Frankfurt motor show 2007 - Cadillac

If you don't include its hearses – and let's be frank, most people don't like to dwell on the coffin-carriers too much – then the BLS Wagon is the first estate in Cadillac's 104-year history.

While that's significant, it's worth remembering that the car is, in fact, derived from General Motors stablemate Saab's 9-3, so you shouldn't expect anything too revolutionary.

That said, there's plenty of space in the boot - 419 litres with the seats up, 1285 with them down - and plenty of choice, with six engine and four trim options.

Engines
The BLS Wagon has a choice of two diesel and three petrol engines, as well as a bioethanol option.

The diesels are both 1.9-litre turbocharged units, with either 150bhp or 180bhp.

The petrol range is made up of 175 and 210bhp 2.0-litre engines and a 255bhp 2.8-litre turbocharged unit.

The 2.0-litre bioethanol engine gives 200bhp, and will be available in the BLS Wagon from November 2007 and in the saloon a month later.

A six-speed manual gearbox comes as standard, but the higher-powered engines have the option of a six-speed automatic unit.

Trims
Four trim levels are available, starting off with Business then running through Elegance, Sport and Sport Luxury.

Business comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, electronic stability control, front, side and curtain airbags, cruise control and air-conditioning as standard.

Business buyers also have the option of adding a Prestige Package, which includes leather seats, an improved stereo, DVD-based navigation and wood trim.

Elegance adds rain sensors, powered seats, dual-zone climate control and 17-inch alloy wheels to the basic Business package.

Sport features lowered suspension, 18-inch wheels, tyre pressure monitors and interior aluminium trim.

Sport Luxury is only available on the 2.8-litre V6 petrol and 1.9-litre diesel models and adds improved headlights, heated and electrically adjustable leather seats and wood trim.