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2006 Pontiac G6 Convertible Preview

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Khatir Soltani

Other distinct coupe and convertible features are angular, wraparound taillamps, and LED Center High Mounted Stop Lamps

The convertible also shortchanges buyers when it comes to airbags, with the coupe only offering optional side and head curtain airbags. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)
(CHMSLs). The convertible's CHMSL is wider than the coupe's, and integrated into the rear decklid.

That rear decklid, by the way, only manages to stow up to 61 liters (1.8 cubic feet) of cargo when the top is lowered which will mean you'll need to drive with the top up if loaded with luggage. That said, only 164 liters (5.8 cubic feet) of cargo space is available when the top is upright, which is a far cry from the coupe or G6 sedan's accommodating 396 liter (14.0 cubic foot) trunk.

The convertible also shortchanges buyers when it comes to airbags, with the coupe only offering optional side and head

No doubt Pontiac will be sensitive to the new model's price point, making the new G6 convertible extremely competitive. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)
curtain airbags. Both cars come standard with dual-stage frontal airbags, of course.

In the event of a rollover the convertible features a reinforced windshield frame that acts as a roll bar, but it doesn't offer automatically deploying roll "hoops" like some premium convertibles incorporate into their safety systems. Important to remember, however, is that the integration of such features costs a great deal of money that inevitably would need to be passed on to the buyer.

What Pontiac will soon provide, alternatively, is an enticing drop-top to rival the Chrysler Sebring convertible and Ford Mustang convertible, plus others from Toyota and Mitsubishi.

Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
  • Over 8 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada