Don’t expect particularly low Cadillac CTS running costs. The firm has struggled to establish an image as a premium brand in the UK and (so far) resale values have been very poor. It’s likely to take some time before this improves so CTS owners can’t expect to get much of a return on their money. Add in the fact that a diesel version is still some way off and prices are around the £30,000 mark – and the CTS seems a pretty expensive car to own.

With just two V6 petrol engines in the range it’s little surprise that the Cadillac CTS emissions include significant carbon dioxide levels. The smaller 2.8-litre model emits 263g/km of CO2 and can average 26mpg. The more powerful choice emits only slightly more CO2 with a figure of 264g/km and will return 25mpg – thanks to its direct injection technology.

The diesel, which will have lower carbon dioxide emissions, is unavailable until 2009.

With so few Cadillacs sold in the UK to date it’s difficult to say much about Cadillac CTS reliability. However, the technology here is also used in other brands owned by General Motors (including Vauxhall) so should have a decent degree of longevity.