions of snow and ice. The ATS performed splendidly, providing good grip and solid acceleration. At times I could get the rear end to kick out a little bit, but that required turning off the stability control.

The car has legitimate sporty chops but also all of the luxury most customers would expect. It's certainly the Cadillac of small sports sedans and will carve out its own following over time as more people get behind the wheel of this small gem.

More on our long-term 2014Cadillac ATS2.0T:

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Our Car
SERVICE LIFE	15,300 mi
BASE PRICE	$43,020
OPTIONS	CUE and Navigation ($945), 18-in aluminum wheels ($800), Cold Weather Package ($600: heated front seats, heated steering wheel), Majestic Plum Metallic paint ($495)
PRICE AS TESTED	$45,860
AVG ECON/CO2	25.9 mpg / 0.75 lb/mi
PROBLEM AREAS	None
MAINTENANCE COST	$0 (2-oil change, inspection; 1-tire rotation)
NORMAL-WEAR COST	$0
3-YEAR RESIDUAL VALUE*	$18,344
RECALLS	Automatic transmission shift cable, front seat bracket

2014 Cadillac ATS 2.0T (Performance)
POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS
DRIVETRAIN LAYOUT	Front-engine, RWD
ENGINE TYPE	Turbocharged I-4, aluminum block/head
VALVETRAIN	DOHC, 4 valves/cyl
DISPLACEMENT	121.9 cu in/1998 cc
COMPRESSION RATIO	9.5:1
POWER (SAE NET)	272 hp @ 5500 rpm*
TORQUE (SAE NET)	260 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm*
REDLINE	7000 rpm
WEIGHT TO POWER	12.5 lb/hp
TRANSMISSION	6-speed automatic
AXLE/FINAL-DRIVE RATIO	3.27:1/2.19:1
SUSPENSION, FRONT; REAR	Struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar; multilink, coil springs, anti-roll bar
STEERING RATIO	16.8:1
TURNS LOCK-TO-LOCK	3.0
BRAKES, F;R	12.6-in vented disc; 12.4-in vented disc, ABS
WHEELS, F;R	8.0 x 18-in, cast aluminum
TIRES, F;R	225/40R18 M+S Michelin Primacy MXM4 ZP
DIMENSIONS
WHEELBASE	109.3 in
TRACK, F/R	59.5/60.9 in
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT	182.8 x 71.1 x 55.9 in
TURNING CIRCLE	36.4 ft
CURB WEIGHT	3404 lb
WEIGHT DIST., F/R	51/49%
SEATING CAPACITY	5
HEADROOM, F/R	38.6/36.8 in
LEGROOM, F/R	42.5/33.5 in
SHOULDER ROOM, F/R	55.2/53.9 in
CARGO VOLUME	10.4 cu ft
TEST DATA
ACCELERATION TO MPH
0-30	1.9 sec
0-40	3.1
0-50	4.3
0-60	5.7
0-70	7.7
0-80	9.6
0-90	12.0
0-100	15.1
PASSING, 45-65 MPH	3.1
QUARTER MILE	14.3 sec @ 97.3 mph
BRAKING, 60-0 MPH	114 ft
LATERAL ACCELERATION	0.89 g (avg)
MT FIGURE EIGHT	26.7 sec @ 0.66 g (avg)
TOP-GEAR REVS @ 60 MPH	1825 rpm
CONSUMER INFO
STABILITY/TRACTION CONTROL	Yes/yes
AIRBAGS	Dual front, front side, f/r curtain, front knee
BASIC WARRANTY	4 yrs/50,000 miles
POWERTRAIN WARRANTY	6 yrs/70,000 miles
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE	6 yrs/70,000 miles
FUEL CAPACITY	16.0 gal
EPA CITY/HWY ECON	21/31/24 mpg
ENERGY CONS., CITY/HWY	160/109 kW-hrs/100 miles
CO2 EMISSIONS	0.79 lb/mile
RECOMMENDED FUEL	Unleaded premium
*SAE Certified