2009 Pontiac Vibe official details and photos

Just_me · 11-06-2007, 05:12 PM

Pontiac’s all-new Vibe small crossover has officially been released, with details and the previously promised high-resolution press shots. A variety of more powerful engine options, new interior and exterior design plus the return of the GT and AWD models give the new lineup some zing.

The base model comes standard with an increased-output 132hp 1.8L four-cylinder motor, but can be upgraded to the 2.4L 158hp motor that is standard on the GT and AWD models. A four-speed auto is also standard on AWD models, while the base and GT models can choose between a five-speed manual or an all-new five-speed electronically controlled automatic with Direct Shift Control (DSC).

Fuel economy is as good as you’d expect for a small car with a moderately powerful engine, with the 1.8L model providing 26/32mpg city/highway and the 2.4L engine yielding 21/28mpg city/highway when paired with the five-speed automatic. The four-speed automatic with AWD and 2.4L engine gives 20/26mpg city/highway.

Ride and handling have been improved to give a more responsive experience and chassis control systems have been employed as well. Suspension is standard econo-box fare with McPherson struts up ront. Base models get a torsion-beam rear suspension (sure to induce some understeer) but the GT and AWD models get a multi-link independent rear suspension that will yield better handling.

On the outside, the new Vibe is a bit leaner and more aerodynamic-looking. Gaps have been narrowed to give a more polished look and bigger wheels fitted for a more aggressive stance. Cues unique to the AWD model include a roof-mounted rack, while the GT gets a special front fascia and rocker moldings plus a roof spoiler and exhaust tip.

zetableh · 11-06-2007, 08:45 PM

Not a bad looking little wagon... I'd drive one and not be embarrassed. I'd even "like" to have one if it had AWD... I hate my FWD during the winters up here.

Osnabrueck · 11-06-2007, 09:31 PM

Is it a Toyota Matrix under the skin, as before?

bmer · 11-07-2007, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Osnabrueck

Is it a Toyota Matrix under the skin, as before?

I have no idea but on the engine it says "VVT-i" so the engine at least seems to be from Toyota.

11-06-2007, 03:27 PM	#1
Just_me Executive Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Sweden Posts: 15,487 Thanks: 1,062 Thanked 3,722 Times in 1,583 Posts	2009 Pontiac Vibe official details and photos

11-06-2007, 05:12 PM	#2
Just_me Executive Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Sweden Posts: 15,487 Thanks: 1,062 Thanked 3,722 Times in 1,583 Posts	Re: 2009 Pontiac Vibe official details and photos Pontiac’s all-new Vibe small crossover has officially been released, with details and the previously promised high-resolution press shots. A variety of more powerful engine options, new interior and exterior design plus the return of the GT and AWD models give the new lineup some zing. The base model comes standard with an increased-output 132hp 1.8L four-cylinder motor, but can be upgraded to the 2.4L 158hp motor that is standard on the GT and AWD models. A four-speed auto is also standard on AWD models, while the base and GT models can choose between a five-speed manual or an all-new five-speed electronically controlled automatic with Direct Shift Control (DSC). Fuel economy is as good as you’d expect for a small car with a moderately powerful engine, with the 1.8L model providing 26/32mpg city/highway and the 2.4L engine yielding 21/28mpg city/highway when paired with the five-speed automatic. The four-speed automatic with AWD and 2.4L engine gives 20/26mpg city/highway. Ride and handling have been improved to give a more responsive experience and chassis control systems have been employed as well. Suspension is standard econo-box fare with McPherson struts up ront. Base models get a torsion-beam rear suspension (sure to induce some understeer) but the GT and AWD models get a multi-link independent rear suspension that will yield better handling. On the outside, the new Vibe is a bit leaner and more aerodynamic-looking. Gaps have been narrowed to give a more polished look and bigger wheels fitted for a more aggressive stance. Cues unique to the AWD model include a roof-mounted rack, while the GT gets a special front fascia and rocker moldings plus a roof spoiler and exhaust tip.

11-06-2007, 08:45 PM	#3
zetableh Advocate Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Connecticut/New York Posts: 708 Thanks: 184 Thanked 87 Times in 50 Posts	Re: 2009 Pontiac Vibe official details and photos Not a bad looking little wagon... I'd drive one and not be embarrassed. I'd even "like" to have one if it had AWD... I hate my FWD during the winters up here.

11-06-2007, 09:31 PM	#4
Osnabrueck Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 2,100 Thanks: 410 Thanked 342 Times in 204 Posts	Re: 2009 Pontiac Vibe official details and photos Is it a Toyota Matrix under the skin, as before?

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