The General's Getting Oh-So Sexy

Let's get one thing straight. I really like this car. I like its styling. I like its overall driving dynamics. I like its entry-level to full-load

Let's get one thing straight. I really like this car. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

price range. And I especially like the fact that it comes from a brand that some prognosticating naysayers had previously left for dead.

Pontiac, rather, is realizing a bit of a brand revolution as of late. While its top-tier Bonneville might not be as competitive as it once was, the recently upgraded Grand Prix is much improved and wonderfully aggressive in V8-powered, toggle-shift actuated GXP trim. The new G6 is as roomy as anything in its segment, quite well finished inside, surprisingly economical, and now available in a stylish coupe configuration only to be followed up by an even more enticing retractable hardtop version. The baseline Pursuit, a rebadged version of the Chevrolet Cobalt, is smooth and quiet, unusual

Being that personal coupe buyers hardly ever use the back seats, the pretty little Solstice is my self aggrandizing vehicle of choice. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

for its compact class, and Pontiac's subcompact entry is literally making "waves" among small car buyers. Pontiac even has a new crossover SUV in the Equinox-derived Torrent, and rumblings of a next-generation GTO coming north of the 49th have got "We Build Excitement" enthusiasts salivating at the mouth.

GTO or not, Pontiac's latest offering is probably more suited to Canada's fuel conscious and environmentally focused consumer than the 400-horsepower V8-equipped coupe. After all, while the big rear-drive Australian-built two-door might seat more passengers, in theory at least, most personal coupe buyers never use the back seats, making the much prettier Solstice the self aggrandizing vehicle of choice.