Prospective warranty upgrade or not, when the Torrent arrived last fall
it put a finishing cap on what was an important year for Pontiac. Following up on the new G6 sedan, a model that raised the brand from below average to new, higher levels of interior quality and driving dynamics, 2005 also saw the compact Pursuit arrive on the scene, now dubbed the G5 Pursuit, by the way, and soon to take on the name of G5, losing the Pursuit moniker altogether. It was joined soon after by the V8-powered Grand Prix GXP, plus the G6 coupe and Solstice roadster - the latter the shining star of the Pontiac lineup. The G6 convertible arrives in showrooms soon, and word has it that the Montana minivan is to be dropped as part of GM's performance-oriented Pontiac makeover.
So, for a brand that many pundits have speculated may be on its last legs, GM has invested a great deal and it's starting to show. This investment has already resulted in increased sales, which without doubt have improved further now that the new Torrent has arrived. Improved sales should translate into enhanced profitability, and if you've read these pages on a regular basis you'll know that the General needs to fill its coffers more than most MNCs.
In the end, I think the Torrent's strongest suit is its attractive styling.
Like the Equinox it manages to appear sporty yet classy, a design theme that should appeal to young and mature buyers alike, plus most in between. Its impressive interior dimensions and flexible passenger and cargo arrangement also sets it apart, as does its relatively low fuel consumption. And lastly, GM does pretty well in J. D. Power and Associates many studies, as well as Consumer Reports reliability surveys, which makes the ownership experience more enjoyable while helping when it comes time to trade it in or sell, by increasing its resale value over some less respected brands.
So, is the Torrent exactly the right vehicle for Pontiac right now? It certainly is impressive in many ways, not to mention that it's a smart way for GM to make use of an existing architecture, giving Pontiac dealers a competitive SUV when they had nothing to lure in prospective crossover buyers prior to its existence. For loyal Pontiac buyers, its price point makes it an ideal step-up from the Vibe, while offering enough size and capability to attract midsize Pontiac owners, and possibly even midsize SUV buyers away from other makes. Overall, I like it.
Specifications:
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| The Torrent: The finishing cap on a brand new lineup of Pontiacs. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
So, for a brand that many pundits have speculated may be on its last legs, GM has invested a great deal and it's starting to show. This investment has already resulted in increased sales, which without doubt have improved further now that the new Torrent has arrived. Improved sales should translate into enhanced profitability, and if you've read these pages on a regular basis you'll know that the General needs to fill its coffers more than most MNCs.
In the end, I think the Torrent's strongest suit is its attractive styling.
 |
| The Torrent is a logical step-up from a Vibe. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
So, is the Torrent exactly the right vehicle for Pontiac right now? It certainly is impressive in many ways, not to mention that it's a smart way for GM to make use of an existing architecture, giving Pontiac dealers a competitive SUV when they had nothing to lure in prospective crossover buyers prior to its existence. For loyal Pontiac buyers, its price point makes it an ideal step-up from the Vibe, while offering enough size and capability to attract midsize Pontiac owners, and possibly even midsize SUV buyers away from other makes. Overall, I like it.
Specifications:
- Price Range (MSRP): $26,585 - $37,630
- Freight & PDI: $1,100
- Body Type: 5-door compact SUV
- Layout: front engine, FWD (opt AWD)
- Engine: 185-hp, 210 lb-ft of torque, 3.4L OHV V6
- Transmission: 5-spd auto
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/drum (opt ABS)
- Curb Weight: 1,663 kg (3,660 lb)
- Towing Capacity: 1,588 kg (3,500 lb)
- Ground Clearance: 203 mm (8.0 in)
- Cargo Volume (rear seats up/folded: 912 / 1,943 L (32.2 / 68.6 cu-ft)
- Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 12.3 / 9.4 L/100km
- Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive
- Direct Competitors: Buick Rendezvous, Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape / Freestyle, Honda CR-V / Pilot, Hyundai Tucson / Santa Fe, Jeep Liberty / Grand Cherokee, Kia Sportage / Sorento, Land Rover Freelander, Mazda Tribute, Mitsubishi Outlander / Endeavor, Nissan X-Trail / Murano / Xterra, Saturn VUE, Subaru Forester / B9 Tribeca, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota RAV4 / Highlander
- Web Site: www.gmcanada.com
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