I should mention that while the G6's higher quality materials are much
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| While the G6's higher quality materials are much appreciated, the car's fit and finish is also impressive (base model shown). (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
appreciated, the car's fit and finish is also impressive. All interior surfaces butt up against each other in near perfect alignment. Its dash layout is refreshingly simple and straightforward, especially compared to the "look at me ma no hands" boy-racer meets Las Vegas lightshow that most Pontiacs suffer from. In preproduction trim it's an all-black affair, with attractive chrome rimmed circular vents that fully close when not in used for a finished appearance. The chrome rimmed theme transfers over to the instrument cluster, which effectively shrouds the gauges to reduce glare. The center stack is once again no-nonsense, featuring a single-disc interface in base trim and a 6-CD equipped Monsoon audio head unit as part of the GT package. Simple three-dial heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) controls are positioned underneath, within easy access of the driver and front passenger. Driver specific controls are also pleasantly upscale, with the steering wheel ergonomically designed for optimal hand placement.
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| I appreciate the high-end ambience created with the G6's aluminum-like accents. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
It incorporates thumb-controllable cruise control buttons as standard equipment, but none for the audio system in base trim. Buck up a little more change and the same spokes are occupied with six switches for cruise and audio, much more convenient. The column stalks are also well placed for easy access even for my smallish hands, and they clicked up and down with a more positive engagement than in the Grand Am, at least to my memory. Although metal brightwork is starting to be pretty commonplace, I still appreciate the high-end ambience created with the G6's aluminum-like accents, especially surrounding the automatic transmission's shift lever.
