2003 Pontiac Sunfire Coupe SL - As Racy As It Looks
Maybe I'm a little too proud. And the worst part of this realization is that my egotism is based on absolutely false pretenses. While I enjoy driving the latest, most desirable sport and luxury cars available, they often cost much more than I gross after a full year's labor. It's a sobering thought but a necessary one when judging a car designed for the less affluent.
Pontiac's recently updated Sunfire Coupe is a prime example. While sporty it's hardly a status symbol. People may glance over at its sleek design but few, other than those waiting at the bus stop, close their eyes and recall scenes from 'Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous'.
The particular example GM supplied was even more basic than the average, well featured test car. Such plebian non-accessories as roll-up windows, heating and ventilation without A/C and an AM/FM audio system with no cassette or CD player bring back memories of yesteryear, and heaven forbid the need to stick a key into a keyhole to unlock the door.
No, GM isn't trying to win over spoiled media types with fancy convenience features or luxury appointments. But in a way, the Sunfire SL's stark minimalism is refreshing. There's no sophisticated navigation system to learn, no voice activated climate control system with color-coded touch-sensitive buttons to exacerbate me out of my comfort zone and not a trace of multi-position memory adjustable power seats to contort the back.
Maybe I'm a little too proud. And the worst part of this realization is that my egotism is based on absolutely false pretenses. While I enjoy driving the latest, most desirable sport and luxury cars available, they often cost much more than I gross after a full year's labor. It's a sobering thought but a necessary one when judging a car designed for the less affluent. Pontiac's recently updated Sunfire Coupe is a prime example. While sporty it's hardly a status symbol. People may glance over at its sleek design but few, other than those waiting at the bus stop, close their eyes and recall scenes from 'Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous'.
The particular example GM supplied was even more basic than the average, well featured test car. Such plebian non-accessories as roll-up windows, heating and ventilation without A/C and an AM/FM audio system with no cassette or CD player bring back memories of yesteryear, and heaven forbid the need to stick a key into a keyhole to unlock the door. No, GM isn't trying to win over spoiled media types with fancy convenience features or luxury appointments. But in a way, the Sunfire SL's stark minimalism is refreshing. There's no sophisticated navigation system to learn, no voice activated climate control system with color-coded touch-sensitive buttons to exacerbate me out of my comfort zone and not a trace of multi-position memory adjustable power seats to contort the back.