2009 Pontiac Vibe priced under $16,000

2009 Pontiac Vibe priced under $16,000

The 2009 Pontiac Vibe will be available at as low as $15,895, when it arrives to dealerships in February 2008, with a $585 destination and freight charge included in the price.

GM promises that the new vehicle will also be offered as an all-wheel-drive model priced at $19,495 and a more powerful GT trim, which will be only $400 more expensive than the AWD version.

2009 Pontiac Vibe

Although the Vibe’s new look is rather debatable and leaves much to be desired in terms of design’s originality, the car nevertheless seems like a decent upgrade to the current model.

Company is reporting that the 2009 Pontiac Vibe will be motivated by a 1.8-liter engine. Rated at 132 hp (plus 6hp over the outgoing model) and 128 lb-ft of torque, the four-banger is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox but the former may be changed to a more powerful 2.4-liter 158 hp, 162 lb-ft motor (standard for the AWD and the GT models).

It is not yet clear whether the GT model will have an optional 164 hp engine from Yamaha.

The list of standard equipment includes four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, StabiliTrak electronic stability control, TPMS, six airbags and OnStar system.

The car will hold to the road with either a set of standard 16-inch wheels, or optional 17-inch rims available. The Vibe GT will be offered with more impressive 18-inch alloy wheels and 215/45R18 all-season performance tires.

2009 Pontiac Vibe (rear view)

2009 Pontiac Vibe (interior, cargo area)

2009 Pontiac Vibe (interior, dashboard)

2009 Pontiac Vibe (interior)

Photos: GM/Pontiac

See also: 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4