Technical

For the moment, there is only one powerplant offered with the G6. Also found in GM's minivans, the OHV 3.5L V6 develops 200 hp at 5 600 rpm and 220 lb/ft of torque at 3 200 rpm. A single transmission is obtainable and it is a 4-speed automatic delivered with a manual mode with the GT package. Other than that, the GT gets larger front discs (all have 4-wheel disc brakes) and stabilizer bars and 17" wheels instead of the standard 16". The suspension is fully independent and steering is electric power assisted.

On the road

An output of 200 hp from a 3.5L V6 is no longer competitive. The fact is that most other North American and Japanese engines of equal or smaller displacement produce more power. The result of this older over-head-valve technology is plainly obvious; acceleration is disappointing as are passing manoeuvres. An equally priced Honda Accord LX-V6 has a 240 hp 3.0L V6 with VTEC that will blow the G6 out of the water. The principal advantage to this engine is that fuel consumption is quite rational. I managed an average of 11.5L per 100 km. Then again, I got the same numbers from the last Accord V6 I drove.

The 4-speed autobox works with precision. To select manual mode, the shift-lever must be pulled down and then pushed to the side. This whole manoeuvre really dampens the desire to use this sporty driving tool. A fifth gear would also be a welcomed addition.

Steering is dreadfully light and over-assisted. The overly large diameter wheel does nothing to help the matter. The braking system does a fine job of slowing the car down however the pedal lacks feedback. The best feature of the G6's drive is its handling. It demonstrates plenty of grip and the car is nice and stable at highway speeds.

The size of the panoramic roof panels causes great frailty to the structure of the G6. I have rarely been in a car that bombarded me with so many rattles, cracking noises and squeaking sounds. Is this the T-Top of the 21st Century?

Safety

The G6 has standard dual front air bags, optional side and side curtain airbags, optional ABS brakes and traction control on the base model (standard with GT) and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the car 5 out of 5 stars (a perfect result) for the driver and 4 out of 5 stars (a good result) for the passenger in a frontal impact. It also awarded the G6 5 out of 5 stars for both the front and rear passengers in a lateral impact. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has not yet rated the G6.