on its own, we think folks who take the time to climb inside may change

their minds. Cadillac did a complete makeover of the Omega's coalbin interior,

and created an excellent driving environment in the process. It's the strongest

part of the Catera's appeal, preserving European sport sedan flavor while

adding warm earth tones and high-quality materials that should appeal to

American tastes.

Thanks to its generous mid-size proportions, the Catera is roomy enough

for five adults, all of whom will find enough head, hip and legroom in

which to get comfortable. The front seats are especially good, offering

standard power adjustment (eight-way on the driver's side, two-way for

the passenger, as well as carefully designed cushion shapes and sumptuous

padding. Heated seats front and rear are optional, as is leather upholstery

to replace the excellent standard cloth trim.

The instrument panel is attractive and unusually comprehensive, if somewhat

anonymous in shape. It holds large, readable analog gauges for speed, engine

rpm, volts, coolant temperature, fuel level and oil pressure, plus the

usual array of warning lights. Headlights are controlled by a large round

pull-out knob to the driver's left, while switches for most other functions--including

the heat/vent/air conditioning and audio controls--are located on the center

console. Control positioning is very good, and the airbag-equipped steering

wheel (the front passenger gets a dash-mounted airbag) has a leather-wrapped

rim and carries auxiliary controls for ventilation and audio systems on

its hub. Side airbags will join the list of safety features this spring.

A long list of standard fitments dress up the Catera cabin. In addition

to the items mentioned earlier, all Cateras have a tilt steering wheel,

power windows/mirrors/door locks, automatic climate control, and a good

sound system that can be enhanced with a trunk-mounted CD changer or replaced

with one of two optional Bose eight-speaker systems. Material and fit-and-finish

quality are both well above average, rivaling the best from competing makes.