The all-new 2009 Pontiac Vibe combines the functionality of a compact crossover with muscular styling, enhanced performance and tight handling â?? an uncommon combination given the price range. Pontiac Vibe comes in three well-equipped models. Apart from the base model, the popular all-wheel drive (AWD) and GT models return to the Vibe lineup.

Lean and athletic, the Vibeâ??s new exterior exemplifies the future of Pontiac design. The sheet metal is new, with minimal gaps that reinforce the Vibeâ??s tailored appearance. The windshield angle contributes to a sleeker look, while large wheels and minimal overhangs give the vehicle an aggressive and firm stance. The refreshed interior for 2009 has a driver-focused cockpit design common in sports cars. Interior material is also more refined, with a combination of low-gloss materials, varied grains on the instrument panel, other trim components and satin-metal accents. New knit-fabric seating surfaces are durable and look premium, while GT models are enhanced with standard leather-trimmed seats, three-spoke steering wheel and shift knob. Seating for five is standard on all models. The Vibeâ??s interior is also loaded with standard amenities not typically found in other vehicles of this segment, including a steering column with telescoping/rake adjustability; a 115-volt, three-prong auxiliary power outlet; six-way adjustable driverâ??s seat; and front active headrests. All Vibe models come with AM/FM radio with CD and XM satellite radio. The XM band is integrated for seamless switching between all three signal bands. An auxiliary audio input jack is standard too, allowing MP3 players and other portable devices to play through the speakers.

A 1.8-liter, DOHC, four-cylinder engine is standard on base models, pumping out 132 horsepower and 128 pound-feet (174 Nm) of torque. The engine benefits from dual variable valve timing, which optimizes performance and efficiency. It is matched to a standard five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic. Standard on AWD and GT models, and optional on the base model, is a 2.4-liter, DOHC engine delivering 158 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. A four-speed automatic transmission is standard on the AWD. Customers of the 2.4-liter-equipped base or GT models can choose between a standard five-speed manual transmission or a new five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission featuring driver shift control (DSC). With DSC, the driver can manually select gears via tap-up/tap-down controls.

The new Vibe boasts of a full complement of standard safety features that include head curtain side air bags; dual-stage frontal air bags with a passenger sensing system; tire-pressure monitoring system; StabiliTrak electronic vehicle stability system; side thorax air bags for front passengers; active head restraints; three-point safety belts in all seating positions; front safety belt retractors; lower anchors and tethers for children (Latch) in all three seating positions, and much more.