The Cadillac BLS goes on sale in Ireland in April at prices starting from around €40,000.
The car is built in Sweden, and is designed specifically for Europe. It will be available with two 2-litre petrol engines of 175bhp and 210bhp output, and a 2.8-litre V6 petrol with 255bhp.
A 1.9-litre diesel outputting 150bhp will also be on the market.
There will be three specification levels: Business, Elegance and Sport Luxury, the last available only with the V6.
All versions will have electric windows and mirrors, ESP, aircon, four airbags and leather covered steering wheel. Elegance and Sport Luxury will add specification ranging from dual zone climate control to leather upholstery and walnut trim.
Cadillac's distributors in Ireland, OHM Ltd, have already appointed dealers in Dublin, Galway, Limerick and Waterford, and plans to more than double the number by 2008.
The BLS is aimed at buyers of cars such as the BMW 3-Series and C-Class Mercedes, who want something that's different in the elite car segment The larger CTS model available also in April will target buyers of the 5-Series and E-Class.
Brian Byrne.
