PONTIAC HAS WHAT BUYERS WANT: THE NEW TORRENT!

by Casey Williams - www.car-data.com
September 2005

OK, I think we can all admit the Pontiac Aztek didn’t work out very well. To be honest, it was a very good vehicle that never found its place. It was nice to drive, had plenty of innovative features, rode well, and was as roomy as a minivan. Unfortunately, its controversial exterior design doomed it to failure. Pity. Pontiac learned its lesson well and launched the Torrent crossover SUV for 2006.Said Jim Bunnell, Pontiac-GMC general manager, “The Torrent broadens Pontiac’s performance parameters by taking them in a whole new direction. It has the spirited, responsive driving traits of a performance sedan, but combines that fun-to-drive character with the capability of an SUV.”In truth, the Torrent is a facelifted Chevrolet Equinox, which itself is based on the Saturn VUE platform. Somehow, the Torrent becomes much more than that. A revised front end is rounded and profiled to look like a buff Pontiac G6 or GTO.

Five-spoke 16” alloy wheels and body color side moldings connect it to such vehicles as the Grand Prix GXP and upcoming Solstice roadster. It definitely has the Pontiac look.Inside, a three-spoke steering wheel and sport gauges are much like those in the Solstice. Upscale leather sport seats, silver dash trim, deep cupholders, XM Satellite Radio, OnStar, and an in-dash CD changer should appeal to younger buyers. Safety is enhanced by dual front and side curtain airbags.What owners will really appreciate is the Torrent’s car-based platform. A lightweight unibody design makes the vehicle feel sportier and handle better with a four-wheel independent suspension system and four-wheel anti-lock brakes. A 3.4-litre V6 engine produces 185 horsepower and 210 lb.-ft. of torque for invigorating performance and outstanding fuel economy of 19/25 mpg city/highway.

Base models are front-wheel-drive while all-wheel-drive is optional. Unusual in this class, Torrent comes standard with a five-speed automatic transmission.Torrent comes to market just in time. With gas prices continuing their rise and baby boomers tiring of a tough truck ride, the Pontiac SUV should be just what buyers want. With a base price of around $23,000, it tops out under $30,000 fully loaded.