Vehicle: 2007 Pontiac Wave Uplevel sedan with 15″ wheels
Price as tested: CDN$17085
Performance: Wave is basically Pontiac’s version of Chevrolet Aveo. Both Wave and Aveo share the same underpinnings, right from the body panels to powertrain. The only differences are the grille and badging. Don’t expect any remarkable performance as Wave motiavtes by a 1.6 liter DOHC 16-valver 4-cylinder little mill with 103 hp and 148 lb/ft of torque. The engine always feels breathless and noisy at any engine speed. That’s despite the refinement and NVH already much improved over the previous car, its still not on par with class leaders in subcompact class. During acceleration, the horn and stereo are useless given how noisy it is. On the other hand, its 5-speed manual has to be some of the worse I have ever driven. The throws are long, gates poorly defined and ratios set too high. Not to mention the clutch travel is unprogressive. Take-off engagement point is a nightmare as one never able to find where to grab the clutch. To describe the clutch and shifter feel as poor simply as an understatement.
Handling: Ride quality is surprisingly supple for an econocar with basic suspension setting. That means front MacPherson struct and rear beam axle. The suspension absorbs poor pavements without transferring too much impact harshness into the cabin. However, its handling dynamics remain unremarkable. With tons of body rolls and understeer when pushing into any twisties road. The optional 15″ tires don’t make much difference than 14″ in the same circumstances. Steering feels rather numb and need constant correction with side crosswinds. Its very obvious Aveo is tuned as a comfort-oriented econocar than a capable handler.
Brakes: The front discs with rear drums provide acceptable braking feel. Its quite a refreshing change with GM’s typical mushy pedal feel and long stopping distance. However, making ABS as an option is an absolute unacceptable act even for an econocar costing 17k.
Interior: Aveo is pretty well-equipped for an econocar. It got everything from power windows, locks, mirrors and some smart ergonomics. Stereo has placed on top of the quality HVAC knobs. Although those velour seats have “rental car” feel, its actually pretty comfortable. For an econocar costing 17k, the use of materials and build quality are much better than expected.
Given its a subcompact sedan, its cargo layout is definitely a compromise. Even if it already got 40/60 split fold-down rear seats, you still can get much accessible space within. A nifty tip for those buying an econocar, while choosing between hatch and sedan. Hatchback has always been a more versatile choice.
Conclusion: Wave is a surprisingly drivable car consider it starts at 15k and a loaded one costing below 20k. This review also sums up the year of subcompact car. We started to review Yaris sedan, Caliber, Fit; up until Versa and Wave. The last economy car which will be available at similar price range, will be VW’s reintroduction of Mk4 Golf 2.0 as Citi Golf, this fall.
OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2007 PONTIAC WAVE
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Performance: 1/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 2/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 2.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 2/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 1/5
Value-for-money: 2.5/5
Overall rating: 2/5