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Pontiac has confirmed it will sell the G3 five-door hatchback in the U.S. for the 2009 model year.
The G3 is based on the Chevrolet Aveo5, which is in turn based on the Korean Daewoo Kalos. The G3 has previously been sold in Mexico as a sedan and in Canada as a five-door hatch called the G3 Wave. Though the Aveo is also offered as a sedan, Pontiac will only bring a hatchback model to the U.S.
Mechanically identical to the Aveo, the G3 will use a 1.6-liter four cylinder engine mated to a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, an auxiliary audio input jack, four airbags, and GM’s OnStar system. Outside, Pontiac badges and grille designs replace the usual Chevrolet elements, with standard fog lamps and hatch spoiler adding visual flair.
While an econobox hatchback doesn’t match Pontiac’s performance philosophy, the G3 is an important addition to the lineup. When G3 sales begin in spring next year, Pontiac will have four cars with EPA highway fuel economy of over 30 mpg: the G3 (34 mpg), Vibe (32 mpg), G6 sedan (33 mpg), and G5 coupe (37 mpg). That should help raise Pontiac’s Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) rating and attract buyers.
Pricing has yet to be announced, but based on the price differential between the identical Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5, we expect the Pontiac-badged G3 to carry a slightly higher price tag than its Chevy counterpart.
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