For whatever reason, wagons aren’t nearly as popular among the American car-buying public as their three-box (read: sedan) and raised wagon crossover variants. But for the most part, those those who buy wagons tend to love them, and appreciate their spacious and practical nature combined with the handling and overall driving qualities of a car, as opposed to a pickup truck, SUV, or even crossover. And when it comes to wagons, Cadillac seems to be an all-or-nothing proposition.
As part of its Art & Science brand revival, Caddy created the CTS Sport Wagon for the second-gen CTS. While it never sold in huge numbers in North America, the car instantly became a favorite among wagon lovers the world over. And when the high-performance V variant landed, it added even more awesome to the already-awesome CTS Sport Wagon. Fast forward four years, and Cadillac’s Art & Science rejuvenation has proven to be highly-successful, with models like the ATS and all-new third-gen CTS winning accolades, sales, and the hearts and minds of sport-luxury vehicles. Unfortunately for wagon lovers, the introduction of both Alpha-based sedans came at the expense of their wagon variants… although some remain hopeful.
And in that spirit, we’ve mocked up this rendering of a Cadillac ATS Sport Wagon. We’re told that if/when a wagon variant is approved for production, the ATS will be the most likely candidate. Furthermore, given Cadillac’s newfound focus on the European market — where wagons and hatchbacks are often more popular than their sedan variants — having at least one wagon in the lineup is just good business. So, what do you think? ATS Sport Wagon: hot or not?
Comments
I don’t hate the rendering. I just don’t like the way the C pillar was done on the CTS wagon (the donor wagon in this photo) and I would like to see it executed better on an ATS wagon.
No matter what the results you will not see a wagon at Cadillac till they go back to Europe. It may be a few years yet.
There is just not enough demand here in the states to support them alone. Also with all the new SUV and CUV models Caddy has planned it would struggle here.
I love the CTS wagon but I also understand the demands of the American market.
The American market is just different and GM will have to address both a little differently. Once they can sell them over there a small offering here could make a profit.
Definitely hot. I hope they make it. There is an element of wagon fetishism amongst us gear heads but as Scott has stated too many regular people prefer CUVS and SUVS and don’t care too much about the handling and driving qualities of sportwagons like we do. It’s the same here in Aus. I actually wanted to get a wagon version of my Holden SS but it was too much of a pain in the ass to get a manual and the deal I got on the sedan was too good. With the VF they don’t make a manual wagon at all unless you go for the HSV Clubsport version.
C-pillar sucks.
Sorta hot, I don’t like the C pillar either. As far as when, I guess we can always dream ’till that time comes.
3 words: I’ll take it! I think this rendering looks great.
This is what the Cadillac brand needs: more variety among their lineup.
Okay I’ll take the bait!
What’s wrong with the c pillar?
You Don’t Like It Cause It Breaks Up THE Second Door And The Back Glass!
You guys think a car bombs because one part of it sucks?
As for the car I like it but why build it if it’s just going to sit on car lots waiting for a buyer?
Then be discontinued in 3 years!
Please don’t build this car. Money Looser. Will never recover the development cost
I think that the C pillar might look better if matched the angle of the rear glass.
The rear overhang appears a little short…add a couple more inches and extra window behind the C pillar and I think it would look a lot better — and give a little more room — “reason to buy” for potential owners.
US volume would, of course, be limited — especially initially. Need some innovative marketing and maybe an aggressive price point (minimal premium over sedan) would help.
If GM builds this would that c pillar keep you from buying it? And if so then why?
Make a G6 version, like Pontiac had planned, as a G6 Sportwagon – and I’ll pre-order.
(Yeah, in my dreams, but my offer of a pre-order stands).
Why build it if it’s not going to sell?
Um, I think everyone actually means the “D” pillar. The “C” pillar is the frame where the rear door’s glass meets the extra glass behind the door. It would be where the rear windscreen would be attached on the sedan.
In any case, I’m a huge fan of making an ATS wagon. But they need to avoid the mistake that BMW is making where they force you into an automatic transmission and AWD, I want neither. Give me the manual transmission and RWD combo (with either the 2.0T or 3.6), and it will be my next vehicle, guaranteed. I want to avoid having to buy a last-gen 3-series wagon/RWD/stick, but I only have a handful of years before I need to make a move onto a bigger vehicle from my hatchback, so hurry up Caddy!
So you expect GM to build cars for you and only you? Even if the data says that automatic transmissions sell much better then manual versions!
Brian, I’m not sure what you think I said. I’m saying that I don’t want to be forced into an automatic transmission and AWD, meaning I want a manual transmission available, and make AWD an option, rather than force me to buy those options and hike up the base price. I’m not saying I want them to offer a manual transmission only.
Do you think GM builds cars just for you and you alone?
Will you be happy if they raise the price of the car to allow a manual transmission option?
GM builds cars for the masses not just for you!
Ok, Brian, you’re either trolling or willfully uninformed.
Caddy ALREADY offers a manual transmission in the ATS, with either transmission costing the SAME for 2014, so you really need to know these things before you spout off. Is it unrealistic to ask for the manual transmission to be available on the wagon? No, not under that pricing formula.
They should not offer it if nobody is going to buy it
If Caddy wants to join the Germans as a no-question luxury choice, and particularly replace BMW as the ultimate driver’s car (which BMW is already doing to itself anyway), then they should. BMW offered a stick in their last-gen wagon, and Caddy should do the same. The operational word in your statement is “IF.” It wouldn’t bother me if they required a special order to do it, but it should not NOT be an option.
So where do you stop the options?
You don’t have to have every option to be a luxury car maker