2001 PONTIAC AZTEK VERSATRAK Introduced last year, the Aztek has been hard put to attract buyers. Pontiac is hoping the addition of VersaTrak four-wheel drive will stir up some interest. The Aztek is based on the short version of the Pontiac Montana platform, with the wheelbase shortened by 9.4 cm, a slightly wider track, and ordinary rear doors instead of sliding ones. The Aztek is available in SE and GT versions. Inside Getting in is easy, but it’s hard to get out of the back seats because there isn’t much of a foothold between the seat cushion and the B pillar. The front seats would be more comfortable with a shorter cushion and an adjustable lumbar support. In the GT version, the driver can adjust his seat height and obtain a very good driving position. The wide pillars, four on each side, create impressive blind zones. When it’s clean, the rear door’s vertical glass section makes it easier to back up. It also reflects the pavement markings reflect in the inside rear-view mirror. The rear bench seats two adults in relative comfort, with good head and leg room. The bench is split 50/50 so that one or both sides can be removed to provide more cargo space. They would be easier to remove if the doors opened wider. The seatbacks tilts back at several different angles. The cargo area is roomy but the base version should absolutely be equipped with the optional sliding cargo tray. With the tailgate down, you can’t get close enough and without the tray, loading or unloading the cargo bay is almost impossible. The tray assembly can hold up to 182 kg; however, it reduces the height of the cargo area. Dividers keep things like shopping bags from falling over. For more versatility, you can select the accessories you want from a long list that includes several types of roof racks, a backpack that attaches to the back of a front seat, cargo net assemblies, floormats and even a tent. The cabin is quiet and fairly well finished, though we could hear some cracking sounds. Storage compartments abound including, in the GT version, a removable central console that doubles as a cooler. The climate control system is very efficient at all times. A number of problems needing attention include the head restraints, which cannot be locked and are too low for tall people; the headlamps, too weak; the wiper control, which can only be used by taking you left hand off the wheel; and the ventilation grills, placed too far under the hood where it will be hard to remove built-up snow. Engine and transmission The Aztek uses the same 3.4-litre V-6 engine as the Venture, Montana and Silhouette, which provides good acceleration and passing in the front-wheel drive versions. The VersaTrak system adds 77 kg which slows acceleration and passing noticeably. On the other hand, torque is generous enough to allow easy cruising and to keep the transmission from downshifting unnecessarily. The automatic transmission, the only one available, is normally very smooth but some downshifts can be a bit noticeable. GM calls its optional VersaTrak four-wheel drive “all-wheel drive”, which it is not since the system sends torque to the rear wheels only when it detects the front wheels are slipping. VersaTrak or not, the Aztek is too low for serious off-roading. The front air dam can’t clear big bumps, and there’s a chorus of suspicious noises from the suspension, especially in front. On the road The compliant but firm suspension provides a nice, smooth ride that firms up somewhat on rough spots. The rocking motion set off on bad roads is probably due to the fact that the Aztek’s wheelbase is some 9 cm shorter than the Montana’s. Road holding is adequate on good pavement but in bumpy corners, the driver can expect some roll and hop. Side wind will affect steering. The extra weight of the VersaTrak and the independent rear suspension that comes with it reduce this rock and roll but the suspension can bottom out more easily. The power steering is very well calibrated, stable, crisp and reasonably quick. However, it provides little or no road feel. Braking performance is marred by the lack of power and endurance, the spongy pedal feel and the lack of stability in emergency stops. At the CAA-Quebec Technical Inspection Centre, the Astek was found to have a well-designed engine compartment whereas underneath, we noticed there is no protection for the gas tank filler hose or shielding for the front brake discs, as well as bare metal fuel lines and some unsealed joints. The poor design of the safety latch makes it hard to open the hood. Conclusion People either like or dislike the look of the Aztek but GM deserves credit for creating something different. People who check it out will discover a comfortable, well-equipped, fun-to-drive vehicle. GM says the Aztek is “perhaps the world’s most versatile vehicle”, but it is smaller than the Montana and this can be a handicap. You may be able to add on a tent or a bike rack but you won’t be able to seat seven passengers or haul a 4X8 plywood sheet with the door closed. The VersaTrak system enhances traction when difficult conditions require but doesn’t make the Aztek any more suitable for off-roading; ground clearance isn’t high enough. HIGHS LOWS Comfort in front Lazy pickup (with VersaTrak) VersaTrak system Braking Good steering Ventilation grills under hood Removable rear bench Access to cargo area without the sliding tray Smooth transmission Visibility Lots of accessories Exit from rear seat 2001 PONTIAC AZTEK Engine: 12-valve, 3.4-litre V-6 Horsepower: 185 h.p. @ 5,200 rpm Torque: 210 lb.-ft.@ 4,000 rpm Transmission: 4-speed automatic Suspension: independent/torsion beam Brakes: 4-wheel disc VersaTrak: 4-wheel independent Width: 187.2 cm Length: 462.5 cm Wheelbase: 275.1 cm Height: 169.4 cm Tires: P215/70R15; P215/65R16; Weight: 1,718 to 1,838 kg P215/70R16 Towing capacity: 1,588 kg Air bags: standard dual plus dual side Fuel consumption: - Transport Canada rating: city: 12.7 L/100 km (22 mpg); highway: 8.7 L/100 km (32 mpg) - Test result: 10.8 L/100 (26.5 mpg) Fuel tank capacity: 68 litres Acceleration: 0-100 km/h: 10.5 seconds 60-100 km/h: 8.4 seconds Competition: Buick Rendezvous, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda Tribute Maintenance (amount may vary from dealer to dealer): Frequency: 3 months/5,000 km; total to 100,000 km: $1,263 Warranty: - Full basic coverage: 3 years/60,000 km - Powertrain: 3 years/60,000 km - Surface corrosion: 3 years/60,000 - Perforation damage: 6 years/160,000 km - Emissions control system: 3 years/60,000 km (full coverage); 8 years/130,000 km (catalytic converter and electronic control module) Factory replacement parts: Rear bumper: $514 Front brake disk: $276 Brake pads: $159 Muffler: $435 Front fender: $401 Average insurance premium (Quebec City, replacement cost endorsement, claim-free insurance record, female driver or male driver 30 to 40 years old): $837 to $1,044 Price according to trim line: Standard: $29,255 Standard VersaTrak: $32,895 GT: $32,895 GT VersaTrak: $36,185 Main options: Optional packages: $695 to $3,400 Biking package:$780 Camping package: $275 Towing package: $505 Price as tested: $34,985 Freight and preparation: $850 Dealers: Quebec: 173; Canada: 647 Ó CAA-Quebec, June 2001.