New 2010 Pontiac Vibe

After going through an extensive redesign for 2009, the 2010 Pontiac Vibe continues its excellence as a sporty and fuel efficient option in the midsize hatchback segment.

The versatile Vibe is available in four trim levels – 1.8L, 2.4L, GT and AWD. Just as the names suggest, there are two engine types – a 1.8-liter, 132-horsepower engine and 2.4-liter, 158-horsepower engine. The 1.8L, 2.4L and GT trims are mated to a five-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive, while the AWD trim is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission and of course is all-wheel drive. When it comes to fuel economy, the Vibe excels with 20-26 mpg in the city and 26-32 mpg on the highway. The 2010 Vibe competes with the Dodge Caliber, Mazda Mazda3, Chevrolet HHR, Chrysler PT Cruiser, and its sister, the Toyota Matrix.

On the interior, the speedometer, tachometer and an elliptical housing for the fuel and engine temperature gauges form a unique, tri-clustered panel. A liftgate-mounted spoiler on the GT, XM Satellite Radio, and available 320-watt, seven-speaker Monsoon premium audio system with subwoofer give the sleek 2010 Pontiac Vibe a terrific new ring. Properly equipped, your Vibe can tow up to 1,500 pounds.

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. 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. 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.

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.

Save money at the pump with the efficient and curiously spacious 2010 Pontiac Vibe.