February 1, 2008 10:14 AM by Gustavo Henrique Ruffo Filed Under: Pontiac
Canada customers will soon meet the new 2009 Wave5, a compact car that will replace the current Pontiac Wave. Although new, the Wave5 may seem a known vehicle to most of you, and it surely is. Change the badge and you will be able to call it Daewoo Gentra, Holden Barina or even Chevrolet Aveo5.
Developed under the code T250, the new Pontiac Wave5 has some interesting improvements over the Wave, such as a new 1.6-litre engine with variable valve timing that delivers 107 cv and 143 Nm, nice numbers for an engine of this size, even though the Renault Twingo RS goes a little further ahead. Besides offering a better performance, the Wave5 needs less petrol than its predecessor. The new car’s range, running on regular gasoline, is said to reach 640 km.
With a wheelbase of 2,48 m, the Wave5 must be roomy, as its press release says, but we still can’t confirm. The best thing about its possible roominess is that it comes in a relatively small package (3,94 m long, 1,68 m wide and 1,51 m high), ideal for the traffic of crowded big cities.
Among other interesting features, the Wave5 includes standard OnStar and the XM Satellite Radio as an option, side air bags and dual-stage frontal air bags with Passenger Sensing System also as standard, a five-year or 160,000 km warranty for the powertrain, six-way adjustable front seats, tilting steering wheel, cruise control, heated outside mirrors and 1,189 l of load capacity with folded seats (no word on its load capacity with seats in normal position in the press release, a clear sign it is small, and it really is: only 198 l). Prices haven’t been informed so far, but, as a reference, the Aveo5 starts at US$ 10,895 in the USA. The new Pontiac may cost a little more than that.
• NEW 2009 PONTIAC WAVE5 DELIVERS MORE IN THE ENTRY-LEVEL SEGMENT: LARGE-CAR ROOMINESS, AMENITIES AND GREAT FUEL ECONOMY
Redesigned, sporty exterior with contemporary details
Updated, roomy "tall car" interior with the cargo flexibility of a hatchback - including up to 1,189 L (42 cu.-ft.) of cargo space
New, fuel-efficient Ecotec 1.6L DOHC engine with variable valve timing
Standard side air bags and dual-stage frontal air bags with Passenger Sensing System
Unexpected technologies, including standard OnStar and available XM Satellite Radio
Five-year / 160,000-kilomtre powertrain warranty
Coming this summer, the efficient, made-for-Canada Pontiac Wave5 also gets an injection of style and technology for the 2009 model. This small car now offers a new design inside and out, and gets a new, more refined engine with variable valve timing and improved fuel economy, and is sure to be a hit with Canadians when it goes on sale in 2008.
The new '09 Wave5 continues to stir the waters in Canada's small-car market with features expected in larger, more expensive cars - such as standard OnStar and available XM Satellite Radio - as well as its signature "tall car" design that enables surprising passenger and cargo room. It is powered by a new, fuel-sipping, 1.6L DOHC engine with variable valve timing that produces more power (107 hp / 80 kW) and strong torque (106-lb.-ft. / 143 Nm) - and has been tuned for quieter performance.
Indeed, the Wave5's efficiency and flexibility go hand in hand. With its improved fuel economy among the best on the market using regular gasoline, the '09 Wave5 can travel more than 640 km between fill-ups, resulting in fewer trips to the gas station and road trips that require fewer stops.
The Wave5 goes on sale in mid-2008, joining the recently redesigned Wave sedan. It is available in base and SE trims - each backed by a "worry free" five-year/160,000 km transferable powertrain warranty, plus Roadside Assistance and Courtesy Transportation.
Bold, sporty, modern exterior design
The Wave5's dynamic, contemporary European influenced design enhances the Wave5's sporty exterior with premium details such as the three-dimensional, richly detailed headlamps that extend into the hood. Redesigned, body-colour fascias and chrome accents suggest a more expensive car, along with available features - such as its large power sunroof - that are unexpected in the segment, Wave5 retains its characteristic "tall car" configuration, enabling a spacious interior, with generous headroom that is greater than many midsize sedans.
The Wave5's sleek styling accents longer, wider and taller dimensions, with sculpted lines and a wide, confident stance. Pronounced "shoulders" over the wheel openings and body-colour door sills convey the look of a larger car. A more assertive, dynamic look is accomplished with crisp, V-shaped hood edges, bold front and rear fascias with premium cues, such as larger, available front fog lamps; a rear-fascia lower grille; and a larger available rear spoiler located on the trailing edge of the roof.
Roomy environment
The Wave5's exterior is complemented by a quiet passenger cabin that features well-crafted details and generous standard features that enhance comfort. It is one of the most spacious vehicles in its class, with features and refinement comparable to more expensive vehicles.
With its signature "tall car" design, the Wave5's generous dimensions easily accommodate 6-foot-tall passengers in each of the five seating positions. It also is a quiet interior environment, with soundproofing technologies that complement quieting powertrain enhancements and improved aerodynamics to provide a quiet, comfortable and vibration-free ride, even at higher speed.
Attention to comfort is evidenced in elements such as standard driver's seat armrests. Also, theatre-style rear seating provides a commanding view for all passengers. A 60/40-split rear seat expands Wave5's interior cargo capacity; and when more cargo-carrying capability is required, the rear seat can be flipped and folded, offering 1,189 L (42 cu. ft.) of cargo space.
Refined modern interior with a twist
The interior's contemporary appearance is achieved through sleek lines and the clever use of rich materials, including a new, available two-tone, charcoal/light gray design (on charcoal interiors) that provides a premium look and feel. Other premium appearance elements include technical-grain, low-gloss surfaces; wood grain, satin-chrome or carbon-fiber finishes on the instrument panel and door panels; and even perforated faux leather seating surfaces, steering wheel cover and shifter knob.
Additionally, clever details abound, such as a sunglasses holder; door pockets for books and maps; and hooks that can secure shopping bags. Unexpected value is delivered through more standard and available features - features not typically found in the segment, including:
Fully reclining front seats with convenience hooks
Six-way-adjustable seats - plus driver lumbar adjustment
Tilting steering wheel
Driver information centre
Oil Life Monitoring System
Cruise control
Power windows and locks
Heated, dual power body-colour foldaway outside mirrors
On-key (no separate fob) remote keyless entry
Air conditioning with cabin filtration
Large, power-operated sunroof
Looks like a shortened Vibe. It looks nicer than an Aveo but i dont know i would still take a honda fit or city golf over it. People that are interested in this market want fuel economy and reliability, and that is a reputation GM has yet to build. I would imagine the Yaris and Fit will still dominate this sector.
Nasty little wheelbarrow. GM should get Opel to do the small car designs, and/or keep the previous association and get Fiat to help them out. Make them in low-cost manufacturing bases like Korea, India and China and export from there.
Prettier than the Aveo- much nicer front