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.