REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Similar, yet different

Like the S-10, the Sonoma finally gets a fourth door on the extended cab models and the Crew Cab bodystyle is now available in Canada, one year after the americans.Can’t GMC feel the pressure? In any event, the Sonoma invites you to test its comfortable bucket seats (an option to the standard sliding bench seat), designed to mold and provide support when cornering. The extended cab version includes two minuscule vinyl auxiliary seats, more like ejection seats since no one can sit in them for very long, they’re so uncomfortable. To summarize, let’s say that the interior is well presented, as long as you have a penchant for the smell and look of plastic.GMC has eliminated the under-hood light, so here’s a reminder of what you’ll find there: a 2.2-liter four- cylinder engine that’s fairly sluggish despite several changes over the years, now resulting in better pickup and better fuel economy. For a bit extra, you can choose the 4×4 version, which is powered by a 4.3-liter Vortec V6 that is as smooth as it is strong. You don’t need to be a pro to make the rear wheels spin – they often lack grip when the truck is traveling unloaded. And this is precisely when road stability is affected by a jerky rear end, which may jeopardize the main mission of the ABS brakes, which is to ensure straight-line stops. When it comes to transmission, the electronically controlled automatic is remarkably smooth, while the manual transmission is impressively easy to use.

PROS
Good visibility
Energetic V6
Good transmissions
Styling

CONS
Limited choice of models and accessories
Uncomfortable auxiliary seats