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2009 Pontiac Vibe Preview

Read the headlines in any automotive newspaper section, and it's quite likely

The GM-Toyota alliance has resulted in the all-new 2009 Pontiac Vibe. (Photo: Pontiac)

that you'll run into a headline regarding the ongoing battle for vehicle sales between Toyota and General Motors. It's quite literally a neck and neck race, as with each passing quarter the titles seem to switch. Who will end up the victor by year's end has yet to be declared, but it'll be close. However, we've got to wonder if people have forgotten the fact that Toyota and GM build a vehicle together? Since 2003, the two have built the Matrix and the Vibe, a partnership that will continue into the next decade with the launch of the 2009 Matrix/Vibe redesign.

As before, the collaboration between Pontiac and Toyota is a little one-sided on the part of Toyota. After all, much of the engineering for the vehicle's frame was done by Toyota, although GM should be given credit for not covering this fact up. This isn't the first case of cooperation either. Think back to the Chevrolet or Geo Prism, or back to the Chevrolet Nova of the '80s, both of which were Californian-built Toyota Corollas. Interestingly, despite their relation the Matrix and Vibe aren't built in the same factory. The Matrix is assembled in Cambridge, Ontario while the Vibe is built

The Vibe will feature Toyota engines: the base model receives a 1.8-liter while the GT and AWD get a 2.4-liter four. (Photo: Pontiac)

exclusively in Freemont, California at the joint-owned NUMMI facility alongside the Tacoma pickup truck.

The Matrix and Vibe have always looked different from the outside thanks to unique sheet metal, but this generation sees the two diverging even further. The profile between the cars stays mostly the same, with a peak just above the front seat passengers, and a gently sloping roofline to the tail, but aside from this the two could be mistaken as unrelated. The new look of the Vibe is conservative compared to the Matrix, with a chunkier stance that's less curvy. Tradition governs the nose of the Vibe with large grille intakes that are similar to the Torrent SUV. This is not a bad thing. Generally speaking, the Vibe is a handsome looking hatchback. The differences are just as pronounced at the rear of the car, where the Vibe features a large, wide rear pillar giving it the look of a hatchback, whereas the wraparound glass of the Matrix reminds us of a station wagon. Both cars feature different rear bumpers too. The Matrix's license plate frame is on the tailgate itself, whereas the Vibe's is on the lower bumper. One feature that is no longer available is the split hatchback, which offered a separate-opening tailgate, much like an SUV. It is one solid unit this time around.

All wheel drive is back, something that was once available on the first-gen Vibe. (Photo: Pontiac)

Though the exterior of the Matrix and Vibe are very different, what you'll find on the inside is an identical cabin with the exception of the Pontiac badge in place of the ovoid Toyota “T” logo. The new Vibe is more spacious than the outgoing model, and features a console-mounted shift knob, an item that's becoming more and more popular amongst crossovers, minivans and some tall wagons. The knobs, switchgear and even the unique layout of the gauges on the instrument panel are pure Toyota. Some of the features that were discontinued towards the end of the product life, such as navigation and a 115-volt household socket will make their return. The only GM-specific part that can easily be picked out is the stereo system.

Under the hood, the new Vibe can be had with two different engines, both of which are Toyota sourced. The base Matrix receives a 1.8-liter inline-four with variable valve timing that makes 132 horsepower, a slight hike up from the current 126 horsepower. A higher-performance GT model will

Interior is a clone of the Matrix, although the stereo is different and there is more standard equipment. (Photo: Pontiac)

also be offered, mirroring the Matrix XRS. It provides a larger displacement 2.4-liter inline-four with variable valve timing that makes 158 horsepower. Even more important, torque is up substantially with both engines, the GT model making 162 lb-ft, making life with the optional automatic easier. Pontiac is also stocking the Vibe range with all wheel drive, a welcomed return for 2009 model year. It too gets the bigger engine to compensate for the extra weight of the drivetrain. Buyers of the base model Vibe can also opt for the bigger engine, something Toyota doesn't offer to its Matrix buyers. Both engines are available with five-speed manuals, while automatics consist of a four-speed for the smaller inline-four, and a five-speed for the bigger unit.

Pontiac has big hopes that its new Vibe will enjoy increased driver appeal thanks to a totally redesigned chassis. Besides being more

Plenty of cargo space, plus a wipe-down floor. (Photo: Pontiac)

rigid, the suspension systems have been re-engineered. Interestingly, there are some suspension differences between trim levels, with the base Vibe receiving a semi-independent torsion beam setup, and the AWD and the high performance GT getting a multi-link rear end for improved road holding and better bump absorption. The Vibe also receives electrical power steering, implemented for its fuel-saving capabilities.

To keep things under control, all versions of the Vibe feature four wheel discs with anti-lock brakes, traction control and StabiliTrak stability control as standard equipment, impressive especially for the base model which will be pitched against other entry-level hatchbacks. The Vibe can also be had with OnStar, a GM exclusive.

The new Vibe will enter the market early 2008, and be priced competitively. By offering all wheel drive, the Vibe will take Pontiac back into a segment that's quickly expanding with the likes of the Subaru Impreza, Dodge Caliber and Jeep Compass. Expect base models to start at around $17,000.

Specifications (Pontiac Vibe):

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