The rear cargo area has GM's Cargo Storage System with storage bins in the floor and wheel wells, plus a lightweight polycarbonate shelf that can be placed in various positions for differing cargo needs. It has hooks for grocery bags and can even be configured as a table for tailgate parties or picnic lunches or selling crafts from at a sale.
Hopson says that, as a result of its equipment list and design, Torrent ''brings a level of sophistication and comfort not typically found in other vehicles in its class. The interior also carries a crafted, upscale design with such details as chrome accents, precise-feeling controls and seat upholstery that has a tailored appearance. Even the steering wheel, which takes its styling cues from the upcoming Pontiac Solstice roadster, conveys a sporty, contemporary look.''
For consumers who care about interior styling, Hopson says that ''sophisticated interior color palettes, including all-Ebony or Ebony with Light Cashmere inserts, bolster the Torrent's upscale aura. The instruments and gauges have Pontiac's signature red backlighting.''
Integrated storage areas throughout the interior were designed for everything from sunglasses to coins, CDs, coffee cups and water bottles.
Hopson reiterates the point about Torrent's commonality with the Equinox and Vue when he talks about body structure, car-like ride and entry-exit ease, since those are among the primary charms of the two existing vehicles and that bodes very well for anyone considering Torrent.
Following the tradition of people marketing SUVs, Hopson also makes it clear that the Torrent will indeed be able to cope with an off-road situation should an owner ever find herself off-road by mistake.
Torrent is ''a full-function SUV with excellent traction capability,'' Hopson explains. ''Both the front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models provide 203-mm of ground clearance and feature short front and rear overhangs for favorable off-road approach and departure angles. The on-demand automatic all-wheel drive system has no buttons to push; it engages automatically when wheel slip is detected.''
Cleated front and rear skid plates and protective rocker panels also are elements of the design, in case you really, really get lost off-road.
For the time being, the only engine available in the Torrent is GM's 3400 V-6, good for sending 185 hp at 5,200 rpm and 210 lb-ft of torque at 3800 rpm through a five-speed automatic transmission unique to the Theta architecture that adjusts to fit various load conditions.
Those power numbers may look a little paltry for Torrent's size, but experience with the Equinox suggests that the engine can handle every real world situation with ease and aplomb.
Hopson says Torrent's suspension is ''tuned to provide the crisp, responsive handling of a performance sedan,'' using a MacPherson strut front suspension and four-link independent rear suspension with a special tuning package designed to minimize ride oscillation and provide a heightened sense of control.
Electric power steering (EPS) is standard on all Torrent models, using a speed-sensitive, variable-effort system that's tuned to match the performance characteristics of the vehicle. EPS eliminates the use of an engine-driven power steering pump, as well as the corresponding fluid reservoir and plumbing, reducing both fuel consumption and the potential source of an environmental contaminant.
Overall, Torrent looks like it's going to be pretty much a Chevrolet Equinox with a different style, packaging, performance ability and price-point, and that's very good news for people looking for a reasonably-priced SUV with big volume attributes.
photo:General Motors
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For consumers who care about interior styling, Hopson says that ''sophisticated interior color palettes, including all-Ebony or Ebony with Light Cashmere inserts, bolster the Torrent's upscale aura. The instruments and gauges have Pontiac's signature red backlighting.''
Integrated storage areas throughout the interior were designed for everything from sunglasses to coins, CDs, coffee cups and water bottles.
Hopson reiterates the point about Torrent's commonality with the Equinox and Vue when he talks about body structure, car-like ride and entry-exit ease, since those are among the primary charms of the two existing vehicles and that bodes very well for anyone considering Torrent.
Following the tradition of people marketing SUVs, Hopson also makes it clear that the Torrent will indeed be able to cope with an off-road situation should an owner ever find herself off-road by mistake.
Torrent is ''a full-function SUV with excellent traction capability,'' Hopson explains. ''Both the front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models provide 203-mm of ground clearance and feature short front and rear overhangs for favorable off-road approach and departure angles. The on-demand automatic all-wheel drive system has no buttons to push; it engages automatically when wheel slip is detected.''
Cleated front and rear skid plates and protective rocker panels also are elements of the design, in case you really, really get lost off-road.
For the time being, the only engine available in the Torrent is GM's 3400 V-6, good for sending 185 hp at 5,200 rpm and 210 lb-ft of torque at 3800 rpm through a five-speed automatic transmission unique to the Theta architecture that adjusts to fit various load conditions.
Those power numbers may look a little paltry for Torrent's size, but experience with the Equinox suggests that the engine can handle every real world situation with ease and aplomb.
Hopson says Torrent's suspension is ''tuned to provide the crisp, responsive handling of a performance sedan,'' using a MacPherson strut front suspension and four-link independent rear suspension with a special tuning package designed to minimize ride oscillation and provide a heightened sense of control.
Electric power steering (EPS) is standard on all Torrent models, using a speed-sensitive, variable-effort system that's tuned to match the performance characteristics of the vehicle. EPS eliminates the use of an engine-driven power steering pump, as well as the corresponding fluid reservoir and plumbing, reducing both fuel consumption and the potential source of an environmental contaminant.
Overall, Torrent looks like it's going to be pretty much a Chevrolet Equinox with a different style, packaging, performance ability and price-point, and that's very good news for people looking for a reasonably-priced SUV with big volume attributes.
photo:General Motors
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