Just What Pontiac Needs
Ever heard of the
In the Californian sun or on snowy roads, the Torrent is at home. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)
Top of the introductions was the upcoming 2006 Hummer H3, a model that is now making its presence known in better neighborhoods everywhere, followed by Pontiac's V8-powered Grand Prix GXP, giggle-inducing fun at an entry-level premium price point. As important as the H3 was to Hummer, the announcement of a new crossover SUV for Pontiac, the 2006 Torrent, was critical. Pontiac has been under fire recently, from automotive scribes and GM insiders alike, for failure to meet sales projections with some of its larger, more expensive sedan models, not to mention its poorly received Aztek crossover.
The
Torrent, which effectually replaces the Aztek, appears to be nothing less than a slightly modified Chevy Equinox. This is no bad thing, however, as the Equinox delivers top-tier compact-to-midsize class driving-dynamics as well as tremendous interior room.
The Pontiac version receives the requisite bisected grille, a monochromatic paint scheme, sporty 16-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels, unique interior styling cues and upgraded materials, all of which make it look miles more attractive than many in this class. Even its plastics quality is pretty good, except for a few areas where it gets beat by some imported competitors. I was especially impressed with its switchgear, however, an area where GM comes close to leading the entry-level segment, oddly enough. I say oddly, because it was only a couple of years ago that I could never have imagined saying such a thing, and now its product planners, designers, engineers, bean counters, top-line executives, production workers and suppliers have pulled up their collective socks to deliver some truly impressive new vehicle interiors.
Where GM has made similar strides is in chassis
architecture improvements, and the Torrent is no exception. Its suspension setup feels more car-like than most of its competitors, not in the way it rides over bumps and potholes, necessarily, but more so in how it maneuvers around them. Pontiac is one of GM's sportier brands, or at least it has traditionally been marketed towards customers who appreciate performance over practicality. The brand hasn't always delivered on its performance promises, mind you, with mildly revised versions of Chevrolet, Buick or Oldsmobile vehicles coming to mind. That Aztek was one of them, and to be fair, so is this Torrent. Fortunately for Pontiac, the Equinox is already a decent performer in the curves at least, so a reasonably large set of standard alloy rims here, plus a slightly more rigid suspension setup there, and it feels a little more European than mid-West, U.S.A. (or should I say Ingersoll, Ontario, where it is manufactured).
Ever heard of the
Top of the introductions was the upcoming 2006 Hummer H3, a model that is now making its presence known in better neighborhoods everywhere, followed by Pontiac's V8-powered Grand Prix GXP, giggle-inducing fun at an entry-level premium price point. As important as the H3 was to Hummer, the announcement of a new crossover SUV for Pontiac, the 2006 Torrent, was critical. Pontiac has been under fire recently, from automotive scribes and GM insiders alike, for failure to meet sales projections with some of its larger, more expensive sedan models, not to mention its poorly received Aztek crossover.
The
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| The Torrent is a handsome vehicle with monochromatic paint, a stylish front fascia and nice, simple alloy wheels. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
The Pontiac version receives the requisite bisected grille, a monochromatic paint scheme, sporty 16-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels, unique interior styling cues and upgraded materials, all of which make it look miles more attractive than many in this class. Even its plastics quality is pretty good, except for a few areas where it gets beat by some imported competitors. I was especially impressed with its switchgear, however, an area where GM comes close to leading the entry-level segment, oddly enough. I say oddly, because it was only a couple of years ago that I could never have imagined saying such a thing, and now its product planners, designers, engineers, bean counters, top-line executives, production workers and suppliers have pulled up their collective socks to deliver some truly impressive new vehicle interiors.
Where GM has made similar strides is in chassis
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| A Pontiac that feels European, but built in Canada. Go figure. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |