CD Article: 2008 Pontiac G5 sedan

[Zoo]

These cars are definately a step in the right direction for GM. Alas, Detroit is still doing what is has done for a long time; putting large engines in their cars. While 2.2L is certainly small stuff compared to a 3.6L V-6 let alone a 6.0L V-8 it is certainly larger and thirstier than a 1.7 or 1.8L 4.

At least the Cobalt is a bit competitive and not the joke the Cavalier had become after essentially having the same platform for almost 20 years.

[Demosthenes X]

The GM Ecotec engine is a great mill, especially the 2.4L version found in the G5 GT.  But I agree, a little bit thirsty: GM needs to adapt that technology to a super-efficient 1.8-2.0L motor, or even a smaller engine coupled with forced induction.

Still, with the rebates on GM vehicles, that fuel economy is very livable. 

[Seafoam]

The GM Ecotec engine is a great mill, especially the 2.4L version found in the G5 GT.  But I agree, a little bit thirsty: GM needs to adapt that technology to a super-efficient 1.8-2.0L motor, or even a smaller engine coupled with forced induction.

Still, with the rebates on GM vehicles, that fuel economy is very livable. 

The 1.8 in the Astra is an Ecotec motor . I guess something got lost in the adaptation process. It gets fairly good reviews but is not overly fuel efficient for its class. 

[Demosthenes X]

I didn't know GM made an Ecotec smaller than the 2.0.  Thanks.    I wonder why they're still behind in fuel efficiency, though...   

[Mitlov]

I didn't know GM made an Ecotec smaller than the 2.0.  Thanks.    I wonder why they're still behind in fuel efficiency, though...   

The Astra weighs 240 lbs more than a Civic, and is 2 mpg down.  I'm sure the weight is to blame.  Of course, the weight (or more precisely, the chassis design that resulted in the extra weight) is ALSO responsible for the Teutonic driving dynamics which it's been praised for.

Don't think of the Astra as 2 mpg less efficient than a Civic.  Think of it as 3 mpg more efficient than a Jetta

[Schmengie]

Maybe, but does it compare to Lexus or Audi interiors?

No, but they're proof that you don't have to have lousy interior materials in an economy car.  It still refutes the spirit of the comment "if you want a Lexus interior, buy a Lexus," even if it doesn't technically contradict it.

If you want more proof that economy cars can have very high-quality interiors, two of the best examples that come to mind are the Honda Fit and the Nissan Versa. They both have very nice interiors made out of decent materials and they don't look or feel cheap, not something I could say about the Cobalt/G5. The fact that they're more comfortable, more refined and get better fuel mileage than GM's lame efforts is icing on the cake.

[Zoo]

I didn't know GM made an Ecotec smaller than the 2.0.  Thanks.    I wonder why they're still behind in fuel efficiency, though...   

The Astra weighs 240 lbs more than a Civic, and is 2 mpg down.  I'm sure the weight is to blame.  Of course, the weight (or more precisely, the chassis design that resulted in the extra weight) is ALSO responsible for the Teutonic driving dynamics which it's been praised for.

Don't think of the Astra as 2 mpg less efficient than a Civic.  Think of it as 3 mpg more efficient than a Jetta

Why is the Astra still worse on the highway then? I am still disappointed that GM can't make a class leading small 4 cylinder motor (at least in terms of fuel efficiency).

[Serniter]

If you want more proof that economy cars can have very high-quality interiors, two of the best examples that come to mind are the Honda Fit and the Nissan Versa. They both have very nice interiors made out of decent materials and they don't look or feel cheap, not something I could say about the Cobalt/G5. The fact that they're more comfortable, more refined and get better fuel mileage than GM's lame efforts is icing on the cake.

I don't need convincing that economy cars can have high-quality interiors. I'm happy with the Cobalt and thrilled with the Civic/Fit/Versa.

Mitlov prefers VW and Toyota interiors from a couple generations ago and doesn't particularly care for the hard plastics in the Civic.

Are Fit/Versa interiors markedly better than those of the Civic?

[Mitlov]

By the way, I was recently in a MkV GTI, and I thought interior materials were a marked step down from my MkIV Jetta 1.8T GLS.  I'm a tough guy to please

[Serniter]

I agree. MkV interiors are a definite step down from MkIV 

[carcrazy]

Having sat and looked at both, I would agree that the materials in MkIV are significantly better.

About a week ago, I sat in few cars (Pilot, Fit, Tiguan, Rabbit, Mazda3 - mine, Astra and Outlander -mine) within a few hours interval. Out of all small cars, speaking strictly about the interior materials quality, I think the Astra is the best.
It's the only one that has soft-touch materials on the dash and door panels. The Rabbit is all hard-plastic even though it feels of relatively good quality. In my books now the Rabbit is at par with the Mazda3 in terms of interior material quality and maybe a notch above the Civic.

[Greg B.]

Does the Mk IV Golf now being sold as the City Golf still retain the perceived higher-quality interior materials as compared to the Mk V?