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2006 Pontiac Solstice Road Test

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Alexandra Straub
The Little Pontiac Droptop That Could

If someone had told me that Pontiac would be coming out with
After the Aztec and Sunfire, Pontiac finally pens something that makes people salivate. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)
a cool-looking, great-handling and smile-provoking convertible a few years back, I would have nodded my head in accordance, but internally disagreed. After all Pontiac is the brand that brought us the Aztec and Sunfire - not necessarily the coolest cars on the block.

But things have changed within GM's sportiest division these days, and they've definitely changed for the better. Not only has Pontiac produced some great cars in the last couple of years, like the Pursuit and [link artid="43131"]Torrent[/link], but now there's one that's so cool a long waiting list has formed, and those in line can sell their spot for thousands over list. Who would have thought?!

Of
The only thing that might top the curvy Solstice is the edgy Saturn Sky. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)
course there's a reason for all the excitement, the Solstice is fantastic. Just look at it. If I wasn't caught oogling over my temporary drop top, someone else was. I can't even count how many people approached me or the Solstice in my test term. Its fresh styling is beyond eye catching, although while racier than anything else in its class, other than maybe the new Saturn Sky that shares its overall architecture, it also looks so darn classy. I never would have guessed I'd be using classy and Pontiac in the same sentence? Not me.


Just by gawking at it the Solstice looks like quite the peppy Pontiac, and
Stumpy gear-lever has short throws. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)
it is. With its rear-wheel drive layout and front-mounted 16-valve, DOHC, 2.4L inline-four producing 177 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 166 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm, it's got a fair bit of low-end grunt to get it up and going. Now wouldn't it be a picture perfect day to get up and go down a winding road nestled between the mountains or coursing around a lake, all the sun beaming, the throaty exhaust rumbling as you shift up and down through its standard 5-speed manual transmission, all of its 177 horses at your right foot, complete control at the palms of your hands, top down, the wind chasing you as you slither through corners with ease thanks to the Solstice's agile, yet refined independent suspension, and the road-hugging 18-inch tires gripping the pavement as each ABS-enhanced four-wheel disc brake sets up the next corner, and the next corner, and so on, and so on...? Sign me up! But if getting to your choice destination with an extra bit of oomph and zest is desired, the Solstice will up its performance this summer when a turbocharged engine will be introduced. Sign me up again for round two.

While
Parts might be from the GM bin, but the Solstice is pretty good looking on the inside. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)
the interior of the Solstice isn't as eye-catching as the exterior, it combines functionality with simplicity through its wide dashboard and uncluttered layout. The motorcycle-inspired gauges with silver accents add that extra flare to liven up the cabin. But what really livened up the Solstice was me! OK, maybe it was the other way around. After all, it spiced up my life thanks to being such a hoot to drive. With the cold wind blowing through my hair, the tunes cranked up and my body all nice and cozy in the optional leather seats it was a fun roadster to prowl around town in... not to mention go to the tennis club in because a racket is about as much cargo that can fit in the trunk when the top's down and a passenger is in the seat next to me.
Alexandra Straub
Alexandra Straub
Automotive expert
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