The Aztecs believed that everything was part of the same life force: If the spirit would allow, death would lead to rebirth in an unending lifecycle. Quetzalcoatl, the Aztec feathered-serpent god, was responsible for this rejuvenation of life, and now he seems to be in cohorts with Pontiac.

The Pontiac Aztek is not your run-of-the-mill SUV. Actually, it doesn't boast SUV status at all. Pontiac has created a whole new category for the Aztek: the Sport Recreation Vehicle (SRV). For now, it stands alone. It seems that Quetzalcoatl is smiling down on the new Aztek, which brings with it a whole new attitude and strays from the common linear thinking in SUV designs.

The Aztek's facial features are reminiscent of the Firebird, true to the Pontiac style. Pontiac seems to think that the side view of this SRV was "contoured to resemble the rippling muscle of a finely toned athlete." (Or perhaps the strength of an Aztec Warrior?) Sorry, Pontiac, but I don't see it, and I have an overactive imagination.

But the body is an innovation. Most of the large SUV giants are built on truck platforms -- they're rugged yet lack a sporty ride and road-gripping handling. "Crossovers," which evolved from family sedans, aren't built on truck platforms, and while they often have superior ride and handling skills, they're deficient in serious towing abilities. The Pontiac Aztek combines the attributes of the SUV giants and the "crossovers" -- an all-around versatile vehicle.

The Aztek's interior has a few tricks up its sleeve. A portable cooler comes standard with the GT model. It latches into the console's open bin and can hold up to 12 soda cans. The rear seats can be removed in the Aztek to expose a wide-open, 93.5 cubic feet of cargo space and a rear pull-out cargo tray system, which holds up to 400 pounds of gear. Sound like a dream vehicle for campers?

To draw added attention to the Aztek, Pontiac has launched its "A-List Adventure Contest." Winners of the contest will get the opportunity to experience the Aztek's non-SUV-like features by attaining the use of an Aztek for 45 days. Winners also will be provided with a digital video camera to record all the activities they do with the vehicle. The public will be able to follow the winners' activities on the Aztek Web site: www.pontiac.com/aztek. To enter the contest, log on to the same site and submit a 75-word essay about why you would be the perfect person to test drive the Aztek, by 11:59 p.m. EST on March 17.

It is difficult to tell whether or not Pontiac's attempt to appeal to a young and active crowd will have a positive effect. Pontiac seems to think it has a real gem, though. Will the Aztek be a diamond in the rough? We'll have to wait and see.