Head office: CAA-Québec 444, rue Bouvier Québec (Québec) G2J 1E3

2003 SUNFIRE SL

To boost sales of this Sunfire generation and keep consumers happy until the next version rolls off the production line, Pontiac has updated the car’s silhouette and modernized the dashboard. The Sunfire is available in two- and four-door versions. The model we test-drove was a base SL coupe.

Interior and trunk

Access is definitely easier in front than it is in back. The Sunfire has comfortable front seats that provide good lateral support for most occupants. The driving position is good, but headroom is rather limited for people of just about all heights.

The rear seat is of average comfort, but once again, headroom and legroom are tight. It has a 60/40 split-fold backrest but one must go into the trunk to pull on the straps to fold down the sections. Short people, or those of average height, will find the straps hard to reach and everyone who attempts the task will find their clothing soiled by the bumper.

The trunk is of average capacity and hampered by a small opening and high liftover. The hinges are also liable to crush any objects placed beneath them.

Accessories and safety features

In spite of improved finish, the soundproofing is insufficient and allows all kinds of noise to be heard in the cabin. In very cold weather the dashboard of our test vehicle emitted a wide variety of noises and tended to vibrate.

Storage spaces are fairly limited, with a roomy glove box, an average console, and a small space near the cup holders. We also noticed that there is no inside control to adjust the passenger-side mirror.

The dashboard facelift did not correct certain ergonomic mistakes; the heating system controls are too low and impossible to reach if tallish beverage containers are standing in both cup holders. Furthermore, the levers for the windshield wiper and the turn signals are located too far from the steering wheel for a driver who doesn’t have long fingers. The heating system is somewhat slow to start up, although it eventually works efficiently despite being noisy from the second gear onward.

In terms of safety features, the Sunfire has front airbags, good headlamps, good all- around visibility except for ¾ rear visibility, and locking front head restraints (which, unfortunately, are not high enough for tall occupants). There are no head restraints in the back. Side airbags are optional, except in the SL version.

Picture : GM Canada Engine and transmission

The 2.2.-litre four-cylinder engine develops 140 horsepower and 150 lb.-ft. of torque for lively and progressive acceleration and pickup. It starts up quickly even in cold weather, but it is rough and noisy most of the time. It also conveys vibrations that can be clearly felt through the gas pedal.

The five-speed manual transmission is well-geared, precise and fun to use, with smooth clutch action.

Road handling

The suspension is smooth with a hint of firmness and tackles turns with a certain zest. Bumpy road surfaces provoke firm reactions. The stiff suspension of previous generations is, fortunately, a thing of the past.

The driver will enjoy the nicely tuned steering and the efficient brakes. The power steering transmits little in the way of road feel while being stable, precise, and quite responsive.

An inspection at the CAA-Quebec Technical Inspection Centre revealed that some elements need more attention: holes in the front suspension towers, open, unsealed joints under the vehicle, no backing plates for the brake discs, hard-to-reach hood latch.

Conclusion

The Pontiac Sunfire is a down-to-earth means of transportation, comfortable enough, and enjoyable to drive, although should take care of certain assembly details, finishing, and soundproofing. Maybe the next generation, which will be built on a new platform, will eliminate most of these irritations.

PROS CONS Smooth ride Insufficient soundproofing Comfortable front seats High trunk threshold Enjoyable manual transmission Inconvenient location of levers Powerful, supple engine Small trunk opening Well-tuned steering Rear space Road holding Finish and assembly 2003 PONTIAC SUNFIRE COUPE 2003

Engine: 16-valve, 2.2-litre 4 cyl. Power: 140 h.p. at 5,600 rpm Torque: 150 lb.-ft. at 4,000 rpm Transmission: 5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic Suspension: independent/semi-independent Brakes: discs/drums Length: 470.3 cm Width: 173.8 cm Height: 134.7 cm : 264.4 cm Weight: 1,193 kg Tires: P195/70R14; P195/65R15; P205/55R16 Maximum towing capacity: 454 kg Airbags: standard. Optional side airbags on the SLX and GT.

Fuel consumption with manual transmission - According to Transport Canada: city: 10 L/100 km (28 mpg); highway: 6.7 L/100 km (42 mpg) - During test: 9.5 L/100 km (30 mpg)

Fuel capacity: 53 litres

Acceleration 0-100 km/hr: 8.5 seconds 60-100 km/h: 5.5 seconds

Competition: , Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, Mazda Protegé, Mitsubishi Lancer, Nissan Sentra, Saturn ION, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Golf and Jetta

Maintenance cost (amounts may vary from one dealer to another) Frequency: 3 months/6,000 km Total to 100,000 km: $1,310

Warranties - Complete vehicle: 3 years/60,000 km - Power train: 5 years/100,000 km - Surface corrosion: 3 years/60,000 km - Perforation: 6 years/160,000 km -Antipollution: 3 years/60,000 km all included. 8 years/130,000 km catalytic converter, electronic control module. Cost of factory parts Rear bumper: $1,082 Front disc brakes: $212 Brake pads: $116 Muffler: $318 Front fender: $280

Average insurance premium (Quebec City, replacement cost endorsement, claim- free insurance record, male or female driver, 30 to 40 years old: $842 to $1,201

Price according to trim line SL: $16,085 GT: $20,500

Main options: Automatic transmission: $1,180 Air conditioning: $1,655 ABS: $565 Side airbags: $495 Sunroof: $950

Price of test vehicle: $15,970

Freight and preparation charges: $795

Number of dealers: Quebec: 159 Canada: 683

© CAA-Quebec, February 2003