All this power does come with a price mind you. The SSEi's as tested 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway (7.23 and 10.63 km/L respectively) are hardly econocar numbers, but that is expected in performance cum luxury car territory. It should be noted that our numbers might be specific to the test car we had, as they are not as positive as the 21/35 mpg (13.5/8 L/100km) that Pontiac quotes.
Speaking of performance the SSEi's anti-lock brakes clamp down effectively in a panic stop, especially considering the Bonneville's heft. It's no lightweight at 3716 lbs (1689 kg), therefore 131 feet (39.9 m) from 60 (96.6 km) to 0 stopping times are on par with most of the vehicles in this class.
Despite its weight handicap, the Bonneville handles itself commendably through all but the most demanding hairpin curves (where it becomes a little unwieldy). Independent tests show it winding through the cones for a slalom speed in excess of 61 mph (98.2 km/h). Again, this isn't bad considering that it is a large car.
Traction control has become fairly standard on cars in this class, and Pontiac includes it on the SSEi. Normally, when you step on the accelerator in a vehicle equipped with this option the wheels will spin nominally if at all. With the Bonneville, it is difficult to detect any difference between launching the car with the traction control engaged or off, either way is dramatic. Even in dry conditions the wheels spin, tires screech and all eyes focus in your direction. Looking like a twit at the next stoplight might bring back memories of your teenage glory years, but when dressed in a suit en route to the office it's embarrassing. Fortunately when at speed the Bonneville's StabiliTrak advanced stability control system works much more effectively, making heroes out of zeros in wet weather.
Speaking of performance the SSEi's anti-lock brakes clamp down effectively in a panic stop, especially considering the Bonneville's heft. It's no lightweight at 3716 lbs (1689 kg), therefore 131 feet (39.9 m) from 60 (96.6 km) to 0 stopping times are on par with most of the vehicles in this class.
Despite its weight handicap, the Bonneville handles itself commendably through all but the most demanding hairpin curves (where it becomes a little unwieldy). Independent tests show it winding through the cones for a slalom speed in excess of 61 mph (98.2 km/h). Again, this isn't bad considering that it is a large car.
Traction control has become fairly standard on cars in this class, and Pontiac includes it on the SSEi. Normally, when you step on the accelerator in a vehicle equipped with this option the wheels will spin nominally if at all. With the Bonneville, it is difficult to detect any difference between launching the car with the traction control engaged or off, either way is dramatic. Even in dry conditions the wheels spin, tires screech and all eyes focus in your direction. Looking like a twit at the next stoplight might bring back memories of your teenage glory years, but when dressed in a suit en route to the office it's embarrassing. Fortunately when at speed the Bonneville's StabiliTrak advanced stability control system works much more effectively, making heroes out of zeros in wet weather.