2006 Pontiac G6 Convertible Preview

Of course, leather will be offered as will heated seat cushions. OnStar, however, is strangely unavailable in the

The convertible offers easy rear-seat entry, thanks mostly to the extra long wheelbase as well as doors that are 152.4 mm (6 inches) longer than the G6 sedan's front doors. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

convertible but offered with the coupe - go figure. Remote start can be had in either configuration, allowing those in hot or cold climes to cool down or warm up the car prior to getting inside. While this feature is convenient, environmental groups have raised concerns about the negative impact such devices contribute to air quality.

The convertible is also noted for offering easy rear-seat entry, thanks mostly to the previously mentioned extra long wheelbase as well as doors that are 152.4 mm (6 inches) longer than the G6 sedan's front doors, and on average about 50 to 75 mm (2 to 3 inches) longer than doors on most rival drop-tops. The doors also integrate counterweights which make them feel light and easy to manage, something I experienced when checking the car out. Of course, longer doors may mean getting out when parked in tight spaces beside other cars is more of a challenge than on the G6 sedan, for instance, but this problem is par for the course with two-door models.

Rear seat passengers should find room enough to get comfortable, with about 889 mm (35 inches) of rear legroom, which is about

Pontiac says that headroom is also comparable to the G6 sedan, impressive considering the convertible's racy roofline. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

an inch and a half shorter than the extremely accommodating G6 sedan. Pontiac says that headroom is also comparable to the G6 sedan, impressive considering the convertible's racy roofline.

That raked roofline differs whether inside a coupe or convertible, especially noticeable in the rear quarter window and C-pillar. The coupe features a kink, similar to that of a BMW, while the convertible quarter glass and C-pillar meet at a point. Both designs are attractive, and completely unique to the shape offered by the sedan, which only shares the same body panels ahead of the A-pillars by the way.