Pontiac kicks out a good vibe

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Pontiac is delivering the second-generation Vibe at a very opportune time, as small, trendy cars in the affordable and fuel-efficient class seem to hit the sweet spot in the deeply distressed automotive market. Despite prices that start around $15,000, compact hatchbacks like the Vibe are much more than entry-level models. Their styling, comfort, versatility and entertainment options appeal to the most discriminating members of the so-called "creative class." Picture the competition and you see how stylish affordable can be. The pioneering Chrysler PT Cruiser set the pace, followed by the Dodge Caliber. Chevrolet responded with the retro HHR in 2005 as other deceptively small cars, like the Mazda3, evolved. The Vibe emerged from a joint project between Toyota and General Motors at their New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. plant in Fremont, Calif. Built on the platform of a Corolla, the Toyota version of the Vibe was dubbed the Matrix. Pontiac unveiled the prototype Vibe at Detroit's 2000 North American International Auto Show and launched the first generation in 2002 as a 2003 model. While cars like the Vibe may strike younger drivers as sexy, they are not necessarily racy. Engine options are limited to inline 4-cylinder arrangements with various levels of horsepower. The 2009 Vibe offers a base, 1.8-liter, 132-horsepower, 4-cylinder engine that gains additional power over the previous generation, while the upper trim comes with a 2.4-liter, 158-horsepower inline-4. Ron Aselton, chief designer of the Vibe, describes the overall theme as "clean lines, minimal overhangs and wheels pushed to the corners give the vehicle a muscular stance." As the only hatchback in the Pontiac fleet, the Vibe functions somewhat like a mini SUV while striking the eye as a sporty, youth-oriented funmobile. In addition to the front-drive version, base priced at $15,895, Pontiac offers an all-wheel-drive model for $19,495 and a performance-oriented GT at $19,895. Beyond freshening the styling and boosting the base power, Pontiac added some really nice standard features, such as tire-pressure monitoring system, electronic stability control and six air bags. To establish their bona fides with the entertainment-oriented younger crowd, Pontiac made XM Satellite radio standard with three months of free service. The base, four-speaker AM/FM/XM/CD audio system can be upgraded to a seven-speaker Monsoon Premium Sound System as part of the $1,285 Sun and Sound Package that includes a power sunroof, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and leather-wrapped shift knob. Interior designers created a driver-focused cockpit modeled after those of sports cars. The controls and gauges are meant to convey a performance-oriented look and feel but remain blessedly simple to intuit and use. GM, to its credit, has stuck to an ergonomic formula that is consistently sensible. Cosmetic upgrades come from a combination of low-gloss materials, varied grains on the instrument panel, and satin-metal accents. Knit-fabric seating surfaces are new and attractive, while GT models are enhanced with standard leather-trimmed seats, three-spoke steering wheel and shift knob. All Vibes hold five passengers and come with tilt-telescoping steering column, three-prong power outlet, six-way adjustable driver's seat and active front headrests. Alas, air conditioning with rear outlets is a $950 option. There was a time when some enthusiasts might have complained about a lack of power in cars of this class. Not anymore. Hitting the scales at around 3,000 pounds, the Vibe is appropriately powered by its base engine and quite adequately propelled by the 2.4-liter engine that was implanted in the review car. Many buyers will prefer the five-speed stick to the optional automatic, not just for fuel efficiency but because you can nurse more torque out of the engine with a stick. The $1,050 five-speed automatic does come with a manual mode, but I can never seem to find a very good reason for shifting an automatic manually. The stick and clutch keep the driver's entire body engaged, which is a good thing on an open road but a real pain in the neck in stop-and-go traffic. Fuel economy with the base engine and a stick comes to 26 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. With the 2.4-liter engine and the five-speed automatic, fuel economy falls to 21 city and 29 highway mpg for an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,751. If you can still find unleaded for $4 per gallon, filling an empty 13.2-gallon tank will cost you $52.80. Who knows? Maybe a year from now, we'll think that was really cheap. Pontiac Vibe 2.4L Type: Front-drive, four-door, five-passenger, compact hatchback. Price: $15,710 base, $20,560 as tested. Where Built: Fremont, Calif. Key Rivals: Toyota Matrix, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Dodge Caliber, Mazda3. Power: 2.4-liter, 158-horsepower I4; five-speed auto transmission. Fuel Economy: 21 city, 29 highway mpg; 13.2-gallon tank; estimated annual fuel cost $1,751. Standard: Tire pressure monitoring system; front, head-curtain, side-thorax air bags; active head restraints; OnStar system; AM/FM/CD four-speaker stereo with XM Satellite Radio; tilt/telescoping steering; 115-volt power outlet; six-way adjustable driver's seat; power accessories; cruise control. Options: Sun and Sound Package includes power sunroof, Monsoon Premium Sound seven-speaker audio system with MP3 input, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, leather-wrapped shift knob ($1,285); five-speed auto transmission ($1,050); air conditioning ($950); 17-inch aluminum wheels ($495).