The optional (at $1,015) leather seating surfaces throughout the cabin were comfortable, but missing one crucial

The optional leather seating surfaces throughout the cabin were comfortable, but missing seat warmers. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

characteristic - a butt warmer. It was a chilly day when I first entered the Vibe, and as soon as I saw the leather seating, I rummaged around for the seat warmer button. Low and behold, there wasn't one. Call me spoiled, but here in the Great White North (or the Wet Coast) it's quite uncomfortable to sit in cold and stiff leather seats without even being given the option of having volcano buns. The cold and leather just don't mix all that well.

Continuing on, my Vibe had the optional four-speed automatic transmission ($1,225) coupled with a 1.8L, four-cylinder, 16-valve, DOHC engine with variable valve timing (VVT-i), which produces 130 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 125 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. While hardly a road rocket, the smooth-revving engine delivers ample power for everyday driving, whether climbing to the ski hill, or cruising to the grocery store.

Modestly-sized, the engine yields decent fuel consumption. With an estimated

My Vibe tester had the optional four-speed automatic transmission ($1,225) coupled with a 1.8L, four-cylinder, 16-valve, DOHC engine. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

rating of 8.2L/100km in the city and 6.3L/100km on the highway, the Vibe's gas bill fortunately didn't leave my pocketbook dented. The combination of a front MacPherson strut and rear twist-beam suspension, improving ride comfort and quietness, and the power rack-and-pinion steering, made the Vibe a very agreeable vehicle to drive as well. Its braking system included a set of front discs and rear drums with the option of ABS and a tire pressure monitor system ($765). The brakes, coupled with a set of P205/55R16 all-season tires and 16-inch steel wheels, made stopping in all weather conditions efficient and controllable.