Sitting in the lap of luxury feels even more spirited when the chariot is the Cadillac ATS. This all-new 2013 compact luxury sports sedan is well-balanced. That’s true for the car’s 50/50 weight distribution, it’s creamy-smooth ride, and the power streaming from the standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. Sold in standard, luxury, performance, and premium trims, the 109.3-inch wheelbase ATS is available in rear wheel drive and all wheel drive. The ATS is extremely comfortable on curvy roads. But equally important, the car’s brake system smoothly and quickly stops the car. A one-week test drive of the ATS also underscored the car’s impressive steering and handling attributes.

Base engine for the ATS is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder producing 202 horsepower at 6300 rpm and 191 pounds-feet of torque at 4400 rpm. (ATS is also available with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder producing 272 horsepower and 260 pounds-feet of torque as well as a 3.6-liter V6 releasing 321 horsepower and 275 pounds-feet of torque.) Cadillac’s first 5-link independent rear suspension debuts on the ATS. The car’s interior emphasizes craftsmanship, quality materials, and roominess for driver and front passenger. However, trunk space is a bit cramped at 10.2 cubic feet. Estimated mpg with 2.5-liter engine and 6-speed automatic transmission is 22 city and 33 highway. The MSRP for the ATS with 2.5-liter powerplant and luxury trim is $37,590.