Very rarely do I get the chance to test drive a vehicle on more than one coast, let alone in two extreme climates; but recently I was granted that opportunity with the sexy SRX Luxury Crossover SUV. Juxtapose if you will, the sunny skies of Southern California and the blistering cold air whipping off the Great Lakes of Michigan; then you'll understand the excitement of putting the SRX through the paces on various terrains.

Whether cruising up the coast in Southern California or navigating the ice covered roads of metropolitan Detroit, the SRX stepped up to the plate and delivered a secure and luxurious ride; no matter the driving condition. The V-6, 3 liter engine with its 6-speed automatic transmission was equally responsive on the winding roads of the Malibu Hills as it was on the snow covered streets of Detroit. The SRX is forward thinking in its early alerts for icy roads on the instrument panels as well as the 4 wheel vented brakes with an anti-locking brake system; both of which came in handy after a fresh dusting of snow camouflaged a city block of sheer ice. The 'Ice Possible Drive with Care' alert was a welcomed surprise in the Driver Information Center as it primed this driver for the impending traffic conditions. The All-Speed Traction Control feature also came in handy as I avoided fishtailing around a hairpin turn. The traction control was equally response on the unzpaved gravel laden roads the seaside communities of Ventura, CA.

While I appreciated the easy and adaptive driving experience that the SRX is capable of, the subtle nuances were just as impressive. Don't get me wrong, the Rear Entertainment System was great for passengers (the niece and nephews loved it), the 40 gig hard-drive put my iPod to shame as my favorite play lists blared through the 10 Bose speakers and the leather appointed interior blanketed the SRX in extreme luxury, but all the small and special touches put this crossover in the upper echelon of the luxury crossover segment. The jeweled-interior turning signal indicators added a royal touch to the SRX. The top-stitching evokes a pride in craftsmanship and the coup de' grace for this reviewer was the subtle fade-out of the sound system for an incoming call. No abrupt disconnect of the entertainment; it's the little things like that made this driving experience complete.

MSRP $47,010

For more info on the SRX visit www.cadillac.com

In the past, the Buick brand was synonymous with the octogenarian sector; those days are long gone. Sixty years later, the design of the all-new LaCrosse has widened its new fan base to include a younger and hipper crowd. Gone are the days of the little old lady from Pasadena-persona and now it has been replaced with the sexy and free-spirited consumer who appreciates the finer things in life; without breaking the budget.

The only thing that still has remnants of the 'old' Buick style is the front grille, but even that is slight with its rounded corners. The profile has completely been re-vamped with flowing lines that cascade up over and around the frame. Without disrespecting the design engineers, the LaCrosse has a European look and feel that is poised to challenge their foreign counterparts. The new, sleek and curvaceous body style of the LaCrosse appeals to the new consumer without totally alienating Buick's loyal brand enthusiast.

The feel of the interior of the new LaCrosse has also been updated. With defined 'quarters' the driver and the passengers have integrated zones. While the driver is definitely in control with an ergonomically sound cabin, the passenger is part of the driving experience with features like dual climate control and a sweeping dashboard; instead of an afterthought. Even though the LaCrosse is experiencing re-birth if you will, it's not too advanced to lose the level of sophistication Buick has worked so hard to achieve. None of the bells and whistles like the navigation system, Bluetooth capability and satellite radio are too cumbersome to use and all are integrated into the design of the LaCrosse seamlessly.

The look of the LaCrosse is not the only element that has been overhauled. It's no secret that speed and agility were NOT terms that were synonymous with the Buicks of the past. Dispensing a respectable 255 ponies through a 3 liter, V6 engine; the LaCrosse is not a sedan with sports car envy. It's a sedan, that holds its own in its class. Additionally, the fuel efficiency of the LaCrosse is equally as respectable with 17/27.

Buick is not leaving behind their loyal consumers; they are bringing them into the future… one car at a time.

MSRP around $33,000

For more info on the Buick LaCrosse visit www.buick.com