Designed for action: Pontiac's Torrent stirs up the SUV market

My idea of a great day is one with colorful, fall scenery zipping by, framed in the windshield of a responsive motorcar touring down a rural country lane. The windows are down, the sunroof is open, and, like Chuck Berry, I have "no particular place to go."

This week's test car, Pontiac's new Torrent SUV, is that motorcar, but it runs like it definitely has a place to go. Powered by a 185-horsepower, 3.4-liter V-6 engine coupled to a five-speed transmission, the newest SUV on the block doesn't fool around when the pedal is pressed to the metal. It feels much quicker than its horsepower rating would suggest. Pontiac calls it "the driver's SUV", and they say it is "designed for action." Indeed, it rides on a four-wheel independent suspension that is tuned for sharp handling rather than a cushy ride. According to the Pontiac brochure, the design goal for Torrent was "best-in-class all-weather capability, handing and agility"É pretty lofty goals!

The Torrent is Pontiac's version of the Chevrolet Equinox and Saturn Vue, and replaces the odd-looking Aztec. It is a compact SUV, available in front-wheel-drive, or all-wheel-drive, in only one trim. I drove the front-wheel-drive version, which weighs 100 pounds less and gets one mile-per-gallon better fuel mileage than all-wheel drive -- 19/24 versus 18/23 -- and comes equipped with traction control, which should take care of 95 percent of most folks' needs in slippery conditions.

With a price starting in the low-$20,000 range, Torrent will be competing against the Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, Honda CR-V, Mitsubishi Outlander, Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson. It's actually a bit larger than most of these vehicles, however, with a generous 112.5-inch wheelbase and an overall length of 188.8 inches.

Inside, the Torrent is also a bit roomier than the competition, and very flexible, with a split-folding rear seat that slides eight inches fore and aft. It offers 35 cubic feet of luggage space behind its rear seats -- more than double that of the typical midsize car. If that's not enough, folding down the rear seat bumps the total to 69 cubic feet. An adjustable rear cargo shelf increases the Torrent's cargo flexibility and can also double as a picnic table for tailgate parties. The front passenger seat also folds flat, creating a long cargo area for a stepladder or that area rug you found at the yard sale. Total interior cargo room is 138.6 cubic feet. The cargo area also has storage bins in the floor and wheel wells.

The Torrent features stylish chrome-ringed gauges and a sporty three-spoke steering wheel with remote control buttons. I liked the location of the transmission shifter on a raised platform extending from the center stack -- a more comfortable position. A center arm rest/console/cup holder provides additional storage, and sunglasses fit into a special compartment beneath the steering wheel. Three 12-volt receptacles are scattered about.

As I mentioned, Torrent comes in only one trim, but is very well equipped with 16-inch wheels, air conditioning, remote keyless entry, CD player, power windows, mirrors and locks. Optional equipment is grouped into three main packages. The Preferred package ($1,555, which my test vehicle featured) includes a power driver's seat, better cloth upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and steering wheel-mounted controls. A Premium package offers leather seating and heated front seats. There's also a Sun and Sound package ($1,285, also on my vehicle) that includes a sunroof and a premium six-CD audio system. My vehicle also had 17-inch wheels ($295) and XM satellite radio ($325).

Pontiac has built a vehicle with excellent safety ratings and lots of safety features. ABS is part of the standard Torrent features and full-length side curtain airbags are optional. Torrent earned a five-star rating (the best possible) for its protection of front occupants in frontal collisions and also earned five stars for front- and rear-seat occupant protection in side collisions.

The available all-wheel-drive system requires no buttons to push or levers to throw. It engages the rear wheels automatically if wheel slippage is detected in the front wheels. With eight inches of ground clearance and short overhangs front and rear, this version will probably see a little mild off-road duty along with soccer mom chores. Towing capacity is rated at 3,500 pounds -- enough for a nice fishing or ski boat.

Torrent is an attractive SUV with good proportions, beefy styling cues and a quiet ride. Of course, the Pontiac signature twin-port grille is in place, and it looks good on this vehicle. And, this being the year of hurricanes, the name choice seems appropriate, too.

Steve Robertson of Robertson's Creative Photography is a car enthusiast and former staff writer/photographer for the Southeast Missourian. Contact him at sjr1@robertsonsphotography.com.