Giardina says Torrent's interior carries a "crafted, upscale design with details like chrome accents, precise-feeling controls, and seat upholstery that has a tailored appearance." Color palettes that he calls "sophisticated" include all-Ebony or Ebony with Light Cashmere inserts, and that also "bolsters the Torrent's upscale aura."
The instruments and gauges have Pontiac's signature red backlighting.
OnStar's digital equipment (it also has analog) includes enhanced hands-free voice recognition capabilities, says Giardina, including more intuitive continuous digit dialing and improved voice recognition accuracy.
For those of you who don't know, OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the United States and Canada, or pretty much the only provider for vehicles as inexpensive as Torrent. Using the GPS satellite network and wireless technology, OnStar features core safety services and OnStar Hands-Free Calling that allows drivers to make and receive voice-activated phone calls using an externally mounted antenna for greater reception.
The sliding rear seat has approximately 24.3 cm of fore and aft travel, which makes that space particularly appealing for life-size adults instead of kids, and this is where Torrent/Equinox most vividly out-performs its rivals.
The front passenger seat back also folds flat, creating a very long load area that stretches from the rear of the vehicle to the instrument panel. Total interior volume is 3,925 litres.
When the 60/40 split folding seat is forward, Giardina says, rear cargo space is "significantly increased."
Integrated storage areas throughout the interior were designed for everything from sunglasses to coins, CDs, coffee cups and water bottles. The rear cargo area has an optional 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. Three 12-volt power outlets also are standard.
The brake system includes vented front discs and rear drums, and a four-channel anti-lock system is optional across the line. If you go for the optional ABS on the FWD models, you get traction control as well.
Torrent also offers numerous standard safety features including dual-stage frontal air bags, three-point safety belts for all seating positions and the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) child safety seat retention system, which can accommodate up to three child seats. Roof-rail side curtain air bags are available.
photo:GM of Canada
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| 2006 Pontiac Torrent (photo: General Motors) |
OnStar's digital equipment (it also has analog) includes enhanced hands-free voice recognition capabilities, says Giardina, including more intuitive continuous digit dialing and improved voice recognition accuracy.
For those of you who don't know, OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the United States and Canada, or pretty much the only provider for vehicles as inexpensive as Torrent. Using the GPS satellite network and wireless technology, OnStar features core safety services and OnStar Hands-Free Calling that allows drivers to make and receive voice-activated phone calls using an externally mounted antenna for greater reception.
The sliding rear seat has approximately 24.3 cm of fore and aft travel, which makes that space particularly appealing for life-size adults instead of kids, and this is where Torrent/Equinox most vividly out-performs its rivals.
The front passenger seat back also folds flat, creating a very long load area that stretches from the rear of the vehicle to the instrument panel. Total interior volume is 3,925 litres.
When the 60/40 split folding seat is forward, Giardina says, rear cargo space is "significantly increased."
 |
| 2006 Pontiac Torrent (photo: General Motors) |
The brake system includes vented front discs and rear drums, and a four-channel anti-lock system is optional across the line. If you go for the optional ABS on the FWD models, you get traction control as well.
Torrent also offers numerous standard safety features including dual-stage frontal air bags, three-point safety belts for all seating positions and the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) child safety seat retention system, which can accommodate up to three child seats. Roof-rail side curtain air bags are available.
photo:GM of Canada
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