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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday January 3, 2007 - 15 EVERYTHING Auto your guide to everything auto in Oakville INSIDE: All-new Escalade . . . . . . . . . .Page 16 Suzuki announces new SX4 designed for Canadian market . . . . . . . .Page 17 Chevrolet HHR Premier Edition to debut in Detroit . . . . . . . . .Page 17 EVERYTHIN 2007 Cadillac Escalade By Rob Beintema OAKVILLE BEAVER SPECIAL "Woohoo, pimp my ride!" Well, that didn't take long, I thought. First guy I see after picking up the Cadillac Escalade and I get all the expected comments about a vehicle that has become synonymous with gangsta cool and hip hop culture. Much to GM's initial surprise. But the Escalade has shown some staying power as a showboat of iconic luxury, surpassing its Lincoln Navigator predecessor and GM has embraced the bling-bling while pushing the new 2007 version as a further evolution of Cadillac's refinement and style. My ride was no exception, boasting big, firsttime factory-installed 22-inch 7-spoked chromed aluminum `anchors'. No dubs or spinners, dog. The Escalade is based on General Motors' allnew, full-size SUV platform and builds on the new chassis with an upgraded powertrain and new safety and interior systems. Let's start with an exterior that is sleeker, cleaner and more athletic in shape. The new Escalade looks a little smaller and less boxy this year. GM is not totally insensitive to the economic and politically-correct backlash against big boat vehicles. A faster windshield sloped at a 57 degree-angle improves aerodynamic performance to a segment-best 0.363 coefficient of drag, which helps to improve fuel economy (it needs all the help it can get) and reduce wind noise. GM cites incorporated styling cues from the 905-632-5671 900 WALKER`S LINE Q.E.W. terrace Continued on Page 16 HARVESTER AT HARVESTER RD. WALKERS recent Cadillac Sixteen concept vehicle, including a more detailed signature grille, layers of chrome accents and the front fender vent ports which, to me, also seem suspiciously similar to those on the Range Rover. But it's a handsome beastie dipped in Raven Black and, politically incorrect or not, I like the classy new look. Other changes to the wraparound fascia, styled mirrors and integrated running boards are examples of Escalade's new sheet metal and body components. Inside, the new Escalade bumps up the space and quality quotient. The instrument panel is lower and has also been moved forward to make for a little more room. The interior palette comes in a two colour choice of Ebony or Cashmere, complemented by lots of leather and quality trim textures and highlighted by elegant instrumentation illuminated in white and blue. There are decadent touches that are oh-so-easy to get used to like the heated steering wheel and the wonderfully comfortable seats offering 2 heating mode choices - traditional bun warming or a setting that just, ahhhh, heats your lower back. I was tempted for a moment but the seats don't really match my living room furniture and returning the vehicle without a front row would have been hard to explain to GM. The seats also have a cooling fan feature but, I don't know, somehow that just feels like you wet yourself. There are plenty of other features inside including an available 20 cm (8-inch) touch-screen AUTHORIZED DEALER 7.3 L and 6.0L Power Stroke Diesel Oil and Filter Change Includes 15 Litres of 15W40 Oil & Motorcraft Oil Filter SPECIAL $ 134 35 Plus Tax & Disposal SPECIAL ALSO INCLUDES: · Check and top up all levels · Check air pressure in all tires · Check exhaust for leaks, damage, loose parts and remove any foreign material trapped by shielding · Check horn, exterior lamps, turn signals, hazard warning lamps · Check radiator, heater and A/C hoses for leaks or damage · Check windshield washer spray and wiper operation · Inspect accessory drive belts for proper tension, cracking · Inspect air cleaner filter 7.3L 1 Fuel Filter installed · Inspect half shaft boots if equipped 6.0 L 2 Fuel Filters Installed · Check and lubricate steering, suspension, all Joints, Drive Shaft, U-Joint and Slip Yoke (if serviceable) JOHN TREBBLE MELANIE PARKINSON JOHN KIRKPATRICK PLUS FREE Bottle Of Cetane $59.92 $126.90 All Specials Expire Jan. 15/07 FUEL FILTER MAINTENANCE BILL KIEFT FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE HOURS: MON. - FRI. 7:30AM - 6:00PM SATURDAY 8:00AM - 4:00PM