Pontiac Vibe: restyled and revived

The sporty, muscular 2009 Pontiac Vibe should supersede any embarrassment General Motors felt over the unattractive crossover vehicle, the Aztek (a.k.a. “The Hunchback of Detroit”). On the contrary, the Pontiac Vibe is a compact hatchback car that is a trendy quasi-SUV. In its new savvy partnership with Toyota, GM’s Vibe is the mechanical counterpart to the Toyota Corolla Matrix and is based on the Corolla's E-platform (or framework).

The 2009 model year debuted at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show. This is the first comprehensive upgrade the Pontiac Vibe has received since its introduction to the market in 2003. Dropping some of its less flattering cladding, the restyled exterior gives the hatchback a clean, sporty, and sleek look – a distinct difference from its Toyota cousin. The new look also hits GM's target market, the young and hip generation who are looking for a versatile wagon with a sportier style and the performance of an SUV, all at an affordable price. The base starts at $15,995, and at $18,995, the volume leader Vibe SE model comes loaded with content, including air conditioning and a power package.

The Vibe has three trim levels: base, all-wheel drive, and GT. The base and the all-wheel drive use the 1.8L 4-cylinder engine at 132hp; the GT has a more potent 2.4L 4-cylinder engine, delivering 158hp. You also have the choice of a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. And for eco-conscious buyers, the Vibe is one of the most economical, low-emission cars sold by GM.

As well as an exterior upgrade, GM has made improvements to the Vibe’s handling and cornering management. The ride and handling characteristics of each Vibe varies depending on the trim. For the base model, the Vibe employs a full-length rear axle, rendering the expected solid cornering and minimal lean. On the more expensive all-wheel drive and GT models, passengers and driver are rewarded with the benefits of fully independent rear suspension – you won’t feel a thing if you “accidentally” run over the yappie throw-pillow your neighbour calls a dog.

The Vibe’s new design is the epitome of a crossover vehicle; it sits up high like an SUV, but with a low floor and raised roof, providing plenty of leg and headroom. More impressive is the cargo capacity. The rear seats fold flat on all 1.8L engine vehicles. As an option with the 1.8L engine and standard on all 2.4L engine models, a rear cargo compartment storage organizer provides an exponential number of storage solutions with tie-downs, hooks, and net-divided compartments. It also conveniently folds into the floor when not in use.

Furthermore, Vibes equipped with the 2.4L engine come with a fold-flat front passenger seat that expands the interior’s storage versatility, providing enough space to haul a ladder, or small kayak. Catering to the youthful and active, the rail system in the trunk can be outfitted with a bike rack. With the cargo capacity of an SUV, its smaller size and light weight makes perky use of the 4-cylinder engine, thus, not hampering performance.

Not for grandma: The Vibe is outfitted with the latest in audio technology. All Vibe models come with an AM/FM radio with CD and XM Satellite Radio. The XM band is integrated for seamless switching between all three signal bands. It's also equipped with an auxiliary audio input jack, allowing your MP3 player and other portable devices to play through the Vibe’s speakers. Not for easy-listening: The seven-speaker sound of the Monsoon™ 320-watt audio system is standard on GT models, and is available on base and all-wheel drive as an upgrade package.

Parents of youthful buyers can rest assured: The Vibe is equipped with extensive safety features. In addition to six air bags and active head restraints, all 2009 Vibe models feature four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and StabiliTrak electronic stability control, plus traction control, OnStar, and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System as standard equipment – far more base content than most competitors in its class. With GM’s 5-year, 160,000 km coverage, the Vibe provides unmatched driving and ownership peace of mind.

Clearly, the Vibe is all about versatility and a youthful adventurous spirit. That message is evident in the audio and cargo components, as well as in the redesigned, sportier style. Adding all of that to an inexpensive price tag, the Pontiac Vibe is practical and attractive to young drivers, or those recapturing their youth.

In the interest of full disclosure, Angela Trimmer drives a Pontiac.

Image courtesy Pontiac