I have never been a big Cadillac fan but this time I think they have hit the nail on the head. The CTS range is a treat for the eye and has the performance to match. BMW and Mercedes must be worrying about this one.

The overall feel of the design is of strength and compactness. Note how the high waistline gives the feeling of solidity and the sharp angles and straight lines reinforce the initial impression of a car that means business. There are details in the design at the front that I could quibble with but these are minor in comparison to the excellent proportions of the whole car.

And the rear is as near perfect as it gets, preserving echoes of the high tail lights we expect from Cadillac but ultra-modern in its approach. Everything about the car confirms that it is exactly what it sets out to be: big (but not too big), beefy and businesslike.

They even race the CTS and it does very well. And, of course, in race trim it looks absolutely wonderful!

By Clive Allen

The famous Jaguar Mark 2 beloved of Inspector Morse

A very happy 2008 to all our readers and contributors.

We have a busy auto year planned, so stay tuned for our new team of writers and exotica specialists.