2009 Pontiac G3

Pontiac, GM's "excitement division," recently announced it will bring the 2009 Pontiac G3 small economy car to the American market. Pontiac maintains the G3 small car will embody the brand's classic sporty and performance-minded character in an attractive, compact, fuel-sipping package.

Pontiac's small five-seat G3 is currently on sale in Canada as the Pontiac G3 Wave and has fared moderately well there. The G3 and its Chevrolet Aveo sibling are among the numerous variants of the Daewoo Kalos, a vehicle produced in Korea by GM Daewoo and sold in 120 countries. While the move to bring the G3 to the U.S. has been criticized by Pontiac performance purists, with the market moving dramatically toward high-mileage small cars, the G3 will serve as a fuel-efficient option for GM's Buick-Pontiac-GMC sales channel and should also help Pontiac meet the looming CAFE regulations.

Providing power to the G3's front wheels is GM's fuel-efficient 1.6L Ecotec four-cylinder producing 106 hp at 6400 rpm and 106 lb-ft of torque at 3800 rpm. What the G3 may lack in power, it makes up for in EPA mileage ratings. When mated to the standard five-speed manual, the Ecotec gets 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg during highway runs. Buyers opting for the available four-speed automatic will achieve around 25 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. Surprisingly, despite its small size and miserly engine, the G3 won't be the most frugal Pontiac on the highways when it arrives in Pontiac showrooms next spring. Pontiac lists the base G5 coupe at 37 mpg highway.

The G3 differentiates itself from its Aveo relative through a slightly reworked front clip featuring the Pontiac trademark dual grille. A smaller, G8-inspired front bumper and foglights are fitted below the Pontiac emblem. Incorporated into the G3's hood and quarter panel fenders are rear sweeping, wraparound headlights. Not surprisingly, the sides and rear of the car as well as the standard spoiler above its back window are identical to those on the Chevrolet variant.

Inside the cabin, available aluminum-colored trim adorns the dash and door side panels, while chrome rings outline the air vents. A new instrument cluster with a predominant central speedometer sits behind the Pontiac-branded steering wheel. Official interior selections have not yet been disclosed, but it's a good bet the G3 will feature the same variety of leatherette and cloth trim options available for the Aveo. Standard features include a folding armrest on the driver's seat, a roof-mounted sunglasses holder, door and seatback storage pockets, and headrest posts for shopping bag toting. Multimedia goodies include a CD/MP3 audio system and OnStar. Rear seating can be split 60/40 and when folded completely down, allows for a fairly impressive 42 cu ft of cargo space. Four airbags gain the G3 a five-star frontal crash safety rating.

Pricing for the G3 will be announced closer to introduction, but expect it to start around $13,000.

Despite Pontiac's marketing spin, on paper the G3 clearly isn't in line with the brand's sport-themed rep. But if the G3 helps Pontiac gain sales traction in the now all-important small-car segment, the decision to bring it here could turn out to be prudent one.