GM reveals pricing for Pontiac G3 compact, GMC Sierra Hybrid

Today General Motors released pricing for its all-new Pontiac G3 compact hatchback and the GMC Sierra Hybrid pickup truck. Hoping to fill out its lineup with new and fuel-efficient offerings, GM is also pricing the cars competitively to rival offerings, though in the case of the G3, competition from Toyota and Nissan still undercut its price.

Starting at $14,995 including delivery charges, the G3 hatchback, which shares much of its construction with the similarly-priced Chevrolet Aveo, is inexpensive, but still at least $1,500 above the starting prices of the Nissan Versa ($12,990) and the Toyota Yaris ($13,300) hatchbacks.

All of the cars in the segment offer similar fuel economy and performance. The G3's 106hp (79kW) 1.6L Ecotec engine is estimated at an EPA rating of 27mpg city and 34mpg highway (8.7L/100km and 6.9L/100km, respectively), roughly equivalent to its slightly cheaper Japanese rivals.

The GMC Sierra Hybrid pickup truck, on the other hand, has no direct competitors either domestic or overseas, as its full-size truck build and hybrid-drive powertrain are a unique combination oon the market. Starting at $38,995 for the 2WD model with the 1HY trim package, the vehicle is also eligible for a $2,200 federal tax credit due to its hybrid powertrain.

Fuel economy is very good for a full-size pickup, bordering on the lower end of mid-size sedan territory at 21mpg city and 22mpg highway (11.2L/100km and 10.7L/100km) in 2WD guise. Four-wheel-drive models average 20mpg (11.7L/100km) in both city and highway driving. That's over 40% better than the standard pickup in town and 25% better on the highway. GM says that despite the improvements in fuel economy, the Sierra Hybrid sacrifices nothing in terms of power or towing capacity.

Mating a two-mode hybrid system with a 332hp (247kW) 6.0L gasoline V8, the Sierra Hybrid can manage up to 30mph (48km/h) in electric-only mode, even when towing at its 6,100lb (2,767kg) max towing capacity.