While I enjoyed driving the current base model, I have to attest to feeling more in-tune with the sportier setup of the GT
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| I have to attest to feeling more in-tune with the sportier setup of the GT model. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
model. Its ride was far from harsh, yet it produced truly engaging characteristics if pushed enthusiastically. Like I mentioned earlier, turn-in is quick, an attribute complimented by good side-to-side transitional response, excellent control under aggressive braking, and hardly any torque-steer when powering out of a corner. The chassis and body structure also felt really tight, something that not only directly affects its performance ability but will no doubt pay off as the car gets older and metal fatigue sets in. Aiding the rigid body in corning agility is the car's top-tier suspension setup, comprised of MacPherson struts with aluminum L-shaped control arms up front, combined with a 21-mm hollow direct-acting stabilizer bar in base trim or a 22-mm version in GT models. The stabilizer bar gets thicker in the GT's rear setup as well, growing from 19 mm to 20. Both models get a 4-link independent rear suspension with twin-tube gas shocks and dual-rate mini-block coil springs. While this techno-gibberish might sound a bit heady for the non-mechanically inclined, suffice it to say that the G6 works extremely well.
Another attribute that will help keep owner satisfaction on the positive long after the honeymoon is over is an accommodating interior. The G6 looks so long and sleek that I
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| The G6 looks so long and sleek that I would have discounted its rear seat roominess if I hadn't took the opportunity to ride in back for awhile. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
would have discounted its rear seat roominess if I hadn't took the opportunity to ride in back for awhile. The rear seats are comfortable, enhanced by an uncanny amount of legroom. Yes, there's even more room than in its Chevy Malibu cousin, being that its wheelbase has been stretched to match that of the Malibu Maxx at 2,852 millimeters (112.3 inches). The added length also irons out road imperfections more effectively than the regular Malibu, while adding to that low, sleek profile I keep mentioning. I should mention some of my taller colleagues complained of a low ceiling height in back, which hampers headroom for those over 6 feet tall.
