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-duty SUV that's also light on the pocketbook when not loaded with all the extras. (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