New Cars From Pontiac In 2009

It's been confirmed that Pontiac will be selling the G3 5-door hatchback in 2009. The vehicle is based on the Chevrolet Aveo5 (also known as the Daewoo Kalos in Korea). The sedan version of the G3 was sold in Mexico previously and also sold in Canada as a 5-door hatch that was called the G3 Wave.

The G3 will be mechanically identical to the Aveo, using a 1.6 liter 4 cylinder engine along with a 4-speed automatic / 5-speed manual transmission. Features will include GM's OnStar system, AC, airbags, and more. The car also comes with standard fog lights and a hatch spoiler to improve the style of the car.

Although it is an economy hatchback, the G3 adds a different flavor to the Pontiac line of cars. Also, in 2009, Pontiac will have 4 cars with EPA highway fuel economy of over 30 mpg, making it a lot more competitive in today's car market. These vehicles include the G3, Vibe, G6 sedan, and the G5 coupe.

The price has not been determined as of yet.

The G6 nameplate was new when the sedan and coupe came out in 2005 (with the convertible following), but the G6 is ostensibly the sixth-generation version of the Grand Am line. The G6 is also available in hardtop convertible form. Trim levels start with the base sedan, fitted with a 2.4-liter four and a four- or six-speed automatic. The G6 GT comes in all three body styles-it's the only droptop trim-and has a 3.5-liter V-6 with a four-speed auto. The GT convertible can also be optioned up to a 3.9-liter V-6.

At the high end are the GXP sedan and coupe, with a 252-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 with variable valve timing. The GXP recalls the body-clad Pontiacs from days of yore, with a giant rear spoiler, large grille, and hood scoops inspired by the successful Pontiac GXP.R that races in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series. The look doesn't translate well to the street.

The Pontiac G6 is based on the same unibody platform as the Chevy Malibu, but the newer Malibu benefits from three additional years of development and a vastly better interior. By comparison, the G6 feels like a rental car, with cheap plastic coating the cabin.

A six-speed transmission is a new option for the 2.4-liter base car, and it results in an impressive 33-mpg EPA highway rating. Remote start is now standard on GT and GXP models.

We picked the G6 convertible first in a comparison test against the Ford Mustang and Chrysler Sebring, but it's worth noting that the trunk is all but unusable with the folding hardtop stowed. We're not huge fans of the aggressive styling of the GXP, but someone-somewhere-must love it. The GT lacks any driving thrills despite 221 horsepower. That leaves the base car, which has appeal in its lower sticker price and higher fuel economy. Our best recommendation, though, is to walk over to the Chevy dealership and look at the Malibu.

Front, front side, and curtain airbags are standard on the sedan and coupe; the convertible makes do with front and front side bags. ABS and traction control are standard on the base and GT cars. Stability control is standard on the GT convertible and GXP models; the GT sedan and coupe get stability control as part of a $1590 Street Edition package.