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GMC YUKON
How size matters – why you want the largest most gargantuan class of SUVs

You know you want a GMC because size does matter. And GMCs are almost inherently, characteristically, big. They're the large black SUVs that Tommy Lee Jones and the FBI routinely jump out of (while screeching to a stop). Where would Hollywood be without such an iconic vehicle? And, after ogling at them chasing each other through Manhattan, where indeed, would we be?

Blame it on the man thing, if you want. You're probably right. We crave, sometimes secretly, all things big and powerful. Look no further. GMCs have built their brand on enough size to iron out the competition and most things in their way. That sort of power and size comes straight from the heart of traditional Detroit muscle, and the largest automaker on Earth: General Motors. In its own words, it has been 'the global industry sales leader for 75 years.' Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 327,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 33 countries.

And all that before you've even stepped into your GMC. And the new 2007 Yukon will build upon every inch of that massive foundation, ensconcing you within its gargantuan frame that can seat up to seven. Yes, a lot of other SUVs seat seven, but can they still have enough boot to load your luggage in? The Yukon XL (formerly the Suburban) can seat an extended family without eating into luggage space – it's just seating as many as it's been designed to. Easy. With the quite aptly termed XL, you have almost 4,000 litres worth of space to squeeze as much, or little as you want in.

At the heart of that magnificent hulk of the hood is the 355hp Vortec 5,300 V8 engine, which GMC proclaims grandly has 'the most available horsepower in its class.’ Its iridium-tipped sparkplugs have improved self-cleaning properties and a 60,000km-long life, while polymer-coated floating-pin pistons are designed to last 90,000km. The biggest drawback to such tarmac-shattering power is always the fuel efficiency, but GMC says that its numbers are better than the competition. Their reason: active fuel management. In normal driving conditions, this system deactivates four of the V8's cylinders when you don't need all of its considerable power. Your V8 just became a V4. All the while, the engine always starts and idles on eight cylinders, and runs on eight during brisk acceleration or when carrying or towing loads. It switches seamlessly between modes and increases fuel efficiency by up to six per cent. Although a vehicle of such immense magnitude, you don't hear the noise or feel the effort it takes to move something like this truck.

Look into your rear view mirror and there's more than would usually meet the eye. In a little shaded box, digital lettering lights up to tell you which direction you're pointing in, readings from an in-built compass showing you the way. If you're impressed with this very well managed superimposition on glass, you'll love the side view mirrors. Every time you signal left or right, small circles on the glass light up in red to form arrow heads pointing in the direction you're about to turn.

Impressed with the ride? The rear suspension includes variable-rate springs to ensure a softer ride under light loads, and a more controlled ride as the load increases. Meanwhile, the Autoride suspension system features real time damping shock absorbers, complemented by an air bag-over-shock automatic levelling system. Meanwhile, its stability control system sensors read the vehicle vital statistics and then feed the data to the onboard computer. If the vehicle isn't responding correctly to your inputs, a computer adjusts engine speed and brake pressure to any individual wheel for maximum stability. Sensors also stay alert and ready to counter-act any rollover tendencies.

In the end, though, its mostly the sheer imposing proportions of such a vehicle that clinches the deal, with all its related benefits: space, power and comfort. You can revel in its sheer dimensions happily ever after.