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Oldsmobile Division is facing the brave new world of 1996 with a brave new 1996 sport utility vehicle.

The 1996 Bravada is a completely re-engineered SUV that represents the result of input from consumers.

Customers told Olds that they wanted enhanced interior room, improved ride, reasonable operating costs, and the ability to go almost anywhere — maybe even into society.

When you’re building what is essentially a truck in sports packaging, this is a fairly tall order. To achieve it, the new Bravada retains its 107-inch wheelbase, but is longer (180.9 inches), lower (63.2 inches) and wider (66.5 inches).

“It’s going to be a great asset to our line,” said Stan Merritt, new-car sales manager for Collins Oldsmobile-Isuzu. “I expect them to be in by the latter part of November or early December.”

The new Bravada still looks like a utility piece of transportation, but designers have incorporated a bit of flair by employing more streamlined body surfaces to improve aerodynamics.

The base of the windshield has been moved forward 3 inches. There is a major increase in glass area for better all-around vision.

There is an interesting technological advancement via the use of an encapsulated rear hatch glass: The framework and all attachment components are moulded with the glass. The bonding creates a very rigid and durable component.

Inside luxury

In creating the interior, the goal was to make the cabin space as luxuriously comfortable as possible. So, in the front, Olds used the seats of its Aurora luxury automobile as a benchmark.

The thinking was that owners are going to use this five-passenger SUV for commuting, so special emphasis was placed on seat comfort.

The utility phase of the vehicle certainly hasn’t been neglected, as the cargo hold offers 36.8 cubic feet of space when the 60-40 split rear seat is in use. Capacity increases to 74.2 cubic feet when the seats are folded down.

A third option is to fold down only one portion of the rear seat to divide the load between passengers and luggage.

The driver’s compartment is pretty much state-of-the-art, with two individual front seats separated by a center console that contains the shift lever for the four-speed automatic transmission.

Temperature and stereo controls occupy the center of the dash. Instrumentation includes a tachometer to accompany the speedometer.

A handy convenience is an overhead console that contains an outside thermometer for monitoring road conditions, a compass to aid navigation, and a simple-to-use trip computer.

The Bravada obviously is meant to be user-friendly so that first-time drivers can just jump in and go.

They are going to go pretty good and with security, since the basic construction is a body mounted on a more rigid boxed frame. This permitted some easing of the suspension settings to provide a more car-like ride and handling.

A sophisticated short/long arm independent front suspension system provides an easier ride but doesn ‘t sacrifice trailer towing or heavy load capabilities.

Great combo

The best part of this is that it all works in conjunction with a safety factor called SmartTrak. Full-time four-wheel drive, a locking rear differential for optimum traction, and four-wheel anti-lock braking is a combination you can’t beat during inclement weather.

In keeping with the theme of an upscale SUV — base price is $29,995 — power comes via a 190- horsepower 4.3-liter V-6 that uses a balance shaft to dampen any primary engine vibrations. The engine’s 250 foot-pounds of torque enables the Bravada to tow up to 5,000 pounds when it is equipped with an optional towing package.

In enhancing the luxury side of the vehicle, the Bravada offers only five options, a CD player, the towing package, raised white-letter tires, an engine block heater, and a gold trim package.

1996 Oldsmobile Bravada Model year:1996.Base price: $29,995.Type: Front engine, four-wheel drive, fiv e-pass enger sport utility vehicle.Engine: 4.3 liters, OHV V-6, 12 valves, fuel-injected, 190 horsepower, 250 foot-pounds of torque.Transmission: Four-speed automatic.Mileage: 17 mpg city/22 mpg highway.Wheelbase: 107.0 inches.Length: 180.9 inches.Width: 66.5 inchesHeight: 63.2 inches.Curb weight: 4,184 pounds.Towing capacity: 5,000 pounds.Options: CD player, towing package, engine block heater, raised white-letter tires, gold trim package.