Base Retail Price Range: $29,995 To $33,610

Base Invoice Price Range: $28,800 To $31,244

The performance is German and the comfort matches the best of Europe -- General Motors should have called upon Opel long before this. Cadillac is finally giving us an entry level model, but is not going to do it on the cheap. Most of their buyers are over 50, and Cadillac wants to appeal to the younger set that buys BMWs, and Japanese sporty sedans.

The car is based on the excellent Omega MV6 from Opel, and initial previews prove that it is an exciting and well-built car. Europeans demand a lot of cars that cost as much as the Omega, and the main things Cadillac had to do to bring it to the US was alter the styling and suspension to our tastes.

It will never be a race car, But Catera truly responds with the verve you would expect from any luxury sports sedan. Traditional Cadillac buyers who considered foreign sports sedans will find it ideal. The 3 liter DOHC V6 drives the rear wheels and applies the 200 horsepower so smoothly it is bound to convert many front drive die-hards. Traction control resolves most of the slippery road concerns.

Extra attention was paid to sound control and vibration. All Cateras will have the four speed automatic since the Omega five-speed does not fit in the Cadillac image. This is the same automatic transmission that GM sells to BMW.

There is plenty of room for five, and storage spaces are adequate. The ideal environment would be as a 3-4 person commuter, and the trunk is ideal for a couple on the longest trip.