The 2009 Pontiac G3 is a small 5-door hatchback that stacked out like few cars have ever been. The 1.6L 106hp DOHC Ecotec V4 engine turns 105 lb-ft of torque and utilizes both the Pontiac MFI system and an oil life monitoring system. All combine to yield a very impressive 34 mpg on the highways. And even though it's small, if offers the driver and passengers more than ample space to enjoy a quiet, comfortable ride. In fact, the G3 offers the most hip and shoulder room in the entire segment.

It will be available for purchase in the spring of 2009 and promises to be a sporty, fun car to drive. Pontiac guarantees an "uncommonly high level of standard content" for your enjoyment. The G3 will be the forth vehicle in the Pontiac lineup to deliver over 30 mpg on the highways. Coincidentally, the G3 also achieves a very respectable 27 mpg in the cities.

The G3 is already a success in Canada where it is marketed as the G3 Wave. Sales in the segment were up 33 percent in the first 6 months of 2008. Pontiac has therefore made the decision to bring its tiny new beast into the US. Pontiac representatives state that the G3 is solid proof that you never have to sacrifice a sporty design and/or highly-responsive handling in order to create a vehicle that delivers excellent fuel efficiency.

The stock transmission that comes on the 2009 G3 is a 5-speed manual, but there is an optional 4-speed automatic as well. Air conditioning, a stereo with CD and MP3 capability, auxiliary electrical jacks, four airbags, OnStar roadside assistance, fog lights, a spoiler in the rear and a 5-star frontal crash test rating are all unlikely to be found on most other entry-level cars.

Theatre-style seating for the rear passengers enhances their riding experiences. The rear seating folds on a 60/40 split to offer up to 42 cubic feet of cargo hauling space as well. Pricing starts at $14,995. It's a small car overall, but its tall design makes it roomy. Its overall dimensions are 155 inches in length, 66.1 inches in width and 50.3 inches in height. It has a wheelbase of 97.6 inches and a curb weight of just 2546 pounds. The G3 is front wheel-driven.

The Pontiac G3 will see its main competition from the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Volkswagen's New Beetle and the Kia Rio5. Of those, all expect for the New Beetle are within $500 of one another. The New Beetle cost at least $3 thousand more than the rest (while delivering less gas mileage than any) .

Only time will tell, but the 2009 Pontiac G3 seems to have an audience waiting for its arrival. With more standard features than most of its competitors and higher fuel economy ratings than all accept for the Toyota Yaris, it will certainly give the others a good run. Look for the G3 to arrive in March at your local Pontiac dealers.