Deja Vu: A subcompact Cadillac?!?

I woke up this morning to the news that Cadillac plans to publicly unveil a new concept this week at the Los Angeles International Auto Show.  That, in and of itself, is not big news.  Pulling the wraps off of upcoming and potentially upcoming new vehicles is what car companies do at the major auto shows.  But, news of this particular vehicle from America's premier domestic luxury brand jolted me awake nearly as fast as my morning cup of extra-strong java.  Caddy is seriously considering another mini-sized offering.  Hmmm....

1982 Cadillac Cimarron
Photo Credit: GM Media

My first thought was, "been there, done that, and it was a very bad move."  Remember the Cimarron debacle of the early 1980's?  For many car consumers, luxury equates with size, spaciousness, suppleness, not to mention power.  In 1981, Cadillac introduced the Cimarron as an entry-level compact car in hopes of drawing in younger buyers and holding on to older folks who might want to downsize from their humongous Fleetwood or De'Ville models.  It was a major flop.  The Cimarron was a Chevrolet Cavalier clone-- literally.  The only real differences, a few minor cosmetic modifications and the leather interior.

2011 Cadillac Urban Luxury Concept
Photo Credit: GM Media

That considered, I found myself thinking, why go down this road again?  While the Fleetwood and De'Ville models are gone, Cadillac is still known for spacious, powerful luxury with its various Escalade and CTS models. And, a new flagship-- the XTS-- is coming soon. So, do Caddy buyers really want something the size of a Toyota Yaris or Nissan Versa?

But, before condemning the concept, I jumped out of bed and got online to search for more information and photos, of course.  I needed to see this concept.  Wow... I'm impressed.

“While small in size, this concept is an exploration of what Cadillac could be in the future, as the brand continues to focus on redefining industry standards for advanced vehicle design and integrated technology,” said Don Butler, vice president for Cadillac marketing.

2011 Cadillac Urban Luxury Concept
Photo Credit: GM Media

I must admit, the concept is a real looker.  It's very pleasing to the eye incorporating Cadillac's current design cues, many of which come from the Sixteen Concept first introduced at the 2003 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.  I'm a big fan of the edgier look Cadillac models have and the move toward a more European driving experience.

2011 Cadillac Urban Luxury Concept
Photo Credit: GM Media

Another brilliant move with this introduction compared to the Cimarron of past-- Cadillac is marketing this as an "urban" vehicle, not "compact."  Buzz words are key to grabbing the buying public's attention.   Think about it.  Urban renewal is all the rage. Why not bring that concept to American driving?  The European and Asian markets have been small car crazy for decades.  And, let's face it-- oil prices have many of us big ride enthusiasts re-evaluating our tastes.  The Cadillac Urban Concept is based on hybrid propulsion which includes a small three-cylinder engine mated to an electric-assist system that will, no doubt, deliver the highest fuel efficiency number of any Cadillac model in history.

2011 Cadillac Urban Luxury Concept
Photo Credit: GM Media

In terms of interior luxury, photos of the concept look inviting.  I've tested the Toyota Yaris and the Chevrolet Aveo.  I did not care for either but admit, both had surprisingly spacious feels for such small vehicles.

“The Cadillac Urban Luxury Concept celebrates its scale with intelligent, innovative content that makes it unique regardless of its size,” said Clay Dean, Director of GM North American Advanced Design and Cadillac Brand Champion. “It has a small exterior footprint, but is roomy inside.”

If Cadillac gets the fit and finish correct on this idea, and doesn't over price it, I might be inclined to give the vehicle serious consideration.

Production is a foregone conclusion considering the level of development and refined, near-ready-for-market status of the concept. Based on what I see, the Urban Luxury Concept has a legitimate shot at erasing the nightmarish memory of the Cimarron forever!