Cadillacs generally aren't known for their lively driving experience, but that's what I was getting on a backcountry run in a loaded CTS with the direct-injection V-6 and six-speed automatic.

The new CTS is an example of what's going well at General Motors. The styling is contemporary, and the quality of construction and choice of interior materials surpass those of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class but aren't quite as obsessive as Lexus.

The motoring press has been more than kind to the car, and the praise is deserved.

There are two levels of CTS, with pricing that starts at $33,900, which includes a six-speed manual transmission - if you can believe there's a Cadillac with a manual gearbox.

The uplevel test car, a CTS DI Performance Sedan, starts at $36,290 and was $47,440 with options, which included a six-speed automatic with manual-shift mode, ultraview sunroof and 18-inch alloy wheels. In all, $11,150 in options.

All-wheel drive is available on either model, which adds $1,900.

The standard model comes with a 263-horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6 with double overhead camshafts and variable valve timing. Fuel-economy ratings are 18 city and 26 highway.

The optional direct-injection version of this V-6 (and standard in the Performance model) has 304 horsepower and is rated 17/26 mpg. Both engines require 87 octane; the competition requires premium.

For those who care about staying ahead of traffic, the direct-injection engine and the six-speed automatic are the way to set the pace. The engine sound is as fit as a V-8's, and the transmission kicks down eagerly for passing power. The manual shift mode isn't as sport-tuned as some, but it's plenty adept for grabbing a gear and diving into a corner.

Push hard through the turn and the suspension keeps up with the car. Or just sit back and cruise. The suspension is a good balance of "grand touring" and attitude.

Braking and steering are absolute and precise, which will seem an astounding accomplishment for anyone familiar with older GM or Cadillac products. Options on the test car included the $8,165 Premium Luxury Collection, which added gorgeous, double-stitched leather and the ultraview sunroof (with a glass panel over the back seat). Highly polished wood trim is applied in tasteful amounts through the cabin and on the upper third of the steering wheel, with glove leather on the rest.

Other features included keyless starting, heated-and-cooled seats, a 10-speaker Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround audio system with 40-gigabyte hard drive for music, and navigation with XM Nav Traffic. The muted accent lighting inside at the door handles and along the wood trim is a nice touch.

The seats are full and supportive, and sightlines are acceptable but difficult over the shoulder at the corners of the rear window. The outside mirrors give panoramic rear views, but can cause blind spots at the front corners.

Driver controls and cabin features are simple enough to figure out and don't require an electronic joystick to access audio or fan speed. A center digital screen for navigation, radio functions and more rises on ignition from the instrument panel top. It informs without getting in the way and isn't washed out by glare. The test car had a glitch in the three-blink signal for passing. The left side worked; the right didn't.

The 35-foot turning circle is empowering in high-density parking situations.

The back seat is less accommodating if planning on this space for more than two. The window seats are ideal, but with limited foot and legroom. The center seat has no head restraint, and it's narrow and uncomfortable, with foot room compromised by a huge transmission/exhaust tunnel.

The trunk is deep, but the opening is narrow for square boxes or large luggage. Large golf bags may have to be stuffed into position.

Cadillac appears to be getting back to being a world standard for luxury and performance. Today, CTS. Tomorrow, its larger sedans, STS and DTS.

Mark Maynard is driving in cyberspace at mark.maynard@uniontrib.com.

Tune in to signonradio.com and join Maynard's Garage Internet radio at 1 p.m. Mondays for an hour of automotive news and reviews. And click into Maynard's Garage blog site at weblog.signonsandiego.com/weblogs/garage/.

Visit Copley News Service at www.copleynews.com.

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SPECS BOX

2008 Cadillac CTS V6 DI

Body style: mid-size, five-passenger sport sedan; rear- or optional all-wheel drive

Engine: aluminum, DOHC, 3.6-liter V-6 with variable valve timing and direct injection

Horsepower: 304 at 6,300 rpm

Torque: 273 at 5,200 rpm

Transmission: six-speed automatic with manual mode

EPA fuel-economy estimates: 17 mpg city, 26 highway; 87 octane recommended

DIMENSIONS

Trunk space: 13.6 cubic feet

Front head/leg/shoulder room: 38.8/42.2/56.7 inches

Length/wheelbase: 191.6/113.4 inches

Curb weight: 3,874 pounds

FEATURES

Standard equipment includes: remote locking; dual-zone automatic climate control; leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio and cruise controls; eight-way, power-adjustable driver's seat; power-heated mirrors; power windows; driver-information center; eight-speaker CD-MP3 audio system with XM satellite radio; OnStar turn-by-turn navigation

Safety features include: front and side air bags; head curtain side bags; four-wheel-disc, anti-lock brakes; all-speed traction control; Stabilitrak stability control

PRICING

Base: $36,290, including $745 freight charge; price as tested, $47,440

Where assembled: Lansing, Mich.

PLUSES: Performance and style in a package that's a new Cadillac standard.

MINUSES: A better four-passenger sedan than five; complicated sightlines over the shoulder; narrow trunk opening.

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SIDEBAR

Fuel mileage tip

Copley News Service