New Models Make 2006 a Banner Year for Trucks, SUVs and Crossovers

2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor - The Best Kept Secret in the Crossover Market

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Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press

Endeavor might just be the best kept secret in the crossover SUV segment, due to its thrilling driving dynamics, daring styling and accommodating packaging. But Mitsubishi would rather the secret gets out of the bag, and is hoping a fairly extensive facelift will help get it noticed by more SUV shoppers. Its unusual bisected grille is now painted black at centre, while horizontal chrome bars give the vehicle a more conventional look. The lower fascia also gets updated with large, circular fogs, while the rear gets a new lower panel. Inside, silver surfaces are replaced by matte black, and chrome trim surrounds the instruments.

2006 Mitsubishi Raider - A Pickup That Truly Stands Out

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Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press

Raider is the only midsize import pickup truck to offer V8-power, something that Mitsubishi will no doubt tout as an advantage when it goes on sale across Canada in January. But while the badge says import, the truck, like most entrants in this category, is made in the U.S.A. Actually, under the Raider's stylish sheetmetal is a Dodge Dakota, along with its base 3.7L V6 and top-line 4.7L V8. A unique interior features Bluetooth wireless capability and one of the most powerful audio systems in the class, while deft handling and a 6,800-pound tow rating set it apart from imported rivals.

2006 Pontiac Torrent - Just What Pontiac Needs

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Photo: General Motors of Canada

much-maligned Aztek is dead and the new Torrent more or less takes its place in Pontiac's 2006 showroom. If you think it looks familiar, that's because it shares much of its components and even styling with the popular Chevy Equinox. That means the larger-than-compact model gets GM's ubiquitous 185-hp 3.4L V6 available in both front- and all-wheel drive configurations. While the engine output is not top-of-class, it's mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission which results in impressive 12.7 L/100 km city and 8.6 L/100 km highway fuel economy. The good looking SUV should be music to the ears of Pontiac dealers.