The first time I drove Pontiac’s new Vibe was on the cross-country “Catch the Vibe” event held earlier this year. My co-driver and I were handed a Vibe, some cash,

The Vibe looks better without the Toronto skyline decals on the "Catch the Vibe" cars. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

and a long list of tasks to complete by 5pm that day. We drove over 200 kilometers, traveled all over the lower mainland and into the valley, competed against three other teams (Team Performance, which was my team, ended up winning the event! Yeah!!), took some action-packed pictures, and had a great deal of fun (http://catchthevibe.ca). This opportunity gave me a good introduction to Pontiac’s fully redesigned five-door wagon, and after recently spending a whole week behind the wheel, my already positive impressions are further solidified.

The Vibe, as mentioned, is all-new for the 2009 model year, with a sleeker appearance and peppier performance. The AWD trim is new too, or at least it was only available up until the 2006 model year before being axed. Added to the upgrades is a new 2.4-litre four-cylinder with 16-valves and dual overhead cams that produces an impressive 158 horsepower and 161 lb-ft of torque. The standard transmission on the AWD model is the four-speed automatic. Unfortunately,

New powertrain choices make a big difference. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

the five-speed manual is not an option, however, along with an optional five-speed automatic it’s available on the 2.4L FWD and GT models. Whether I was taking a spin in the city or on the highway, the Vibe’s 158 horses provided ample everyday driving power. Even when I need that extra bit of pep, the engine was quick to respond and the cabin didn’t even get that noisy. Still, loaded with four people in the car, three of them men, the Vibe had a lot of get-up-and-go enabling me to get to where I needed to go promptly and in style.

Speaking of style, the Vibe has undergone some plastic and metallic surgery since last year. And is that really a surprise since it does roll off the assembly plant in Fremont, California? It’s been nipped and tucked in all the right places and now possesses a more athletic stance, with tighter lines and cleaner curves.

Sleeker profile gives the new Vibe sporting pretensions. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

Additionally, its windshield as has a ‘faster’ angle, making it more aerodynamic in function and sleeker in appearance. The wheels have also been pushed to the corners to give the Vibe a more aggressive disposition. Now it’s ready to tackle the mean city streets with some attitude.

If the above engine and design specs sound familiar to you, that’s because the Vibe shares underpinnings and its complete interior with Toyota’s Matrix, which launched earlier this year. Although there are few differences between the two vehicles, the Matrix is built at the Cambridge, Ontario plant and has different standard features and options.

During my “Vibe Catching” experience, on the event and after, I noticed that the interior was mighty quiet. It was especially quiet on the highway and when I needed that extra push from drivetrain. Typically, not-so-powerful engines like to

Nice materials and modern design make the Vibe's cabin a great place to be. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

make their presence felt in the cabin, not necessarily with speed but with noise. Not here though. Thanks to the Vibe’s engineers, there was a special emphasis on making sure noise, vibration and harshness levels were reduced while sitting in the driver’s seat, or any seat in the Vibe for that matter.

And wherever I sat in the cabin, I was most impressed. Emphasis was also added to the interior fit and finish. The Vibe now sports a variety of materials to jazz up the once plain-Jane cabin. Expect to find a host of low-gloss materials, varied grains and satin-metal accents around the centre stack and instrument panel. The symbiosis of materials makes for a top-notch finish and something that’s also visually stimulating. Seating surfaces also come standard with a new knit-fabric that’s durable and cool-looking, not to mention comfortable to sit on for long periods of time.

Available

Audio system interface is easy to use and boasts all of the features expected nowadays. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

audio options can turn the Vibe into a great performer in other ways too, such as XM Satellite radio. It will, however, cost a few extra dollars. First off, the hardware needs to be there. For $290 the Vibe can be equipped with an AM/FM/CD payer with MP3 playback, an aux audio jack, and XM Satellite radio capability. Once the hardware is in place, XM can be added for $260, which includes a 3-month trial period. When the car I have includes XM radio, CD’s take the back seat, as it’s all techno, all the time! Commercial-free radio is pretty amazing as there are so many options and genres to choose from. The system is extremely easy to operate because there aren’t a lot of buttons to fiddle around with, and it’s organized in a very straightforward manner. The one drawback of satellite radio is that it fades in and out occasionally. It’s bothersome but not nearly as bad as listening to commercials; a small price to pay, really. But all wouldn’t be complete if the Premium Sound package couldn't be thrown into the mix for an additional $800. With the

Cool instrument cluster. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

package comes a premium Monsoon stereo system with 7 speakers and an integrated subwoofer as well as a 320-watt amp, not to mention a leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob plus steering wheel-mounted audio controls. It certainly gave this California car “Good Vibrations”.

