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With the new G6, Pontiac has put a stake in the ground, challenging the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, and Mazda 6 to beat it on sheer value. That was the central message at the recent introduction of the car that finally replaces, and becomes the sixth generation of, the Pontiac Grand Am , first introduced in 1974 as a much larger car, and evolving down to the all-new Generation 6, or G6. Initially, the Pontiac G6 is being launched as a sporty four-door sedan, available in Base and GT trim levels. Initially, all will be equipped with a 3.5-liter V6. By spring 2005, the G6 line will include sporty two-door coupes and convertibles, each with unique styling. Three engines will be available: a four-cylinder, a 3.5-liter V6, and a high-performance 3.9-liter V6, the latter in a new GTP model. All come standard with four-speed automatic transmissions, though a high-performance six-speed manual gearbox will be available for the GTP.

We found the Pontiac G6 has good road manners even when driven hard, benefits of its long wheelbase and European-designed architecture. The sedan is roomy and plush with excellent overall function and its price point will make it popular choice as a mid-size sedan. The G6 offers some interesting features. The car can be started remotely by pressing a button on the key fob from the comfort of your home, a real luxury on bitter cold winter mornings or sweltering summer afternoons. A Panoramic roof is available with panels that slide rearward, creating a sunroof large enough for the back-seat riders to enjoy an open-air experience.

> all G6 pictures

The Pontiac G6 starts at $20,675 for a Base V6 (all prices are MSRP and do not include the $625 destination charge). A less-expensive version with a new 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine will be launched in spring 2005.

The sportier GT model ($23,300) adds a rear spoiler, ABS, 17-inch wheels and tires, power pedals, power seat with more adjustments, and a 200-watt Monsoon premium sound system.

The high-performance GTP will use its own special 3.9-liter engine and higher-capacity 4T65-E four-speed automatic transaxle. An F40 6-speed wide-ratio transaxle will be optional. The GTP is being launched spring 2005.

Safety features: Side-impact air bags ($690) are optional. ABS is optional and is packaged with traction control. Traction assist is available on the SE, full-spectrum traction control on the GT, and traction control with the GM/Delphi Stabilitrak chassis control system will be available on the GTP. OnStar, an excellent safety feature for its ability to summon help, is optional.

Options include OnStar ($695), XM Satellite Radio ($325), a standard sunroof ($700), a Panoramic roof ($1500), Monsoon premium sound ($300), remote starting ($150), and chrome-finish 17-inch wheels ($650). Various options packages are available, including a Leather Package for the GT ($1365).