The passenger accommodations are misguided and/or confused. The dash is poorly assembled with plastics of the cheapest variety. There is a misuse of space in an already cramped environment. The lower portion of the center console is covered by a large piece of plastic; it should have a small compartment as they are in very short supply. An unfortunate dash
rattle was present from the moment we picked up the car until we returned it. The gauges are large and clear and their center-mounted position makes them easier to consult. The downside is that, in the place behind the steering wheel where gauges are usually found, there is more of the dreaded synthetic material. The Premium audio system is not very impressive: It is not very powerful and the sound lacks clarity. The revised steering wheel is more attractive and grippier.
Front legroom is limited by the width of the center console. It also sticks out in such a way that the right knee is always uncomfortably lodged against it. Headroom and rear legroom is also at a premium, far behind many of its competitors.
Technical
Only one engine equips the Ion sedan and it is the Ecotec 2.2L inline 4
cylinder also found in the new Pontiac Pursuit and Chevrolet Cobalt. It puts out 140 hp at 5,800 rpm and 145 lb/ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. The Ion Quad Coupe gets the Ecotec as standard equipment but also has an optional supercharged 2.0L 4 cylinder powerplant that develops 205 hp at 5,600 rpm and 200 lb/ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard and a 4-speed automatic is optional. Variable assist electric power steering, front disc and rear drum brakes along with a front independent and rear semi-independent suspension complete the list of standard mechanical features for the Ion.
On the road
The 2.2L Ecotec engine is very torquey and pulls nicely off the line. On the other hand, it completely lacks refinement: It gets noisy when solicited and has a tendency to vibrate heavily at idle. The 4-speed automatic transmission is very agreeable: It is swift to kickdown and generally upshifts smoothly. The overdrive or 4th gear is very low. When cruising at 80 km/h, the engine drowns at very low rpm. This is good for fuel economy, however it makes an already uncomfortable cabin even less appealing. The gearbox also slipped on a few occasions. Overall, the combination of the engine and transmission work very well together: they
are this car's saving grace. Fuel consumption is at a reasonable 11L per 100 km. This result was mostly influenced by cold weather and much wheel spin due to the fact that the car was equipped with the 4-season Firestone tires. In normal driving conditions, it should drop to slightly below 10L per 100 km.
The brake pedal is very rigid, like most other compact GMs and feedback is limited. Stopping prowesses are good although I would not suggest repeated hard braking as the diminutive discs and drums do not seem all that durable (for a car that weighs 1 285 kg). The brake pedal itself squeaked every time pressure was applied to it, similar to a 10-year-old car. The variable assist electric power steering works well and does a nice job of altering the effort required to turn the wheel. The turning radius is nice and tight.
The Ion displays an honest ride. The suspension is reasonably firm to allow it to be tossed into corners with confidence with the help of the wide and grippy Firestone tires. Bumps are soaked up fairly easily and the good by comparison chassis keeps it all in check.
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Front legroom is limited by the width of the center console. It also sticks out in such a way that the right knee is always uncomfortably lodged against it. Headroom and rear legroom is also at a premium, far behind many of its competitors.
Technical
Only one engine equips the Ion sedan and it is the Ecotec 2.2L inline 4
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On the road
The 2.2L Ecotec engine is very torquey and pulls nicely off the line. On the other hand, it completely lacks refinement: It gets noisy when solicited and has a tendency to vibrate heavily at idle. The 4-speed automatic transmission is very agreeable: It is swift to kickdown and generally upshifts smoothly. The overdrive or 4th gear is very low. When cruising at 80 km/h, the engine drowns at very low rpm. This is good for fuel economy, however it makes an already uncomfortable cabin even less appealing. The gearbox also slipped on a few occasions. Overall, the combination of the engine and transmission work very well together: they
 |
The brake pedal is very rigid, like most other compact GMs and feedback is limited. Stopping prowesses are good although I would not suggest repeated hard braking as the diminutive discs and drums do not seem all that durable (for a car that weighs 1 285 kg). The brake pedal itself squeaked every time pressure was applied to it, similar to a 10-year-old car. The variable assist electric power steering works well and does a nice job of altering the effort required to turn the wheel. The turning radius is nice and tight.
The Ion displays an honest ride. The suspension is reasonably firm to allow it to be tossed into corners with confidence with the help of the wide and grippy Firestone tires. Bumps are soaked up fairly easily and the good by comparison chassis keeps it all in check.