The Pontiac Solstice is less expensive than its two primary competitors, the Honda S2000 ($33,150) and the Mazda MX-5 ($20,435). And that presents a dilemma. The new roadster has the most unique design of the trio and offers several other keen innovations.

Yet the Solstice falls short in several areas, and that makes the debut vehicle an uncertain choice regardless of its economical attractiveness.

From a design perspective, the Solstice succeeds. During my weekly test drive, I received more comments and got stares and glances than in any other vehicle I've driven.

There's nothing jagged or abrupt about the Solstice. The car has fine curves and smooth, rounded corners. In short, it's sexy. A full-on front view reveals a short, compact grill. With its elongated headlights, daytime running lamps and the small, pointed Pontiac insignia, the front of the Solstice resembles a human face with a determined expression.

Additionally, the 18-inch wheels fit perfectly under the body and the windshield is angled just right. The Solstice looks like a sports car, and it's an American sports car.

Only one Solstice model is available. It has a 4-cylinder, 2,.4-liter, 177-horsepower engine with a 5-speed manual transmission. (Pontiac says an automatic transmission will be available later this year.) Unfortunately, the Solstice's sharp sports car looks don't fully equate to a sports car drive. The manufacturer reports 0-60 mph in 7.0 seconds, but the acceleration isn't authoritative, and there's a constant exhaust noise while shifting through gears.

Sports cars aren't particularly known for being quiet or for smooth rides, so it's hard to fault the Solstice. There's substantial road feel, wind whistle and some intermittent squeaks over around-town speed bumps. Yet, for sports car enthusiasts, those characteristics are part of the vehicle style's attraction.

What sports car enthusiasts appreciate more is sports car handling, and that's the Solstice's best attribute. It's well-balanced, feels tight and it's extraordinarily secure on the road.

Sports cars can feel inferior on highways, but the Solstice is confident and has better assertiveness at higher speeds than when it's called upon to accelerate quickly in a lower-speed predicament. There's also good side vision (for a convertible) when the top's up.

Although I didn't drive the vehicle with the top down, it's the convertible top and the trunk panel that's problematic. The ragtop secures with side hinges, but the hinges aren't well designed or particular secure.

The trunk panel features innovative dual bumps, and it opens in reverse of most trunks.. The ragtop fits into the trunk, but the process isn't simple. If the ragtop is up, the trunk space still isn't much -- perhaps enough for a duffel bag or a small suitcase.

While its exterior design is admirable and innovative, the Solstice's interior features are contradictory. There's sufficient leg and head room and the instrumentation is nicely designed and user friendly. Armrests are positioned ideally for easy comfort.

But passengers sit particularly low in the cabin, and the top end of the instrumentation panel nearly obscures front windshield vision. Although it's a small problem, the cupholder extends from below the small storage bin positioned between the back of the seats. It's not easy to reach for a secured drink.

My test vehicle included three option packages -- premium (leather seats and steering wheel and steering wheel radio controls, $590); Convenience (Cruise control, integrated fog lamps, $455); and Power (door locks, remote key entry, power windows, $625). Air conditioning adds $925, and the audio system with XM satellite system adds another $915. Another few charges -- floor mats to a slip rear differential -- push the price to $23,230.

For under $25,000, the Solstice is an interesting choice. It's a U.S, roadster and it can satisfy the driving wonts of sports car enthusiasts. But it has its drawbacks, and it also may present a unique scenario for owners. They'll rarely, if ever, be able to drive the Solstice without attracting attention.

Pontiac Solstice 2006: The Weekly Driver

Safety features -- driver and front passenger dual-stage airbags

Fuel Mileage (estimates) -- 20 mpg (city), 28 mpg (highway).

Warranty -- Bumper-to-bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Corrosion, 6 years/100,000 miles

Base price -- $19,420.