| It is absolutely distinct in appearance, but so too is its composition and purpose. Pontiac calls it the world's first SRV, or sport-recreation vehicle, a multi-purpose machine created to support active lifestyles with lots of space for hauling bicycles, kayaks, snowboards, skis as well as other recreational gear. Designers drew inspiration from many different sources, ranging from the multi-function Swiss Army Knife to the tone and feel of high-tech sports equipment like mountain bikes and scuba gear. The result is an interior that flips and folds and contorts as a highly individualized package with comfortable space for five passengers and lots of individual stuff for sport and play.
Core mechanical components come from Pontiac's front-wheel-drive Montana, so Aztek drives and rides with the easy-to-maneuver agility of a minivan, but the tall stance and load-carrying capacity makes it act like a sport-utility wagon.
And that wild exterior package: Some say it is ugly. Pontiac calls it an aggressive statement pitched to a youthful, active audience.
Model Lineup
A 3.4-liter V6 engine gives 185 horsepower to the front wheels by way of an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transaxle. In January 2001, the Aztek will probably be offered with all-wheel drive; the AWD version uses GM's new Versatrak system, which has met favorable reviews.
Two models are available, Aztek and Aztek GT. The base Aztek at $21,445 packs an extensive list of standard equipment such as frontal and side-impact airbags and anti-lock brakes. Air conditioning, power windows, power door locks and power mirrors are also standard. A GT package, beginning at $24,445, brings dual-zone heating and air conditioning, cruise control, traction control, remote keyless entry, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls, a removable console cooler and a rooftop rack for mounting recreational equipment. |
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