New 2009 Pontiac Vibe

The restyled 2009 Pontiac Vibe is another vehicle benefiting from the trend toward softer exterior lines. The polished hatchback jumps into the hot seat with a new powertrain option and a 158-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder alongside the 132-hp, supercharged 1.8-liter standard unit. Pontiac has re-equipped its base with optional all-wheel drive while maintaining its front-wheel-drive GT. Alternatives include the Dodge Caliber, Mazda Mazda3, Chevrolet HHR, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Kia Spectra5 and the Toyota Matrix.

The Vibe is roomy enough for five (buckets in the front and a three-person 60/40-split backseat); cloth seats are standard while GT style seats are leather-accented. The speedometer, tachometer and an elliptical housing for the fuel and engine temperature gauges form a unique, tri-clustered panel.

Interior storage is highly versatile: Vibes equipped with the 2.4-liter engine come with a fold-flat front passenger seat and just over 20 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats. Fold those and the space expands to just about 50 cubic feet. Rubber strips help keep heavy stuff from flying. Smaller items nestle into a back storage organizer with nifty hook-and-net divided compartments. The latter setup disappears into the floor when you want it to.

Five-speed manual transmission is standard, 4-speed automatic optional. Safety standards include StabiliTrak electronic vehicle stability system, tire pressure monitoring, dual-stage frontal airbags with passenger-sensing ability, side curtain airbags, side-thorax airbags for the front passengers, active head restraints, three-point safety belts in all seating positions, front safety belt retractors, rear-seat LATCH child-seat anchors in all three seating positions, and OnStar communication system.

Properly equipped, your Vibe can tow up to 1,500 pounds.

Steel or aluminum wheel choices, a liftgate-mounted spoiler on the GT and an available 320-watt, 7-speaker premium audio system with subwoofer give the sleek 2009 Pontiac Vibe a terrific new ring.