"Pontiac-Aztec": a crossover with parameters of a minivan for family rest

The original mid-size crossover Pontiac-Aztec (pictured on the page) was first shown at the 2002 Auto Show in Detroit. After minor cosmetic modifications, the car was launched in a series at the GM plant in the Mexican city of Ramos-Arispa. The management of GM did not consider it necessary to load the assembly line of the parent company, firstly, because Pontiac Aztec was literally asking for the Mexican market, where the car was waiting for real success. And secondly, the cost of assembling an off-road car in Ramos-Arispa was significantly lower in comparison with the prices of American branches.

In all these purely economic calculations, there was only one danger. The sophisticated buyer, knowing that the crossover minivan is assembled in Mexico, will not buy a car if he has time to fly to Detroit and buy a novelty for the same money, but with confidence in the good quality of the assembly work. Many buyers did so until they were sure that there was nothing to worry about, the assembly at the plant in Ramos-Arispa, in fact, is impeccable, there are no complaints.

Pioneer in its class

"Pontiac-Aztec" became the first crossover of the company "General Motors", combining the parameters of an SUV and a minivan. The car was positioned in the market as a vehicle for active recreation by the whole family. Issued in the first year was 27,322 vehicles.

"Pontiac-Aztec" is created on the platform of the minivan "Montana" T240. The five-door saloon-type "station wagon" accommodates five comfortable seats with a set of various adjustments. Bearing body with reinforced base is made in modern design traditions, focused on active consumers who prefer to rest in the bosom of nature.

Pontiac-Aztec: specifications

Let's consider weight and dimensional parameters:

• Length of the car - 4625 mm;
• Height -1694 mm;
• Width-1872 mm;
• Ground clearance, clearance - 180 mm;
• Base wheel - 2751 mm;
• Gauge - 1593/1621 mm;
• Curb weight - 1834 kg;
• Luggage compartment volume - 1248/2648 l, depending on the decomposed modules;
• Capacity of gasoline tank - 96 liters.

Power point

"Pontiac-Aztec" is equipped with a gasoline transversely located engine with the following characteristics:

• The working volume of the cylinders is 3.35 liters;
• Power - 188 liters. from. At a speed of 5200 rpm;
• Torque - 284 Nm at 4000 rpm;
• The motor is combined with a four-stage automatic 4T65-E with adaptive control function;
• The maximum speed of the car is 180 km / h.

Transmission

The car has a permanent full or front-wheel drive. The all-wheel drive version is equipped with a Versatrach transmission full time, which redistributes the given torque between the axles by means of traction control. Pendants are completely independent, spring, provide a high level of comfort and a good degree of patency.

Brake system

Brakes front disc ventilated, rear - drum or also disk. Served by Brake Assist braking system. In addition, active safety is provided by the ABS device.

The brakes operate according to the diagonal response scheme, according to the two-circuit principle.

Modernization

In 2002, "Pontiac-Aztec", reviews on which gradually became more modest, passed facelifting in order to increase demand. The car received an MP3 player, seven-inch liquid crystal display, R17 wheels made of titanium alloy. The orange color of the body became firm. The all-wheel drive modification changed gear ratios. There was a special version of "Rail", which added comfort in the interior of the car. These measures have somewhat corrected the situation, but the car's reputation has still declined.

Salon

The instrument panel was made in the style of cars of the early sixties and looks cumbersome. Although some buyers had to taste it.

In the interior of "Pontiac-Aztec" for the first time was applied a special upholstery of light-washable materials. Smooth plastic was easily washed with ordinary water after transporting any cargo. Baggage, sports equipment, tents could be transported without additional packaging, there were no traces left in the cabin.

The speakers of the audio system were located in the furthest section of the luggage compartment, which made it possible to arrange discos at halt. The OnStar satellite system was included in the basic configuration.

Special abilities

The rear seat was modified, it was easily dismantled, moved to the wall and a wide flat platform appeared, on which it was possible to lay up to six hundred kilograms of various cargo. The commodity section was equipped with special holders fixing the goods.

Especially for fans of long distance travel, an overhead container was proposed that was located on the inside of the luggage compartment door. The location was calculated in such a way that its planes were exactly in the path of air flows from the air conditioner. So it turned out an improvised refrigerator.