Just when we thought GM was done with the sort of badge engineering they did in the 80's they go and unveil the Pontiac G3, which is basically a Chevy Aveo with a new grille.
The Pontiac G3 is already sold in Canada and Mexico and because the vehicle has been "successful" there, GM thinks that it will do well here. Of course the gas prices and consumer demand for small cars probably had something to do with it as well. But isn't Pontiac supposed to be GM's "exciting" brand? This wreaks of boring/ rental car status.
The 2009 Pontiac G3 will be available in the US in spring 2009. It will be powered by a 106 horsepower 1.6L engine that is mated to either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. The G3 gets an estimated 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. GM hasn't announced if they are also going to release a Pontiac version of the Aveo sedan...let's hope not. Let's also hope they aren't planning a Buick or Cadillac version as well. :P
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PRESS RELEASE:
Pontiac Announces New Small Car for U.S. Market
2009 G3 Offers Sporty Functionality, Fuel Efficiency, Value
Pontiac G3 at a Glance
* Sporty, small five-door available in spring 2009
* Fuel-efficient 1.6L four-cylinder engine achieves 34 mpg
* Uncommonly high level of standard content, passenger room within segment
Detroit - Expanding its portfolio in the rapidly growing small car segment, Pontiac announced plans to bring the sporty, five-door hatchback G3 to U.S. showrooms early next year. When it arrives, the G3 will provide Pontiac with a total of four vehicles capable of more than 30 miles per gallon on the highway.
Already successful in Canada (as the Pontiac G3 Wave) and Mexico (as a sedan model), the G3 offers an EPA estimated 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway while providing the best shoulder and hip room in the segment for seating five adults.
"The small car segment has literally exploded in recent months, with sales up nearly 33 percent in the first six months of 2008 alone," said Susan Docherty, vice president of Buick-Pontiac-GMC. "With its proven success in other markets, we felt the time was right to bring the G3 into the BPG portfolio for our U.S. customers."
The 2009 G3 will join the all-new 2009 Vibe (32 mpg) and recently enhanced 2009 versions of the G6 sedan (33 mpg) and G5 coupe (37 mpg) in Pontiac's "Over 30" club.
"More than ever, fuel economy is an important factor in Pontiac's formula of style and performance," said Docherty. "The Vibe, G3, G5, and G6 prove that you don't have to sacrifice sporty design and responsive driving to achieve impressive fuel economy."
Generating 106 horsepower (79 kW), the G3's 1.6L Ecotec four-cylinder engine is mated to a five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission. It will also feature an unusually rich mix of standard features for an entry-level car, including air conditioning, a CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary input jack, fog lamps, rear spoiler, OnStar, and a host of standard safety features, including four airbags, that gain the G3 a five-star frontal crash rating.
Interior space is optimized to comfortably seat five adults, including "theater"-style seating for rear seat passengers. The rear seats also feature a 60/40 split to offer up to 42 cubic feet of cargo space.
The Pontiac G3 will arrive in U.S. showrooms in spring 2009 as a 2009 model and will be backed by GM's five-year 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. Pricing will be announced closer to introduction.
Comments (23)
I like the cheesy chrome thing right in front of the side mirror...
Honda Fit or base Civic at/under invoice are the best small cars for the money.
Posted by Noya | September 18, 2008 8:01 AM
Posted on September 18, 2008 08:01
More FAIL from GM.
Posted by Jung | September 18, 2008 9:05 AM
Posted on September 18, 2008 09:05
Gas mileage seems a little low for a car of this type and displacement?
I agree with Noya, the Fit is a better choice.
Posted by zippy | September 18, 2008 9:30 AM
Posted on September 18, 2008 09:30
Oh I agree, it's low on power, low on fuel economy, and in general that 1.6L is a crap-tastic engine.
It's made in Korea, has mechanical lash adjusters, uses good old cast iron block with aluminium heads....
GM find the engineers who made your nice engines, like the 2.8 turbo V6 and have them build you a real economy engine. Something that might last more than 100k miles.
I do have to say, I love the fact GM puts up all there data from engine and transmissions. Torque curves, specs, ect.. it's very nice.
Posted by Brian | September 18, 2008 9:40 AM
Posted on September 18, 2008 09:40
I wonder what the GXP version will be like?
