Just Smashing

The name a vehicle is given can be grounds for an exhaustive recourse of play-on-word metaphors. To highlight my point,

The Pontiac Vibe is the choice of many North Americans due to its sleek styling, flexible interior, top-notch safety ratings and overall goodness. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

I'll use James Bond as an example (because most people who like cars, like James Bond, right?)

You know when Bond goes to a party, punches out a few people, blows up the entire building and then is later asked by a co-worker how the party was? His response is generally "just smashing" or "it was a blast." While cute in an annoying way, I hate those tacky lines. I hate them even more when they come out of my mouth, but sometimes it's just so hard to hold

Enhancing the already-good qualities of the Vibe, the revamped 2005 model is even better. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

back, like in the case of Pontiac's updated 2005 Vibe.

While I didn't punch out any pedestrians in a fit of road rage or ignite the Vibe into a ball of flames, fortunately, I have to concur with James that, while not a party on wheels, Toyota's little crossover wagon was also just smashing and a blast to drive.

While James Bond's choice of vehicle might not be the Pontiac Vibe, it is however the choice of many North Americans due to its sleek styling, flexible interior, top-notch safety ratings and overall goodness.

Enhancing the already-good qualities of the Vibe, the revamped 2005 model boasts a newly-styled front end with a revised

The 2005 model boasts a newly-styled front end with a revised fascia and grille. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

fascia and grille (inspired by the new G6 and upcoming Pontiac Solstice roadster), new fabric patterns in slate and graphite shades, and a standard passive suppression air bag system on the passenger side, plus a few new optional features.

Included in the list of options for 2005 is StabiliTrak vehicle stability enhancement system, the "Moon&Tunes" package with integrated sub-woofer, leather seating, programmable automatic door locks, and OnStar Gen 6 hardware with upgraded hands-free capability.

My just-above-base model Vibe was equipped with a few of the new features for 2005 including a graphite-coloured interior, the

A graphite-coloured interior, leather seating with leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel, and StabiliTrak are just some of the new features in the 2005 Vibe. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

leather seating with leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel, and StabiliTrak which, in short, assists the vehicle in maintaining the driver's intended path by applying brake force at any corner of the car independent of the driver's use of the brake pedal.

During my test week, there was little need for the StabiliTrak system to activate because the Vibe's handling in the slippery and icy weather was capable on its own, although the fact the technology was there definitely made me feel safer in case the conditions had turned less favourable.

The optional (at $1,015) leather seating surfaces throughout the cabin were comfortable, but missing one crucial

The optional leather seating surfaces throughout the cabin were comfortable, but missing seat warmers. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

characteristic - a butt warmer. It was a chilly day when I first entered the Vibe, and as soon as I saw the leather seating, I rummaged around for the seat warmer button. Low and behold, there wasn't one.

Call me spoiled, but here in the Great White North (or the Wet Coast) it's quite uncomfortable to sit in cold and stiff leather seats without even being given the option of having volcano buns. The cold and leather just don't mix all that well.

Continuing on, my Vibe had the optional four-speed automatic transmission ($1,225) coupled with a 1.8L, four-cylinder, 16-valve, DOHC engine with variable valve timing (VVT-i), which produces 130 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 125 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. While hardly a road rocket, the smooth-revving engine delivers ample power for everyday driving, whether climbing to the ski hill, or cruising to the grocery store.

Modestly-sized, the engine yields decent fuel consumption. With an estimated

My Vibe tester had the optional four-speed automatic transmission ($1,225) coupled with a 1.8L, four-cylinder, 16-valve, DOHC engine. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

rating of 8.2L/100km in the city and 6.3L/100km on the highway, the Vibe's gas bill fortunately didn't leave my pocketbook dented.

The combination of a front MacPherson strut and rear twist-beam suspension, improving ride comfort and quietness, and the power rack-and-pinion steering, made the Vibe a very agreeable vehicle to drive as well. Its braking system included a set of front discs and rear drums with the option of ABS and a tire pressure monitor system ($765). The brakes, coupled with a set of P205/55R16 all-season tires and 16-inch steel wheels, made stopping in all weather conditions efficient and controllable.

Other than the driver/car compatibility I experienced while driving the Vibe, the optional Monsoon premium stereo system

If I had to pick a catch phrase to describe the 2005 Vibe, I'd borrow "Good Vibrations" from the Beach Boys. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

with an AM/FM/CD player with seven speakers and an integrated rear subwoofer sent musical vibes throughout the car. Oops, I did it. You know what I mean. Nevertheless, the system's quality is quite good, especially the vibes coming from the subwoofer. It had to be said.

When all is said and done, my test unit came in at $26,565. Without all the bells and whistles, the Vibe starts at a reasonable $19,850. What I was a little shocked about was the fact that even with all the options my test car featured, the over-$26,000 Pontiac still didn't include aluminum rims. They are, however, optional, but will cost an extra $625. What options doesn't the Vibe have? Oh yeah, seat warmers.

I argue that James Bond has some pretty applicable catch phrases that could be tied into the Vibe's persona and performance. But I turn to The Beach Boys who describe this car even better because of its "Good Vibrations." Okay, I'm guilty as charged. But it works.

Specifications:

• Price Range (MSRP): $19,850 - $26,565
• Body Type: 5-door wagon
• Layout: Front engine, FWD (opt AWD)
• Base Engine: 130 hp, 125 lb-ft, 1.8L, 16-valve, DOHC I-4
• Transmission: 5-spd man (opt 4-spd auto)
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/drum (opt ABS)
• Curb Weight: 1,260 kg (2,778 lbs)
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Cargo Capacity (rear seats up/down): 629 / 1,533 L (22.2 / 54.1 cu ft)
• Towing Capacity: 680 kg (1,500 lb)
• Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 8.2 / 6.3 L/100 km
• Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive
• Direct Competitors: Chevrolet Optra5 / Optra Wagon, Ford Focus ZX5 / Focus Wagon, Hyundai Elantra GT, Mazda3 Sport, Subaru Impreza Wagon, Suzuki Aerio Fastback, Toyota Matrix, VW Jetta Wagon
• Web Site: www.gmcanada.com

Note: Additional larger photos are available in the photo album.