Beefy SUVs may be in a lot of driveways, but compact two-seat convertibles are in a lot of dreams. For almost 20 years, the go-to car in this class has been the Mazda Miata. Since then, a lot of wannabes have come and gone. But two cars that look like they’ll be around for a while are the Pontiac Solstice and its Kappa platform near-twin, the Saturn Sky, and they’re ready to take on the Miata’s legacy.
The Solstice first hit the street as a highly-anticipated 2006 model. The back-to-basics convertible was judged a little too faithfully to the theme under the front-hinged hood. Sole motivation was courtesy of GM’s 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder with 177 bhp and a five-speed manual transmission. There’s an argument to be made for the driving pleasure that comes from working a moderately-powered engine hard, but too few critics and drivers agree. Plus, as was the case with GM’s performance division, it only made sense for Pontiac to at least offer more power as an option. That’s exactly what’s happened with the addition of the GXP model, which pushes the ponies substantially to 260 bhp courtesy of a 2.0-liter turbocharged Ecotec four-cylinder engine.
Saturn entered the sports car fray with their version of the convertible, dubbed the Sky. Cutting a similar silhouette to the Solstice, but with noticeable differences inside and out, history initially repeated itself in the power department. The Sky houses a five-speed manual transmission and a naturally-aspirated 2.4-liter engine. Sky shoppers looking for greater power didn’t have to wait another year however as the 2.0-liter turbo edition followed just months later (the premier feature in the Red Line package).
You’ve probably read a dozen and one comparisons pitting the Solstice against the redesigned and rechristened Miata now known as MX-5. But how do the corporate kin compare against each other? Spend a few miles with each and you’ll learn that despite the shared DNA, they’re anything but twins.
Pontiac Solstice GXP
MSRP (Base): $27,115Engine: 2.0-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder turbo
Horsepower: 260 hp @ 5300 rpm
Torque: 260 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm
MPG: City: 22; Highway: 31
Performance - 17/20
There wasn’t much to dislike about the original Solstice, save for the so-so engine response which is addressed in the GXP edition. With its 2.0-liter turbo transmitting a commendable 260 bhp and 260 lb-ft of torque, the engine response is much more than so-so. Turbo lag is minimal, so you’ll love the 0-60 acceleration of 5.5 seconds, while quarter-mile runs fly by in 14.2 seconds at 101 mph. Handling is tight thanks in large part to the 18-inch performance rubber, but steering feel and brake feedback could stand to improve. The five-speed manual’s stubby shifter features short throws and is fairly precise, though a sixth gear remains on our wish list. Overall, performance doesn’t redefine the class, but it’s plenty entertaining.
Exterior design - 14/20
Pontiac thankfully cleaned up its act over the last few years -- no more Batmobile designs that look like they were sketched in homeroom. The base Solstice looks refreshingly clean, and the GXP package doesn’t sport any unnecessary doodads. The jury’s still out on the front grille and headlight treatment. View a Solstice head-on, especially one painted Cool (silver) or Sly (gray), and the car looks disturbingly like Bugs Bunny. In most other respects, this is a well-executed package and even manages to look appealing with the soft-top raised.
Interior design - 8/10
Like the exterior, the cockpit is clean and contemporary. One of the few things hindering an even higher score is the slightly awkward manual drop-top operation which stows beneath the rear-hinged deck lid. It could presumably be mastered with more practice and a good dose of patience, neither of which are in great supply. With the top up, the high belt line and low window height leaves the driver ducking to see laterally. Seats are reasonably comfortable and supportive for most driving, trimmed in standard cloth or optional leather. Storage space is basically nonexistent -- the norm for this type of car -- but a few more convenient compartments wouldn’t hurt.
Sound system/goodies - 6/10
Given the car’s simplicity, openness and space limitations, you can only expect so much from the sound system. Besides, purists maintain a ragtop’s engine should provide the soundtrack for any drive. We must confess, the engine doesn’t sing a passionate song. It’s not unpleasant, just uninspiring. For those accustomed to all the modern conveniences, the GXP includes power windows, locks and mirrors which are not standard in the base model. An additional option is the Monsoon seven-speaker audio package, and at only $395, should be an easy upgrade. It’s nothing to call home about, but it sounds acceptable for the price.
Bang for buck - 17/20
It isn’t dirt cheap to enjoy the performance of a Solstice GXP, but the value is solid. It’s worth is emphasized when you begin to see just how basic the base Solstice really is, equipped with manual windows, locks and mirrors standard. In the base Solstice’s defense, the lack of power, saves the buyer money and -- of critical importance in a small sports car -- weight. In any case, the GXP’s calling card is better performance, and the several-thousand-dollar price bump is minimized when you consider its standard equipment includes a lot of the options many buyers spring for on the base model.
