Up Close: 2009.5 Pontiac G6

Pontiac has restyled the exterior and interior of its G6 midsize car, and we had a chance to check it out for the first time at the Los Angeles auto show.

The restyled grille and front bumper are more aggressive-looking and have more mesh-covered vents. Pontiac says the styling was inspired by the automaker’s flagship G8 sedan, and the resemblance is there.

Interior changes include new graphics for the gauges. The G6 also gains GM’s center control panel for the audio and climate systems, and the new layout is an improvement over what was there previously.

The changes take the G6 in the direction it needs to go, but there are still nicer midsize cars available, including GM’s own Chevrolet Malibu. The updated G6 hits dealerships in January with a starting price of $19,945 for the base sedan. The coupe, meanwhile, starts at $22,890, and the retractable-hardtop convertible is priced at $32,970.

More photos below.