REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

A RendezVous with younger drivers

To rejuvenate its product line and appeal to a younger crowd (Buick owners are over 60 years old in average), Buick offers the RendezVous, a close relative of Pontiac’s Aztec, that combines elements from sedans, minivans and utilities.

The RendezVous, that hit the Buick dealers ’ showrooms this summer, is the brand’s first attempt in that segment in 80 years of history. Market wise, this newcomer will challenge Toyota’s Highlander, Lexus’ RX300 and Acura MDX, among others.

Before saying anything, I would like to point out the relationship between the RendezVous and the Aztek. Both are manufactured at the Mexican Ramos Arizpe facility and share the same mechanical platform (engine, transmission, drive train). Differences? RendezVous is longer (and so is the wheel span), taller and heavier than the Aztec. It also looks better, must I say. While the Aztec seems to have been designed with a power saw, the RendezVous is clearly more attractive. But good looks are not an excuse for the weight of the hatch and the whistling of the A pillar (around the windshield) in windy conditions.

The RendezVous is offered in two trims: CX and CXL. According to marketing personnel at Buick, 4X4 units (standard on the CXL and optional on the CX) should represent 70% of all sales. Standard equipment is comprehensive enough. It includes a CD player, power windows and cruise control. The OnStar system is offered as an option.

To make sure everyone knows this is not Uncle Bob’s Buick, stylists removed the brand’s trademark wood trims from the dash. They are replaced with brushed aluminum for a younger, more modern look. And so are the indicators and gauges, with their silvery background and turquoise numbers. Laid out in the driver’s immediate environment, the main controls are easy to consult.

As opposed to the Aztek, the RendezVous features a steering mounted shifter to allow for a huge console in between the front seats.

This console can hide a laptop computer (but not my Macintosh, though), a cell phone and even a lady’s purse. This Buick counts on a reasonable price (in theory only; the accessory list is impressive) and on an optional third seat that allows for a sixth or seventh passenger, depending on your choice of bucket seats or bench seat in the middle (why is there no video entertainment system offered in this Buick?). But regardless of the configuration you choose, access to this third seat, thanks to the acceptable clearance, requires no gymnast skills. Your luggage, however, will have to go on a strict diet if you want to fit them in whatever remains of the cargo space. It’s always possible to "sink" the rear bench under the floor for increasing the volume of the trunk. Only a few kilometers will be enough to unveil the true origin of this Buick: it drives just like a minivan. Clumsier than the Aztec, the RendezVous understeers (tendency to keep going on a straight line in turns, usually found on front-wheel drives) and the factory tires show poor adherence and screech easily.

The RendezVous’ fully independent suspension is calibrated for comfort. It’s a sad thing, because a more rigid suspension would have controlled the floating sensation that appears on uneven pavement. The rack and pinion steering shows tight accuracy and the short turning radius is a plus for this vehicle’s drivability in confined spaces.

Everyone of the 3.4-litre V6′s 185 hp is solicited to get this RendezVous in motion. Acceleration and pickups are average, especially with a full load of passengers or cargo. If we trust the on-board computer, fuel consumption on our first acquaintance reached 14L/100km. Let’s mention that the four-speed automatic transmission is smooth and accurate.

GM’s Versatrak system is technically very simple. This device intervenes only when the front wheels lose their grip. When this happens, part of the engine’s torque is directed to the rear wheels. This transfer of power is unnoticeable. For those who will want to do without this system, the front-wheel drive CX offers standard anti-skid.

After this first test drive, we can say that Buick may have rendezvous with success shortly. More affordable and functional than its closest rivals, the RendezVous deserves consideration.

PROS
Fair price
Versatrak efficient
Ride comfort

CONS
Strange looks Short on oomph…
 Heavy hatch