General Motors does have talent. The tradition with the old firm reaches to the beginning. Sure, there have been challenges in mid-level leadership.

The G6 is a handsome car, and bigger inside than at first it appears. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

A fine, dedicated, talented individual has, from time to time, reached what the Peter Principle warned against: a level of incompetence. In this unfortunate situation, the individual's natural talent and training gets them promoted to a position of leadership and management for which there was little or no preparation, and concurrently buries their demonstrated gifts in historical archives. Keeping talent on track and achieving may be the General’s greatest challenge under the new 21st-century rules. But the talent, when it is permitted to achieve, can be brilliant. Pontiac’s G6 Coupe may be one of the last illustrations of that moment before the badge disappears.

The seats in the G6 are comfortable and supportive, and they look good too. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

Unlike Pontiac’s previous Grand Am offerings the new car is a grown-up effort. It has become a car an adult automobile enthusiast can enjoy. It is civilized inside, smooth and powerful under the hood — without being too hedonistic in its use of fuel — and effective when the pavement becomes entertainment.

The G6 Coupe is not a small car. Its size is an illusion created by its bright 18-inch wheels and P225/50R 18 tires. The small sweep of side glass adds to the confusing proportions. But once the enormous door is opened the scale of the interior becomes a dramatic enlightenment. The best test of the usefulness of a rear seat is to adjust the driver’s seat for your optimum comfort and climb into the back, behind yourself. The G6 Coupe passed that critical test far beyond its exterior’s perception. The rear seat is genuinely comfortable and includes some sculpturing under its sporting, leather, two-tone surface.

The driver’s seat remains the recommended position here, though. A clear denial of the Peter Principal is the effectiveness of the driving experience in this new generation of GM front-wheel-drive chassis. The driving-with-some-seriousness ergonomics were thoughtfully considered and accomplished. Seat design has come a long way through the boardroom. I don’t know what the difference in price is between a bad seat and a great seat, but the value is way out of proportion to that variance. The science of grip, location and comfort is well represented here. And the seats are beautiful and inviting when you open the door.

The instrument panel is easily understood, clearly labeled and celebrates the designer’s hand. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

Once underway, you might consider the less direct route to your destination. The result may be a grin that will stay with you for a while after you've left the G6 coupe in the parking lot. It is good enough that it compels that famous turnaround, when you walk away. Just a glance over your shoulder to tell the car it has been fun. Steering inputs are very European in effort. Driving the coupe through the twisty bits gives honest feedback and the wide, low-profile tires stay right with you for grip. Our one complaint was the sensitivity to movement on the freeway. It felt like the toe-in on the steering wheel was not where it should have been. It was too busy. Darty. In the canyon that translated into a very responsive action, but a little compromise would go a long way here.

The instrument panel is the best of GM-rational. It is easily understood, clearly labeled and celebrates the designer’s hand. Typical of the talent in the GM staff are the paddle shifters. Unlike virtually every other available steering column/wheel-mounted DIY gearbox actuators, each shifter offers gear changes in either direction. Push to shift up a ratio and pull to shift down, with either hand. They are attached to the back of the steering wheel cross bar, right where it meets the rim. Convenient. As long as you haven't driven a paddle shifter from another manufacturer, it becomes a logical tool quickly. Once programmed into your driving consciousness it is good fun to use.

The DOHC Ecotec inline-4 delivers a smooth 164 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

The gearbox would be helped by the same sensitivity offered by the front wheels: Gear changes are not as quick as a fast canyon player would like.

Another GM tradition is the enormous list of options to personalize your automotive experience. Our test vehicle was loaded with a power sunroof, AM/FM/CD audio with USB port, leather power-adjustable heated front seats, remote lock, remote start, leather covered bits and pieces, steering wheel controls, plus OnStar, navigation, XM and Bluetooth connectivity. The six-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel independent "performance" suspension are standard on the Coupe along with dozens of other cool things, not the least of which is a 60/40 split, folding rear seat, so your pretty coupe can become a securely closed pickup truck at the pull of a release.

As a long distance traveler the G6 Coupe would win hearts and minds. It is comfortable, fun to drive and has a trunk that will accept reasonable luggage for four for a week on the road.

Trunk space is adequate to hold luggage for four. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

The DOHC, four-valve — with variable timing — and sequential injection Ecotec inline four will underscore the comfort level with the smooth delivery of its 164 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque. Yes, you will want more, especially if you are traveling four-up. But it would be tough to achieve the rated 6.5 L/100km highway fuel consumption with a extra 50 horsepower, and another GM tradition is building engines that last forever because they produce more useful torque than most, rather than beating themselves to death making high-rev horsepower numbers. The Ecotec four makes good use of its 2.4 liters. If you really must, a V6 is available.

Pontiac’s G6 Coupe is much more than its $26,865 MSRP suggests. There are other coupes that beat that, and other coupes with more power, but few with anything like the usable space, near-luxury surroundings and a high score on the fun factor. GM has the talent to create the package and Pontiac has long offered the leadership to let them deliver, and while the brand has been discontinued there are rumblings a buyer might step up to let the storied nameplate live. Let’s hope it isn’t too late.

Interior

Exterior

Mechanical

Safety

Dimensions

Misc

(J005) Standard Gloss Paint

(AP9) Cargo Net

(PFF) 17" Aluminum Painted Wheels

(AP3) Remote Vehicle Starter

(B86) Body Side Moulding

(98U.) Premium Paint

(58U.) Premium Paint

(U2K) XM Satellite Radio

(K05) Engine Block Heater

(UJM) Tire Pressure Monitor

(A51) Leather Appointed Seats

(PDP) Podium Edition

(PDC) Convenience Package

(PDX) SE 4Cyl Performance Package

(PDZ) SE V6 Performance Package

(UUI) USB Port

(Q9A) 17" 5 Spoke Chrome Wheel Fascia