GM Canada Prices 2006 Pontiac Solstice Well Below Mazda Miata

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Pontiacs new Solstice roadster has what it takes to stir the soul of any car enthusiast. (Photo: General Motors)

"With this compact and affordable sports car, the Solstice adds new dimension to Pontiacs portfolio," commented Donna Martin, GMs marketing manager for Small and Sporty Cars. (Photo: General Motors)

The cars stylish interior is expected to feature GMs much improved materials quality. (Photo: General Motors)

Saturns Sky roadster, also built off of the Solstices Kappa architecture, will become available next year. (Photo: General Motors)

Gorgeous Solstice Roadster the Least Expensive Two-Seat Convertible in America

Gorgeous curves. Elegant, classic design. Pontiacs new Solstice roadster has what it takes to stir the soul of any car enthusiast, and its amazingly low entry price of $19,995 will have Miata buyers feeling sheepish about having spent an extra $2,103 for the $22,098 best-seller.

Of course, up until now Mazdas iconic roadster has had little competition. GM plans to change all of that, under pricing and arguably outclassing the venerable Miata in styling and features.

The only engine, thus far, is GMs 2.4-liter Ecotec 4-cylinder, tuned to produce 170-horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. Its mated to a Japanese-made Aisin 5-speed manual transmission - no automatic is specified. ABS will be optional, but four-wheel disc brakes will be included as standard equipment, as will large-diameter 18-inch wheels wrapped in P245/45R18 performance rubber. A 6-speaker CD audio system will be available, as will a chrome-tipped exhaust pipe.

“This thrilling addition to the Pontiac lineup delivers performance in a fun, agile, affordable roadster,” commented Donna Martin, GMs marketing manager for Small and Sporty Cars. “With this compact and affordable sports car, the Solstice adds new dimension to Pontiacs portfolio.”

The cars stylish interior is expected to feature GMs much improved materials quality, with soft-touch plastics covering most surfaces and better than average fit, finish and gap tolerances.

“The interior of the Solstice is surprisingly spacious, especially for a smaller car,” said Lori Queen, vehicle line executive for GMs small cars. “We wanted to create a comfortable environment suitable for longer drives without sacrificing the personal feeling of a drivers car.”

Slightly heavier than Mazdas roadster, the Pontiac should still provide excellent performance in base trim.

“With the concept vehicle, people immediately felt the emotional appeal of Solstices design and back-to-basics philosophy - its about performance, but in a fun, agile, affordable roadster,” said Lynn Myers, Pontiac-GMC general manager. “All the stops were pulled out to make sure the production model delivers an exhilarating driving experience to capitalize on the promise of the Solstices design.”

The Solstice will arrive in Pontiac dealerships across the nation this summer. Saturns Sky roadster, also built off of the Solstices Kappa architecture, and first shown in Detroit this year, will become available next year.

Mazda will pump up its MX-5 Miata for 2006 to combat its new competition, with revised styling, a new chassis based on the RX-8 sports coupe, increased horsepower and an improved interior. It is also expected to increase slightly in price, which would make the Solstice an even better deal.