San Francisco:
In the ever-increasing world of high-priced ad campaigns and catchy
catch phrases, Pontiac did it again with it's latest barrage of ads by
proclaiming their new SUV as the first ever Pontiac Torrent, following
the first ever G6...Call me when it's safe to watch TV again.
But seriously, GM needs
a new SUV like Michael Jackson needs another nose job.
The only saving grace
for the General is the quality of build and decent lines and design of
the new smaller SUVs that include the Pontiac Torrent and Chevy Equinox.
We were quite surprised when we saw the Torrent and Vibe on the GM media
page. The Torrent is definitely the Vibe’s big brother, with a cleaner,
more polished look…like you’d expect of an older sibling.
Speaking of style and
design, the front fascia was Pontiac-ified and looks different enough
from the Equinox to keep most people from thinking they are the same
vehicle. It has the double kidney design and aggressive look found on
all modern Pontiacs, while not being overly aggressive and staying away
from extra plastic and hood scoops - take that as you will because
either you think all Pontiacs should have the scoops or not. We’re sure
that Bob Lutz is right now figuring out a way to get hood scoops out to
the masses in the aftermarket…maybe in a GM catalog or something.
First impression –
interior colors, fabric and patterns are, different. The crisscross
pattern is similar to houndstooth but not as attractive. The feel is not
bad, like it could last a long time, but the look is something from
another era that maybe hasn't happened yet. The funny thing about those
last few sentences was how our feelings changed during our week with the
Torrent. We got to really like the fabric and felt it was of a high
quality and fit the interior to a “T”.
The mid-level radio in
the Torrent has good sound and a great sub-woofer to really feel the
bass thumping in everything you listen to...well worth it!
The seats are as
comfortable as any GM has ever produced. The second row is comfortable
as well, with good fabric that clings to you and keeps you in the seat
around corners. Which is great because side bolstering is non-existent
back there. We also like the full adjustments offered in the rear area:
The seats recline, split & fold and move fore and aft for a very
versatile vehicle with a voracious appetite for people and things.
Out back, we liked the
tray system that had three different levels and seemed to be well
thought out and expertly executed. The tray rests in a depressed area
just fore of the tailgate. You just pick it up and slide it into either
of two different levels of height, making it quite flexible and easy to
use.
The ride of the Torrent
is quite good, probably because we drove the front-wheel drive model.
There was none of the harshness over bumps or excessive body roll in
corners that help denote an all-wheel drive system. It seems that
Pontiac worked diligently to make the Torrent a more sporting SUV,
keeping the Excitement division alive in every vehicle.
The bottom line price
on the Torrent we drove was $27,540. Not bad considering the high level
of standard and optional equipment on this vehicle.
Standard goodies
include the 3400 V6, five-speed automatic transmission, remote keyless
entry, traction control, anti-lock brakes, 16-inch aluminum wheels, air
and power everything; all that and a bag of chips for a standard price
of $22,400.
On the options list, we
got the $1,555 preferred package (six-way power driver seat, tinted
glass, premium cloth, cruise control, auto-dimming mirror with
temperature and compass, steering wheel radio controls, luggage rack
cross bars leather-wrapped wheel, carpeted floormats and cargo net); the
$1,285 sun and sound package (power sunroof, stereo with six-disc
changer and Pioneer seven-speaker system with sub woofer and amplifier);
the $1,090 security package (side impact and head curtain airbags and
one year of OnStar safe and sound); XM satellite radio for $325 with
three months free and 17-inch aluminum wheels for $295.
Add to the options a
$590 destination charge and you get an as tested price of $27,540. Not
bad for a loaded SUV that has plenty of room for you and a lot of your
things. Sure, you can get a smaller trucklet with all-wheel drive, but
you wouldn’t be getting a “first ever” Pontiac Torrent, and you might
not get all this great stuff either.
By
James E. Bryson © AutoWire.Net - San Francisco
Pontiac Home Page
Byline: Syndicated content provided by Tony Leopardo ©
AutoWire.Net
Column Name: Once
Again, A First Ever Vehicle From Pontiac
Topic: The
2006 Pontiac Torrent SUV
Word Count:
832
Photo Caption:
The
2006 Pontiac Torrent SUV
Photo Credits:
Pontiac Internet Media
Series #:
2005 - 64
Download
the Microsoft Word version here:
2006
Pontiac Torrent
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2006 Pontiac Torrent
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