How can this be a sports car? Well, it mostly works. I know what you’re thinking: It’s a Pontiac. The brakes feel solid and were fade-free during repeated abuse. The suspension is surprisingly supple, yet it enables aggressive cornering due in part to Bilstein coil-over monotube shocks and supersized meaty P245/45R18 tires. The rear-wheel-drive Solstice has handling characteristics that will have you searching for twisty bits of road. After driving the new production version of the Solstice for more than 300 km through some very good sports car-friendly roads, I can attest that it does deliver on the promise. When the 2006 Pontiac Solstice first debuted as a concept, GM execs promised it would offer sports car performance and styling at an affordable price - a winning combination. Passive safety features include front and side air bags and optional head curtains. Cabin storage is limited and there is less trunk space than in the Eclipse, but it’s huge when compared with the Solstice’s. The rear- seat space is the best of the bunch, although it’s still tight. Outward vision to the front and the sides is good however, the high rear wing is a major impediment to rear sightlines. The front bucket seats provide some side bolstering, and there is ample legroom and headroom. Gauges are readable and there is a boost gauge mounted on the window pillar, although you will need better peripheral vision than a kindergarten teacher to monitor it and the dash-mounted tach.

The Cobalt’s dash and interior are a tad bland with limited splashes of metal. Fast cornering produces a strong hint of characteristic front-wheel-drive understeer and, when combined with touchy torque steer, you will want to keep two hands on the wheel during high-speed manoeuvres. The cardboard-stiff suspension setup helps handling and hinders ride comfort. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

2006 chevrolet cobalt