Multi-Flex Seating Adds Practicality

Pontiac has been undergoing a renaissance of late, redefining itself with the introduction of numerous un-Pontiac-like models such as
At the very least the Torrent should be revered for being the replacement for the Pontiac's dreadfully unappealing Aztek. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)
the midsize G6, the compact Pursuit, the sub-compact Wave, and most notably of all, the Solstice Roadster. But there's another new addition to the fleet that should at the very least be revered for being the replacement for the brand's dreadfully unappealing Aztek.

The Torrent is a new vehicle for Pontiac. It fills the compact to midsize SUV role in GM's excitement division, and, if you hadn't already figured out the resemblance, is kissin' cousin to Chevy's recently introduced Equinox. Like Chevy's version, Pontiac's Torrent is a peppy, V6-powered 4-door crossover-style SUV, available in both front- (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations.

Like the Equinox, the Torrent will comfortably seat five adults. In fact I was
The Torrent's 60/40 split rear seat folds flat to provide a large unencumbered cargo area, the versatility of which is augmented by a flat-folding front passenger seat. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)
quite surprised by the generous proportions allotted to occupant comfort. Head and legroom in all seating positions is plentiful. Rear legroom, which is often cursed in smaller SUVs and wagons, can be extended in the Torrent thanks to a rear seat that slides fore and aft up to 20 cm (8 in). The 60/40 split rear seat also folds flat to provide a large unencumbered cargo area, the versatility of which is augmented by a flat-folding front passenger seat and a height adjustable rear shelf. When maximizing humans and cargo accommodations within finite spaces, flexibility is the key. Pontiac has done a competent job of engineering flexibility into the Torrent's seating arrangements, which they refer to as Multi-Flex, however unlike some rival SUVs such as the Honda Pilot, the Torrent doesn't offer a third row seat. Unfortunately for Pontiac, this will be a deal-breaker for some family purchasers.


Speaking of Honda's Pilot, I was somewhat astonished to discover that the Torrent, with an overall length of 4,795 mm (188.8 in), is
I was somewhat astonished to discover that the Torrent, with an overall length of 4,795 mm (188.8 in), is longer than Honda's Pilot. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)
longer - the Pilot measures in at 4,775 mm (188 in). Somehow the Torrent comes-off looking and feeling much smaller than its Japanese counterpart. Perhaps the Pilot's greater width, height, aforementioned third row and larger cargo volume generates the size misconception, because it certainly isn't its wheelbase as the Torrent outdistances the Pilot in this measurement by a considerable margin.

Despite the greater real estate separating the Torrent's axles, the Pilot achieves a cargo capacity of 2,557 litres (90.3 cu ft) versus the Torrent's significantly smaller 1,948 litres (68.8 cu ft). The Torrent's cargo deficit is largely attributable to its slimmer body and
The Torrent's cargo deficit is largely attributable to its slimmer body and contoured roof line. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)
contoured roof line, which slopes-off quite dramatically at the rear. If there is a payoff accompanying the Torrent's diminished cargo hold and narrower body size, it's a perception that one is driving a smaller, easier to maneuver vehicle.

My tester was not the heavily contented AWD Sport version but rather the base Torrent with a few added extras to lift it out of the Pontiac cellar, making this unit more representative of what the typical Torrent buyer will drive away in. Regardless of which floor the equipment elevator stops at, buyers will no doubt be pleased with the vehicle's build quality. On the other hand, an excessive use of hard plastic on the doors, "A" pillars and the top of the dash feels low-rent for a front-wheel drive vehicle commanding more than $30K when a few goodies are added to its base price of $26,585.


Inferior plastics aside, the Torrent is good-looking inside and out. I am impressed with the styling of both it and its Chevy-based
While the Torrent suffers from inferior interior plastics, it nevertheless is good-looking inside and out.  (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)
cousin. Actually, I'll go so far to say that in my view the pair pretty much lead the way in compact to midsize SUV styling.

But all the style in the world means "nada" if unable to "walk the talk," so to speak. As a well-built, comfortable, simple to operate people and cargo mover, the Torrent has a lot to say. Climbing into this crossover-style SUV is easy. Step-in height is low for an SUV, but higher than a typical wagon. The seating position is high, offering a commanding view out of expansive front glass. Unfortunately, extra thick A-pillars hinder peripheral visibility, while wide "B" and "C" pillars reduce rearward visibility, a problem that becomes apparent when reversing into parking slots.

Much of the impeded vision is easily overcome using the Torrent's large side mirrors. The optional heated front buckets in my sampler were unusually firm for a domestic vehicle, providing very good comfort and support on short and long hauls, however extra side bolstering would be an improvement. The cloth used to upholster these perches imparted a feeling
GM's slightly dated, overhead valve 3.4-litre (204 cu in) V6 puts out ample power for spirited acceleration.  (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)
of richness and quality. Also, switchgear and instrumentation is logically placed and intuitive to operate. Red nighttime illumination makes everything easy on the eyes and highly legible.

After setting the height adjustable driver's seat and power operated mirrors, its time to fire up GM's slightly dated, overhead valve 3.4-litre (204 cu in) V6 and set the Torrent free. In doing so I quickly grew an appreciation for the vehicle's delightful, relaxed driving position; it seemed to agree with my proportions better than most vehicles. But while comfortable I quickly concluded that the Torrent's electrically assisted power steering felt mildly dull and artificial. Also its input ratio was less than I would have preferred, requiring more turning of the wheel than desirable to negotiate one's way around objects and corners. Yet the Torrent is very composed on the road, delivering a well-controlled ride more typical of a sedan with a sportier suspension setup than typical in the SUV segment.


Unlike the sedan though, the Torrent exhibits significant body lean when tossed hard into a corner, but nevertheless it handles
The Torrent handles pretty well and is predictable when under cornering loads. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)
pretty well and is predictable when under cornering loads. Although happy with the Torrent's ability to competently manage cornering duties, I was nominally disappointed with the noise generated by its 4-wheel independent suspension setup when choppy roads were encountered. I admit it; suspension noise has always been a thorny issue for me, so I call it when I hear it. Despite the audible suspension workings, the body structure of the Torrent felt solid and tight.

While confessing to automotive-related personality idiosyncrasies, I may as well admit to disdain for unrefined engine harmonics. The Torrent's V6 powerplant is not of the DOHC, 4-valve per cylinder variant that most new SUV buyers enjoy due to its highly refined operation and punchier output, and consequently it emits a coarser note than such multi-valve, DOHC examples powering Toyota's Highlander, Kia's Sorento and Nissan's Murano, for instance. Yet the Pontiac mill is a peppy unit that has no difficulty, thanks largely to its 210 foot-pounds of torque, hustling the largish compact SUV about town or down
Pontiac has reined the Torrent's horses to a 5-speed automatic transmission that functioned flawlessly over the course of my test week. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)
the highway while generating negligible torque-steer. In fact acceleration is a Torrent strong point. Pontiac has reined the Torrent's horses to a 5-speed automatic transmission that functioned flawlessly over the course of my test week, but did not offer a manual-mode feature.

Perhaps some of the mild noises I have drawn to attention were emphasized by a lack of road and wind noise. The Torrent rolls upon the tarmac very quietly when there isn't a foot squeezing the throttle or rough road harassing the suspension. Once underway, bringing it to a stop was consistently problem-free thanks to my tester's 4-wheel antilock brakes. Sadly the antilock feature is an option unless ordering an all-wheel-drive Torrent.


I consider it almost inexcusable in this day and age to market a newly introduced family vehicle bereft of antilock brakes, but
The absence of antilock braking eliminates the possibility of traction control, and even more important anti-roll electronic stability control. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)
that's the case with the base, front-wheel drive Torrent. It should also be pointed out that the absence of antilock braking eliminates the possibility of traction control, and even more important anti-roll electronic stability control, both of which are co-dependent on antilock brakes. Realistically, the vast majority of Torrents rolling off GM's production line will be equipped with ABS and traction control, at least, given that the all-wheel drive Torrent is stocked with both of these systems as standard equipment, and, that most buyers of FWD editions will likely upgrade their purchase to include ABS.

They
A 6-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system is standard, integrated into a floating-style centre stack. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)
won't be able to upgrade to rear disc brakes, mind you, and drums are only advantageous for SUVs that see more of the unbeaten path than the Torrent is likely to ever experience. Just why rear discs aren't offered is puzzling in a crossover segment that makes them standard more often than not.

Important safety items that are optional are front-to-rear, side head curtain airbags in place to supplement the dual stage frontal airbags that are standard fare. Although cruise control is optional on the base front-wheel drive Torrent, pleasantries such as power locks, power windows, keyless entry, theft deterrent and 6-speaker AM/FM/CD audio is standard.


Going upscale enables the addition of leather upholstery, premium audio, deep tinted glass, a moonroof, projector fog lights, heated
The Torrent is a remarkably easy to drive, highly practical light-dutySUV that's also light on the pocketbook when not loaded with all theextras. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)
front seats, 6-way power driver's seat, OnStar communications, 17-inch aluminum wheels and a trailer-tow package (maximum tow rating 1,588 kg or 3,500 lbs). Of course the Torrent's sticker size swells in tandem with the options list, propelling it from the shallow end of the SUV pricing pool to somewhere near the middling $35,000 range.

So will the Torrent learn to swim in a pool heavily populated with numerous compact and midsize SUV rivals? Time will tell for certain, but if its good looks are an indicator it should do just fine. I enjoyed the driver comfort dispensed by Pontiac's new SUV, and the functionality of its Multi-Flex seating arrangement. The Torrent is a remarkably easy to drive, highly practical light-duty SUV that's also light on the pocketbook when not loaded with all the extras.

Specifications (FWD):
  • Price Range (MSRP): $26,585 - $34,515 
  • Body Type: 5-door compact SUV, unitized body incorporating full-length frame rails
  • Layout: front engine, FWD (opt AWD)
  • Engine: 185-hp, 210 lb-ft of torque, 3.4L, (204 cu in) 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)
  • 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, Hummer H3, 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