Ottawa, Ontario - There’s a handy chart on the GM Canada website that compares the Pontiac Vibe with the Toyota Matrix (obviously, Pontiac would like you to buy its Vibe rather than the Matrix). The big difference between the two vehicles at the current time is that Pontiac supplies electronic stability control (ESC) as standard equipment on the Vibe (GM calls it StabiliTrak), and Toyota doesn’t.

Of course, there are styling differences front and rear, and alternative trim levels, but ESC is an excellent safety feature; much more important than the shape of a headlight or bumper. In fact, ESC has activated several times in the past week of mainly city driving in the Vibe.

The reason is that our weather has changed from abundant snow and frigid temperatures, to milder days, rain, freezing rain, and cold nights. What this means for drivers is that the morning roads can be very slippery, so you really benefit from the full arsenal of winter tires, anti-lock brakes, stability control and all-wheel drive on your commute to and from work.

The slippery road surfaces appear to confound many local motorists, especially when braking and cornering. Fortunately, ESC is a big help when cornering, as it can prevent a vehicle from sliding off of an ice-covered road, affording the driver a chance to regain/maintain control, and continue safely along.

Stability control isn’t foolproof, though. Drive recklessly and chances are you’ll crash. But sometimes even the most careful driver is deceived by apparently smooth, dry pavement that’s covered in a thin layer of ice. Those are our local road conditions lately, and that’s why ESC has activated. I’m glad to have it.

The Vibe’s all-wheel drive system has really not been challenged by road surfaces that I’ve encountered, and that includes deep snow and slush. Yes, winter tires are fitted (Pirelli Snowsports), but I’d want them even with all-wheel drive. They just complete the package, and give you the best traction and control that you can get from the vehicle.

Fuel consumption has settled to 10 L/100 km on the highway and 12.5-13.0 L/100 km in the city. This is more than the equivalent front-wheel drive vehicle, so it’s true that you’ll pay more for the AWD Vibe, and you’ll pay more to drive it. However, on an annual basis, it’s going to cost you some hundreds of dollars more, not thousands. What price safety?

The Vibe has emerged as a very handy vehicle, due to its tall body and fold-flat seating that produces a rigid plastic floor upon which you can load large items with ease. It’s not an SUV, but the Vibe offers similar practicality.

It also continues to impress with its powerful engine. This is a quick vehicle that accelerates smoothly and willingly up to highway speeds. You’ll be surprised at its get-up-and-go.

The Vibe’s controls are easy to operate, even on a freezing day when you don’t want to remove your gloves.

What would we like? Heated seats top the list, along with heated mirrors and better visibility out the rear window to compensate for the large pillars back there (it can be tough backing up in a Vibe).

Otherwise, this is fine all-season vehicle, easy to get in to and out of, quick to start and warm up in very cold weather, and equipped with the full range of safety features.

Paul Williams is an Ottawa-based automotive writer and senior editor for CanadianDriver. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC).