If you are tired reading about low-mileage sport utility vehicles, and not a great fan of stationwagons, but need a versatile and functional mid-size vehicle, Pontiac's all-new 'cross-over' sport utility, or CSU, called the Torrent, might just be the right vehicle for you. The all-new Torrent has Pontiac excitement in styling and performance. It is easy to drive, plus the interior is very roomy, comfortable, versatile, functional and safe.

Torrent is one of the largest vehicles its segment and features a 185hp 3.4liter V6 engine and a smooth shifting 5-speed automatic transmission. It is available in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive to fit your particular needs.

An impressive list of standard equipment includes A/C, power windows/door locks, remote keyless entry, tilt-steering wheel, rear liftgate with defogger and washer/wiper, AM-FM stereo/CD player with six speakers, flat-folding front passenger seat for longer cargo, available multi-position adjustable rear package shelf, fog lamps, sport-tuned independent suspension, 16in. aluminum wheels, ABS, traction control, and electric power steering. The interior also carries a crafted, upscale design with details like chrome accents on buttons and controls, center console with added underside storage, five cupholders, and seat upholstery that has a tailored look.

Even the steering wheel, which takes its styling cues from the all-new Pontiac Solstice roadster, conveys a sporty, contemporary look. The instrument panel and gauge cluster have Pontiac 's signature red backlighting. Optional features include leather trimmed seats and steering wheel, heated driver/front passenger seats, power adjustable driver seat, 17in. aluminum wheels/tires, CD/MP3 stereo with subwoofer, steering wheel radio controls, power sunroof, multi-tier rear cargo system, ONSTAR, XM Satellite radio, and roof rail side-curtain airbags. In addition, there is 19 different accessories available through GM Accessories at your dealer that allow you to outfit your Torrent to more closely fit your particular lifestyle and taste.

Torrent's roomy interior and configurable interior provides room for 5-passengers and cargo. The sliding rear 60/40 bench seat has approximately eight inches of fore and aft travel, which increases cargo space behind the rear seat by almost five inches when the seat is moved all the way up from the normal position. The front passenger seat back also folds flat, creating a very long load area that stretches from the rear of the vehicle to the dashboard.

Total interior volume is 138.6cu.ft. 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 available innovative 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 are also standard.

The Pontiac Torrent sits on a solid foundation with a welded steel monocoque structure with full-length underbody rails that provides exceptional strength. The Torrent's segment leading 112.5in. wheelbase and wide 61.8in. track contribute to the car-like ride and enable the segment's widest-opening rear doors for easy entry and exit. These large proportions are centered on a standard FE2 sport-tuned suspension that includes special shock valving, and electric power steering tuned to provide a level of crisp, responsive handling not often found in a sport utility. The front suspension features MacPherson struts, coil springs, gas-charged shocks, and stabilizer bar, while the rear features a four-link setup with coil springs, gas-charged shocks, trailing arms and stabilizer bar.

The standard electric power steering system (EPS) is a speed sensitive, variable-effort system that is tuned to match the performance characteristics of the vehicle with fast response and a good feel for the road. EPS eliminates the use of an engine-driven power steering pump, as well as the corresponding fluid reservoir and plumbing, reducing both fuel consumption and weight.

All Torrent models feature large, flared fenders, cleated front and rear skid plates and protective side rocker panels. Up front is the signature Pontiac twin-port grilles and large cat's eye halogen lamps behind clear lenses. The Torrent's aggressive front stance provides a commanding view of the road.

While you'll be probably spending more time on the road than off, the Torrent nevertheless is a full-function sport utility with all-weather capabilities providing excellent traction. Both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models provide almost eight inches of ground clearance and feature short front and rear overhangs for good off-road approach and departure angles. The on-demand automatic all-wheel drive system has no buttons to push as it engages automatically when wheel spin is detected, and provides great traction when traveling over dirt or gravel roads.

GM's proven 3400 V6 comes standard, and this compact and mass efficient 60-degree OHV V6 generates 185hp at 5,200rpm and 210lb.ft. of torque at 3,800rpm The 5-speed AF33-5 transmission features multiple shift schedules that adapt to varied load conditions. This robust powertrain combination contributes to Torrent's 3,500lb. towing capacity. Four-channel ABS brakes are standard with 11.65in. vented discs up front clamped with dual-piston calipers, and 9.84in. drum brakes in the rear.

Standard safety features include front/rear crush zones, side door steel beams, dual-stage front airbags, three-point safety belts for all 5-seating positions with front pretensioners/load limiters, LATCH child safety seat retention system and optional roof-rail side curtain airbags.

The all-new Pontiac Torrent is an excellent choice for families on the go or for active lifestyle singles looking for a sporty, full-function 4-door that can take care of almost any type of driving need.

COPYRIGHT:2005:HARVEY SCHWARTZ - EDITOR, AUTOMOTIVE ADDICTS

*Click on pictures to view full-size high resolution image.

Other Specifications:

Overall length: 188.8in.
Overall width: 71.4in.
Overall height: 67in.
Curb weight: FWD-3,660/AWD-3,776lbs.
Headroom: f/r-40.9/40.in.
Legroom: f/r-41.2/40.2in.
Shoulder room: f/r-55.7/55.9in.
Hip room: f/r-51.1/51.4in.
Tires: 235/65R16in. all-season radials/optional-235/60R17in. all-season radials
Wheels: 16X6.5in. aluminum/optional-17X7in. aluminum
Approach angle: 23.1 degrees
Departure angle: 33.4 degrees
Breakover angle: 14 degrees
Ground to load floor: 2WD-27.7/AWD-26.9in.
Cargo volume: behind rear seat-32.2cu.ft., behind front seats with rear seats folded-68.6cu.ft.
Fuel tank: 16.6gallons
EPA mileage specs: FWD-19mpg/city, 24mpg/highway; AWD-18mpg/city, 23mpg/highway