The Pontiac Vibe, redesigned for the 2009 model year, might be the right vehicle at the right time for many folks.

With car shoppers desiring spaciousness, comfort and style, but also not wanting to pay a lot at the pump, the Vibe delivers.

Plus it's affordable. The Vibe can be had for as low as $15,310.

The Vibe is engineered by Toyota, and is similar to that company's Matrix model.

It's available with front- or all-wheel drive.

The base engine is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder that makes 132 horsepower and is linked to a five-speed manual transmission. A four-speed automatic also is available.

If you seek more power, try the 2.4-liter engine that gives 158 horsepower and has a five-speed manual, with five-speed automatic optional.

The latter engine is found with the all-wheel drive models.

There is a fair amount of standard safety equipment such as antilock brakes and curtain air bags.

One neat convenience touch is the panel that flips up to form a grocery bag holding area. It can be used after you fold the rear seats down.

The Vibe offers 20.1 feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and almost 50 cubic feet when they're down.

For extra cargo room, the front passenger seat folds down too.

The front seats are very comfortable, even for large adults. The rear seats aren't too bad either, especially if only one or two people are back there. The latest design of the Vibe is a little sportier, with a more dramatically flared fender.

The fuel economy numbers add to the Vibe's value —- 26 mpg city and 32 highway for the 1.8-liter engine.

General Motors has positioned Pontiac as its performance car brand, and the Vibe does pretty well in this area, too.

Taking it on twisty roads gives it a chance to show off its tight suspension, and steering is responsive, too.

2009 PONTIAC VIBE

Vehicle type: Compact wagon

Price: $15,310-$20,895

Passengers: Two in front, three in rear

Fuel economy: 26 mpg city/32 mpg highway (1.8L engine)