Vehicle Overview
Metro is the smallest car sold by General Motors in the United States and, with a base price of $9,185, the least expensive. It is similar to the Suzuki Swift and is built in Canada at a plant jointly owned by GM and Suzuki. GM holds a stake in Suzuki, and the companies also share the Chevrolet Tracker/Suzuki Vitara sport utility vehicle. Though the Metro is built from the same design as the Swift, it has significant differences. Swift comes only as a hatchback, and Metro comes as a hatchback and sedan. Swift uses a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine, and Metro has the same engine plus a 1.0-liter three-cylinder.
Interior
Both body styles seat four, and despite a 15-inch longer body, the sedan’s interior dimensions are similar to the hatchback’s. A folding rear seat is standard on both. Underscoring the Metro’s mission as low-cost transportation, power steering, power locks and a remote trunk release are available only on the LSi sedan. Power windows aren’t offered.
Exterior
The sedan is 164 inches long, 15 more than the hatchback, but both ride a 93-inch wheelbase. The base hatchback comes with charcoal-colored bumpers, and the LSi hatchback and sedan come with body-color bumpers. All models ride on 13-inch wheels and tires.
Under the Hood
The base hatchback’s 55-horsepower 1.0-liter three-cylinder teams with a five-speed manual transmission to return the highest mileage of any gas-powered engine. The EPA estimates are 36 city / 42 highway. The LSi hatchback and sedan use a 79-horsepower 1.3-liter that is available with manual or automatic transmission horsepower.
Performance
Metro offers low prices and high fuel economy, but be prepared for major sacrifices in room, comfort and refinement. The small size and light weight make for a noisy, bouncy ride, and SUVs look like 18-wheelers by comparison.