Driving experience - 17/20
If you want a driveable small car for the twisty back roads but don’t want an import, this is the way to go. Other two-seat convertibles are more refined and perform even better, but most of them cost more and their superiority can’t be fully appreciated unless you’re on the track. For day-to-day duties, the Solstice GXP is worth considering.
Final score - 79/100
Evidently, GM knew it had to get the Solstice right from the beginning, and for the most part they did. This market segment may not account for high volume, but is still highly competitive. We still haven’t completely forgiven Pontiac for pulling the GTO and we’re antsy for the promising G8 sedan, but we are somewhat mollified with the GXP.
Saturn Sky Red Line
MSRP: $29,025Engine: 2.0-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder turbo
Horsepower: 260 hp @ 5300 rpm
Torque: 260 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm
MPG: City: 22; Highway: 31
Performance - 16/20
Since the Sky shares an engine and transmission with the Solstice, acceleration is identical between the two vehicles. When you run out of straight road, the minor differences manifest (at least, the imagined differences do). Despite possessing virtually the same performance numbers, the Sky seems just a little softer around the edges. OK, it is a whole 14 lbs heavier (2,990 lbs versus the GXP’s 2,976 lbs), but we doubt this is the reason. It’s hard to see past the Sky’s uncanny performance resemblance to the Solstice, and this seemingly leaves something to be desired. We attribute this more to our admittedly stubborn perceptions and natural car-to-car variances than to subtle tuning.
Exterior design - 19/20
This is where the Sky takes a big leap forward from the Solstice. With a look -- especially the nose -- that manages to remain tasteful despite being a little busier, the Sky has a look that far surpasses the Soltice’s cartoony facade. The Sky looks appropriately sporty, avoids being too cute and looks like it could command more than the extra couple of thousand dollars in premium in our eyes. If more worldly readers are reminded of an Opel when looking at the Sky, it’s no coincidence, the car is known as the Opel GT in Europe.
Interior design - 6/10
Unlike some brothers from a different mother, these two cars wear slightly different interiors. Different suggests that one is more appealing, and here the Sky comes up short, looking more somber and less engaging. The dash and gauge layout would fit nicely in a Saturn sedan -- and that’s not saying much. We haven’t confirmed it, but based on looks we suspect the same cabin designers were on the job here. Ergonomics are more or less on par with the Solstice, but intrinsically the look is just not very inspiring. If Saturn was going for understated, they overshot and wound up with a wallflower.
Sound system/goodies - 7/10
The Sky is intended to be more of a touring model unlike the sporty Solstice, so many of the goodies that account for extra cost on the Solstice and even the GXP are gratis with the Sky and Red Line. The available Premium Trim package piles on more leather, stainless steel and metallic-finish surfaces, for a richer look and feel.
Bang for buck - 17/20
You pay a little more, but you also get a little more when you reach for the Sky Red Line. This vehicle represents a great choice in a domestic sporty convertible with sophisticated styling and performance to back up the look. It still draws looks and favorable reactions without setting you back as much as some of its competitors.
Driving experience - 17/20
For the driver who loves to be seen buzzing around town and occasionally taking a back road, there’s not much fault to be found in the Sky. There are other rides in this class with sharper reflexes and a more refined feel, but most of them command higher sticker prices as well. Unless you have intentions of track racing your car, the Sky’s shortcomings probably won’t be a big bother to you.
Final score - 82/100
Recovering from shaky sales and even shakier models from the past, Saturn is strengthening its lineup and aspires to become a key player among GM’s brands above Chevrolet and Pontiac. With a little more attention to detail and continued efforts like we see in the Sky, we envision this advancement taking shape. In Red Line trim, the Sky embodies style and fun without the pretence of it being the best of the best.
and the winner is…
Until recently, the thought of Saturn building a sports car was a bit of a stretch. But that was before they personalized the Pontiac Solstice and gave us the Sky. Make no mistake, Saturn has gone beyond simply re-badging the original Kappa platform car. The Sky has a unique look and a distinct personality, in some ways making up for what the Solstice lacks. Despite a somewhat blase dash layout, the Sky looks richer and more substantial overall without coming up short in its performance. It would appear that the first time really is the charm for Saturn, and we look forward to more. Hopefully, the Sky is not the limit.Resources:
http://autos.aol.com/
http://www.pontiac.com/
http://www.saturn.com/
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