Although both interior and exterior build quality are remarkably good for the Wave's price range, I'm not keen about its out exterior styling. Perhaps due somewhat to its tall side profile, which tends to make the wheel openings appear small and out of proportion. Of course you'll notice this effect on numerous sub-compacts these days that stand tall. One other exterior element rubs me the wrong way; that's the rear trunk spoiler. Obviously with a grand total of 103 horsepower flowing through a four-speed autobox, the add-on is there merely for aesthetics. I don't like fake add-ons, whether they be on the human form or automobile form. Credit where credit's due though, my twelve-year old thought the spoiler was "cool."
Speaking of Horsepower and Such
The little four-banger in the Wave does a commendable job of hustling the car around town and down the highway without exhibiting overt signs of stress or strain, even when tackling long hills. The mighty E-TEC II 1.6 litre, DOHC mill is fairly polished in its operation while sending up to 103 horsepower and 107 foot-pounds of torque to the front wheels. The vehicle's automatic transmission is limited slightly by its stock of four gears rather than five, as found in some of the competition. If five gears is important to a purchaser, the base gearbox is a five-speed manual affair. During my testing, I found the autobox to be well matched to the engine; the two worked in sync to coax the best out of the fuel efficient E-TEC II.
In addition to their inexpensive price tags, econo-boxes as they are often unceremoniously referred to, reward drivers with fuel-efficient operation, and the Wave is no exception. GM rates the automatic Wave at 9.1 litres and 6.3 litres of regular fuel per 100 kilometres of city and highway driving respectively (31 / 45 mpg imp). The five-speed manual Wave is a little stingier with golden nectar, turning in ratings of 8.9 and 5.9 litres respectively (32 /48 mpg imp). There's something tremendously satisfying about knowing one's little car didn't cost too much and uses far less fuel than the majority of gas-guzzlers clogging our streets. I must admit, a slight feeling of self righteousness creeps in as well in knowing that less fuel burnt generally means less harm to the environment.
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| The engine does a great job of moving the little car around. |
Speaking of Horsepower and Such
The little four-banger in the Wave does a commendable job of hustling the car around town and down the highway without exhibiting overt signs of stress or strain, even when tackling long hills. The mighty E-TEC II 1.6 litre, DOHC mill is fairly polished in its operation while sending up to 103 horsepower and 107 foot-pounds of torque to the front wheels. The vehicle's automatic transmission is limited slightly by its stock of four gears rather than five, as found in some of the competition. If five gears is important to a purchaser, the base gearbox is a five-speed manual affair. During my testing, I found the autobox to be well matched to the engine; the two worked in sync to coax the best out of the fuel efficient E-TEC II.
In addition to their inexpensive price tags, econo-boxes as they are often unceremoniously referred to, reward drivers with fuel-efficient operation, and the Wave is no exception. GM rates the automatic Wave at 9.1 litres and 6.3 litres of regular fuel per 100 kilometres of city and highway driving respectively (31 / 45 mpg imp). The five-speed manual Wave is a little stingier with golden nectar, turning in ratings of 8.9 and 5.9 litres respectively (32 /48 mpg imp). There's something tremendously satisfying about knowing one's little car didn't cost too much and uses far less fuel than the majority of gas-guzzlers clogging our streets. I must admit, a slight feeling of self righteousness creeps in as well in knowing that less fuel burnt generally means less harm to the environment.
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| The Wave makes a nice looking frugal ride. |