The Pontiac G5 GT coupe, new for 2007, offers a modest sticker price, good gas mileage and a touch of sports car sass. But just a touch, mind you. While 173 horsepower is a lot for a subcompact, the rear spoiler is still just for looks.

Photo by Pontiac (ENLARGE)

Pontiac G5 GT

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ABOUT THE PONTIAC G5 GT:

Body style: Two-door coupe

Trim lines: Base, GT

Price: MSRP $14,650- $17,975; tester, with options, was $20,520

Drive: Front-wheel

Seating: Two in front, three in back

Engine: 2.4-liter inline four cylinder

Transmission: Five-speed manual, four-speed automatic

Miles per gallon of fuel: 24 city/32

WHAT'S SPECIAL: The G5 GT isn't a fast car, but it sure looks like one. The distinctive Pontiac twin-port grille, rear spoiler, chrome exhaust tip and 17-inch painted aluminum wheels give the G5 the look of a character from "The Fast and the Furious" movie trilogy.

WHAT WE LIKE: While certainly no street racer, the G5 GT is a competent commuter car with a little bit of pep, thanks to the 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine. The base G5 offers a 2.2-liter engine producing 148 horsepower.

WHAT ISN'T THERE: Back seat comfort. The rear is a bit cramped and, because it's a two-door, hard for the less agile to access. The front seats are comfortable enough for driving around town, but a here-to-Austin road trip may be taxing.

YOU OUGHTA KNOW: Targeting younger drivers, Pontiac is offering the G5 Digital Mix, which includes XM Satellite with 12 months of free service (most automakers offer just three months) and 365 digital music downloads. Standard equipment includes an input jack for an iPod or similar MP3 player.

EXTRAS: Continuing the happy trend among new subcompact cars, the G5 GT offers some surprising amenities. There is, of course, power everything. A dash information center gives you the outside temperature, the fuel range to empty and other important tidbits. The headlights are automatic. The leather-wrapped steering wheel has sound and speed controls. Remote vehicle start is a nifty $190 option.

AND ANOTHER THING: The four-speed automatic transmission uses a new type of fluid and is filled for life, requiring no maintenance under normal driving conditions.