GM Canada Prices 2006 Pontiac Solstice Well Below Mazda Miata

The car's stylish interior is expected to feature GM's much improved materials quality, with soft-touch plastics covering most

The car's stylish interior is expected to feature GM's much improved materials quality. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

surfaces and better than average fit, finish and gap tolerances.

"The interior of the Solstice is surprisingly spacious, especially for a smaller car," said Lori Queen, vehicle line executive for GM's small cars. "We wanted to create a comfortable environment suitable for longer drives without sacrificing the 'personal' feeling of a driver's car."

Slightly heavier than Mazda's roadster, the Pontiac should still provide excellent performance in base trim.

"With the concept vehicle, people immediately felt the emotional appeal of Solstice's design and back-to-basics philosophy - it's about performance, but in a fun, agile, affordable roadster," said Lynn Myers, Pontiac-GMC general manager. "All the stops were pulled out to

Saturn's Sky roadster, also built off of the Solstice's Kappa architecture, will become available next year. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

make sure the production model delivers an exhilarating driving experience to capitalize on the 'promise' of the Solstice's design."

The Solstice will arrive in Pontiac dealerships across Canada this summer. Saturn's Sky roadster, also built off of the Solstice's Kappa architecture, and first shown in Detroit this year, will become available next year.

Mazda will pump up its MX-5 Miata for 2006 to combat its new competition, with revised styling, a new chassis based on the RX-8 sports coupe, increased horsepower and an improved interior. It is also expected to increase slightly in price, which would make the Solstice an even better deal.