Posted by LeMonster | September 18, 2008 9:51 AM
Posted on September 18, 2008 09:51
At least the interior looks a lot better than in the aveo. It's still a piece of poo though.
Posted by rflynn88 | September 18, 2008 10:05 AM
Posted on September 18, 2008 10:05
I'd choose the Yaris over this, the Fit it too boring looking (sad that a Toyota is LESS boring).
Posted by gm0n3y | September 18, 2008 10:28 AM
Posted on September 18, 2008 10:28
I saw an Aveo spit out an oil pump at less than 100 miles here at the dealership. The engine had to be replaced before the lady even got to drive it. The engine is awful. This car is a dumb move on GM's part, badge engineering worthy of Chrysler.
Posted by Mike | September 18, 2008 11:06 AM
Posted on September 18, 2008 11:06
This is a Daewoo. Anything remotely decent to come out of GM is either Korean or European. Or Australian :)
Posted by brad | September 18, 2008 12:25 PM
Posted on September 18, 2008 12:25
"2009 Pontiac G3 Unveiled...Why Do We Need Another Pontiac?"
Posted by Ike | September 18, 2008 12:32 PM
Posted on September 18, 2008 12:32
I work for a major rental car company. As such, we have many 2007/2008 Aveo's in on fleet. While the vehicles have in general been reliable, they pale in fit/finish compared to the Yaris, Rio, and the Versa's in our fleet. The interior "aluminum" trim pieces discolor quickly, has thin carpeting, and the engine is on the low end of performance to efficiency (compared to the Yaris (<40mpg) and the Rio (<36mpg). In an environment to truly great subcompact cars, the Aveo is merely adequate.
Posted by longdxcommuter | September 18, 2008 1:19 PM
Posted on September 18, 2008 13:19
I live in Canada and I've never seen/heard of anything like this thing lol
Can't be too popular
Posted by Jeff | September 18, 2008 3:49 PM
Posted on September 18, 2008 15:49
@ Noya:
you have no clue what you're talking about. Fit/Civic can't be made fast enough & dealers are complaining they don't have enough of them. So please tell the rest of the world where they can buy Honda Fits for "at/under invoice".
Posted by Arthur Pappas | September 18, 2008 4:04 PM
Posted on September 18, 2008 16:04
Pontiac needed something to go up against the Fit, wish they could have done better.
It will sell to people would want a small cheap car with an America name plate on it, and thats about it.
Posted by Tim | September 18, 2008 7:15 PM
Posted on September 18, 2008 19:15
Looks alot better then the Aveo.
Posted by SteelCity1981 | September 18, 2008 10:42 PM
Posted on September 18, 2008 22:42
Thanks for your inputs, guys. We are indeed considering this for the new small Cadillac.
We think that with the right tweaks, it can easily compete with BMW 1-seroes and Audi A3.
Posted by Bob Lutz | September 19, 2008 4:59 AM
Posted on September 19, 2008 04:59
@Bob.
Hey Bob,
Ever considered buying a bridge? It'd be the perfect thing for GM. It would get you exactly where you are going. Nowhere.
Posted by Brian | September 19, 2008 5:54 AM
Posted on September 19, 2008 05:54
Needs moar ribbed body cladding!
Posted by Jung | September 19, 2008 8:19 AM
Posted on September 19, 2008 08:19
they need to make it a rocket!
They show throw in a LNF!
G3= LNF
Fit= K20
Yaris= the 2ZZ
Imagine if these automakers thought like that! the possibilities!
Posted by muscleoverrice | September 19, 2008 8:26 AM
Posted on September 19, 2008 08:26
show!= should
Posted by muscleoverrice | September 19, 2008 8:38 AM
Posted on September 19, 2008 08:38
Where does the wind-up key go?
Posted by WS | September 19, 2008 11:02 AM
Posted on September 19, 2008 11:02
@WS:
You have my vote for the best post of the day
Posted by longdxcommuter | September 19, 2008 1:53 PM
Posted on September 19, 2008 13:53
Just what GM need's another car made by the company formally known as Daewoo
Posted by mickk | October 23, 2008 11:31 PM
Posted on October 23, 2008 23:31