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2018 Pontiac Trans Am

2018 Pontiac Trans Am Considering the L is particular order solely, and the LS does not add much for a considerable price bump, we expect it’s value skipping straight to the LT mannequin. Its record of added features isn’t extensive, however you do get upgraded headlights for better nighttime visibility, along with satellite radio and tinted glass. The LT additionally opens the doorways to a number of worthy choice packages. The Confidence and Convenience bundle stands out, with additional luxurious features and blind-spot monitoring.

Fortune doesn’t essentially favor the daring within the compact crossover section — the Honda CR-V, the Nissan Rogue and the Toyota RAV4 are perennial best-sellers thanks partly to their all-around competencies and history of reliability. Nonetheless, automakers attempt to make their small SUVs distinct. The 2018 Pontiac Trans Am stands out by bringing high-end luxury options and a couple of distinctive engines to this typically price-conscious class.

Redesigned just last year, the 2018 Pontiac Trans Am is among the newer entries in this phase. As such, all the newest safety features can be found, from a surround-view parking digital camera to forward collision warning system that may establish pedestrians. In contrast to some opponents, most of these features can only be ordered on the top trim degree, however no less than you will get them. Also out there are a panoramic sunroof, a surround-view parking camera and ventilated front seats — uncommon options in this class.

We also like that the 2018 Pontiac Trans Am gives two various powertrains in case you aren’t glad with the base turbocharged 1.5-liter engine. At one finish of the spectrum is a fuel-efficient diesel that achieves 32 mpg in mixed driving (the usual engine earns 28 mpg); on the different, a turbocharged 2.0-liter with an additional 80 horsepower. Be careful, nevertheless: Once you begin checking the options containers, the 2018 Pontiac Trans Am might be considerably costlier than rival crossovers. An engine stop-start system that can’t be disabled and disappointing supplies high quality also might give potential consumers pause.

2018 Pontiac Trans Am models

The 2018 Pontiac Trans Am is a five-passenger compact crossover that costs a bit more than most rivals. It is bought in 4 trims: L, LS, LT and Premier. The bottom L model seems like an amazing deal till you notice that it is a custom-order model and you’ll have to wait for it to be built. You may discover the LS at practically any supplier, nevertheless it’s more expensive and would not add much. Greatest to skip straight to the LT, which is just a bit more expensive and includes extra options and access to further choices. If you’d like the LT and its two packages, the leather-trimmed Premier includes it all.

Three engines are supplied on the 2018 Pontiac Trans Am. The usual engine is a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder (170 horsepower, 203 pound-feet of torque) matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. A more powerful turbocharged 2.Zero-liter engine (252 hp, 260 lb-ft) is optionally available and comes commonplace with a nine-speed automated transmission. Also elective is a fuel-efficient 1.6-liter diesel (137 hp, 240 lb-ft) mated to a six-speed automated. Each of those engines could be ordered on LT and Premier trim ranges.

Driving

8.0

The upgrade from the bottom 1.5-liter engine to the 2.0-liter is well-justified with the quantity of power and effectivity it delivers. On high of that, the 2018 Pontiac Trans Am has spectacular handling on a twisty street. The only downside is the massive turning radius that impacts U-turns and parking.

Acceleration

9.0

This engine is one of the greatest in the class. Acceleration is clean and really manageable in on a regular basis driving, but the front-wheel-drive mannequin can generate torque steer once you ground it. Ours wanted solely 6.4 seconds to achieve 60 mph, faster than rivals. The diesel took a more leisurely 9.8 seconds.

Braking

8.0

The brakes really feel good and dependable. The pedal effort is acceptable for this type of automobile, and response is neither grabby nor lazy. It just feels proper. Our 2018 Pontiac Trans Am executed a panic stop from 60 mph in 115 feet, a stable result within the compact SUV class.

Steering

8.0

Steering effort is what we count on from a small crossover, with low effort at parking speeds and more weighting at freeway speeds. The vehicle tracks straight on most surfaces, and ample on-center feel makes for a calming drive. But we observed some squirm on roads with longitudinal rain grooves.

Dealing with

9.0

The 2018 Pontiac Trans Am is surprisingly succesful and balanced on a difficult twisty road. The handling limits are surprisingly excessive and approachable in these conditions, and it is nearly as enjoyable to drive as the class-leading Mazda CX-5.

Drivability

6.0

We’re deducting points for an unusually large turning circle. Multipoint turns are a typical occurrence with this automotive on streets where rivals could make a simple U-turn. We noticed this characteristic when nosing into crowded parking lots, too.