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The undeniable pleasure of driving Pontiac’s lovely new roadster, with its eager handling and top-down allure, was compromised by one simple issue: I didn’t fit.

OK, that’s mitigated by another fact: I’m really tall, somewhere in the upper range of human height, a gangly guy with long legs and big feet.

But after Pontiac boasted about the roomy interior, I expected more.

Still, I found that Solstice drives as cool as it looks, a sensory experience of engine roar, wind in the hair, sharp response, curb appeal and the subtle quality that separates true sports cars from ordinary convertibles.

This classic roadster form was my first love of an automotive nature, the kind of impractical, sporty little two-seaters pioneered by the British and Italians. Think MG and Alfa-Romeo. It took Mazda Miata to revive the roadster in the ’90s, and Solstice is really Miata’s first solid competition.

A big part of that is Solstice’s moderate price, starting under $20,000, which makes it affordable as well as desirable. Folks who ordered them earlier this year, many based solely on photos in magazines, are finally getting them delivered, and I doubt that anyone’s disappointed. The only gripe I foresee (aside from the cramped interior) has to do with engine power, with some drivers wanting more than the 177-horsepower four-banger.

Pontiac promises more muscle in the future, maybe with supercharging or even a V-6, but I like the Solstice as it is. The point is not high performance but classic sports-car fun.

Overall, Solstice is a resounding success, and Pontiac should be applauded for making it work so well.

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The lowdown

PERFORMANCE: Though somewhat harsh under acceleration, the all-aluminum Ecotec four is a sophisticated little powerhouse with dual overhead cams and twin balance shafts that provide decent power for the lightweight Solstice. Acceleration is brisk, with good pull throughout the rpm range. The five-speed transmission shifts nicely, though six speeds have become standard in sporty cars, and the Solstice would benefit from the extra gearing.

DRIVABILITY: An all-new chassis was developed for the Solstice, and the engineers did a nice job at creating a stiff, shimmy-free platform. Watch for this setup in future rear-wheel-drive GM cars.

Handling is superb, the Solstice diving nimbly into corners and holding the line in curves with easy assuredness. Good balance, sharply responsive steering and solid brakes. Antilock brakes are an optional extra, unfortunately.

STYLING: The rounded but aggressive shape, with its gleaming twin Pontiac grille on a bumperless front end, has much to do with the frantic attention received by Solstice since its introduction. The look speaks for itself, but check out those double-bullet head rests that stretch back over the rear deck. Stowing the convertible top is kind of a pain, though the trunk hides the roof once it’s down. The trunk is nearly worthless with the top up because of the intrusion of the gas-tank hump, and totally useless with the roof down.

INTERIOR: I won’t go on again about tight accommodations, but the cockpit also lacks stowage other than a little, non-locking cubby between the seat backs. There are cup holders, but these are flimsy affairs and poorly located.

The test car had the upgraded two-tone leather interior, which looks great.

BOTTOM LINE: The Solstice was worth the wait and delivers the goods with style and substance. Watch for the similar Saturn Skye that’s coming soon.

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RELATED

Type: Two-passenger, two-door convertible, rear-wheel drive.

Engine: 2.4-liter inline four, 177 horsepower at 6,600 rpm, 166 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm.

Transmission: Five-speed manual.

Wheelbase: 95.1 inches.

Overall length: 157.2 inches.

Curb weight: 2,860 pounds.

EPA rating: 20 city, 28 highway.

Highs: Sharp styling, responsive handling, moderate price.

Lows: Cramped interior, fussy top, useless trunk.

PRICING

Base price: $19,420.

Price as tested: 24,310.

OPTIONS

* Air-conditioning, $960.

* Leather seats and steering wheel, $590.

* Power door locks, windows, mirrors and keyless entry, $625.

* Six-disc CD player and MP3, $495.

* Cruise control, trip computer, fog lights, steering-wheel controls, $465.

* Antilock brakes, $400.

* Upgraded audio, $395.

* XM satellite radio, $325.

* Floor mats, $60.

* Shipping, $575.

For more on the Solstice, go to autos.azcentral.com.