Shifting from the inside to the underside, AWD trimmed Vibes get a MacPherson-strut front suspension design coupled with a multi-link independent rear suspension, allowing for sharper handling and more control. Base cars get a semi-independent torsion beam rear setup with a trailing link that’s cheaper to produce but doesn’t deliver the dynamic handling available with the AWD and GT models. It’s very stable at highway speeds and is always ready for a fast-paced tight turn. Furthermore, all ’09 Vibes

Stability control and tire pressure monitoring come standard, but these chromed rims. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

come standard with electric vehicle stability control and a tire pressure monitoring system, to keep things even more stable, no matter the weather. What’s more, six standard airbags are also part of the base package, plus four-wheel disc brakes and ABS on all models. That’s a pretty amazing list of standard safety features considering the base price of a 1.8L Vibe starts at only $15,995.

And what better way to enhance a great suspension than with a set of “blinged” out wheels. As part of the Preferred Equipment Group ($2,675) comes a set of 215/45R17 all-season tires with 17-inch chrome clad aluminum wheels. This adds a little extra bit of sporty flare, combining nicely with the roof rack that comes standard on all the AWD models. Furthermore, fog lamps, cruise control, power door locks and windows with keyless entry also come as a part of the package.

While

Convenient five-door layout makes the Vibe one easy to live with car. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

the Vibe is good, sensible transportation, it was fun to drive too. I decided to throw my boyfriend a surprise birthday party, so I ran around buying food, picking up decorations and making sure everything was going to be perfect. I love party planning! I made multiple trips to the grocery and party stores, Costco, and so on, and had a really positive experience overall. I had tons of room in the trunk to fill up with party favors and food; 569 litres (20.1 cu ft) to be exact. And as a side note, it also hosted a lot of my boyfriend’s climbing gear without blocking any visibility out of the rear windows. Its five doors made putting in and taking out bags and boxes easy, adding much need functionality to its compact car dimensions.

Fuel consumption from all my gallivanting around was relatively inexpensive too, as the Vibe uses an estimated 10.3 L/100 km in the city and 7.8 L/100 km on the highway. Not too shabby. And after all was spent and done, David was indeed very surprised at his party! He was more surprised that I kept it a secret than anything else, because I have a tendency to get really excited about something and spill the beans prematurely.

All in all I’d give the 2009 Vibe AWD a solid 4.5 out of 5 in its class. With its all-new design, engine and features, not to mention that fabulous optional audio system, it’s hard to not be impressed with this vehicle. That’s a high five to the Vibe.

Specifications (Pontiac Vibe AWD):

• Base Price (MSRP): $21,270 – $26,935 (base FWD model starts at $15,995)
• Price as Tested (MSRP): $26,935
• Destination and Prep: $1,160
• Body Type: 5-door hatchback
• Layout: front engine, AWD
• Engine: 158 hp, 162 lb-ft of torque, 2.4L, 16-valve DOHC I-4
• Transmission: 4-spd auto
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS, EBD, BA
• Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 4,365 / 1,765 / 1,549 / 2,600 mm (171.9 / 69.4 / 60.9 / 102.4 in)
• Curb Weight: 1,495 kg (3,295 lbs)
• Tires: P215/45R17
• Cargo Volume (seats up/down): 569 / 1,399 L (20.1 / 49.4 cu ft)
• Fuel Economy (city/hwy AWD): 10.3 / 7.8 L/100 km
• Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive; 60/160,000 powertrain
• Direct Competitors: Dodge Caliber, Honda Fit, Hyundai Elantra Touring, Jeep Compass, Kia Spectra5, Mazda3 Sport, Mercedes-Benz B-Class, Mini Cooper Clubman, Nissan Versa Hatchback, Saturn Astra, Suzuki SX4 Hatchback, Toyota Matrix, Volkswagen Rabbit
• Web Site: www.pontiac.gmcanada.com

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