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Earlier this year, Pontiac introduced its G8 sedan with the 361-horsepower, V-8-powered GT, but now I’ve had a chance to drive the V-6 version that is likely to be the most popular in light of higher fuel costs.

The G8 is athletic and agile regardless of the engine under its hood. The V-6 and V-8 models use the same suspension and come with standard 18-inch wheels. Pontiac’s sporty sedan handles nicely and feels balanced, thanks to rear-wheel drive and nearly equal front-to-rear weight distribution. The suspension is a good compromise between comfort and performance. The car sits flat in turns and feels connected to the road.

GM engineers in Australia, where the car is built, did most of the development work, and the G8 typifies the new sedans coming from General Motors. A similar car is sold in Australia as the Holden Commodore.

For future reference, the G8’s basic chassis will underpin the upcoming Chevrolet Camaro.

The G8 is comparable to cars such as the Ford Taurus, Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300. It has a base price of $27,595, and that includes features such as traction control, vehicle stability control, anti-lock brakes, air conditioning, cruise control and 18-inch wheels.

The 3.6-liter engine produces 256 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. This engine’s power band begins at 2,100 rpm. The G8 feels lively right from a stop. The crisp shifts of the five-speed automatic transmission add to the feeling of energy.

The Environmental Protection Agency rates the V-6’s fuel mileage at 17 miles per gallon in the city and 25 on the highway.

The G8’s styling is aggressive and sporty without being overdone. The basic lines are lean and clean.

The G8 sits atop a 114.8-inch wheelbase that results in a relatively spacious interior given the vehicle’s 196.1-inch overall length.

The exterior styling is sharp and angular. Prominent hood scoops look a bit overstated, but the rest of the design is tastefully executed.

Inside, you’ll find a handsome interior. The instrument panel looks a bit different from those in other current GM models, but the switch markings and controls are easy to figure out. The mix of textures is visually pleasing. Brushed silver trim provides a nice accent.

Controls for the Blaupunkt radio and HVAC unit are a bit vague and different. Power window switches are located on the center console, presumably for ease of assembly since the car has right-hand drive in Australia.

The gauges are white-on-black units with simple graphics. The lack of chrome trim rings enhances readability because the driver’s eye goes directly to the white numerals.

The test car was equipped with the premium package that included leather seating surfaces. Heated, six-way power front seats were also part of the option group. The seats were supportive and form-fitting.

Rear-seat legroom is generous and the trunk is big. The center section of the rear seat folds forward to accommodate long items such as skis or fishing poles, but its back has a hard surface that kids could use with coloring books. Two cup holders are part of the back as well.

Safety equipment includes side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags for head protection, anti-lock brakes and a vehicle stability control system.

Price

The base price of the test vehicle was $27,595. Options included the premium package with leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, six-way power front seats, dual-zone climate control and six-disc CD changer. The sticker price was $29,765.

Warranty

Three years or 36,000 miles. The powertrain warranty is for five years or 100,000 miles.