Background: In the 2006 model year, Chevrolet debuts another utilitarian-type vehicle with a hard-to-remember name.
The all-new 2006 HHR is a versatile, four-cylinder-powered vehicle that Chevy says combines the looks of a 1949 Suburban wagon with the looks of its fashionable, low volume SSR pickup truck (based on the Trailblazer platform). From the outside, HHR is a quirky mix of tall, small wagon and crossover sport utility with its own retro-style personality. The design includes four side doors and a rear hatch. Chevrolet dissects the HHR name as follows: the first 'H' stands for 'heritage' with the 'HR' suffix signifies 'high roof.'
While Chevrolet would like to put some distance between the front-wheel-drive HHR and its key competitor, the Chrysler PT Cruiser, comparisons are inevitable. Thanks to characteristics of their lower-body design, both are categorized as 'trucks,' for government fuel economy testing purposes, which benefits both Chevrolet and Chrysler's corporate fuel economy averages. Since their four cylinder engines and comparatively light weights contribute to fuel economy estimates in the mid-to-high 20-mile-per-gallon range, those better-than-average numbers help boost the overall truck fueleconomy averages for both manufacturers. In 1975, Congress passed Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards in response to the oil embargo of the early 1970s to help boost fuel economy of cars and light trucks sold in the United States. In March of 2003, the National Highway Traffic and SafetyAdministration (NHTSA) set company average fuel standards for 2006 model year light trucks (includingpickup trucks and SUVs) under 8,500 pounds at 21.6 m.p.g.
Despite its 'truck' designation in some circles, HHR is built off of the compact Cobalt car platform. The world's largest automaker debuted the all-new Chevrolet Cobalt in the 2005 model year as a replacement for the long-running compact Cavalier. The HHR is not designed to tow large cargo since it handles about 1,000-pounds. It's built strictly for on-road travel; off road adventures are not recommended. Chevrolet builds the HHR in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico.
Engine and trim levels: While the 1949 Suburban was more utilitarian, the 2006 HHR tilts more to the economical. Two different four-cylinder powertrains are offered. A 2.2-liter Ecotec powertrain delivering 143 horsepower is the base engine and for those looking for more get up and go may opt for the 2.4-liter Ecotec engine boosting horsepower to 172. Both HHR and Chrysler PT Cruisers offer only four-cylinder power. No six-cylinder engines are available. However, the PT Cruiser does offer a turbocharged four-cylinder.
Regular 87-octane fuel is recommended for the 2.2-liter engine while premium unleaded is recommended, but not required for the 2.4-liter variant. The fuel tank holds 16.2 gallons of fuel. Fuel economy checks in around 22 miles per gallon city and 30 m.p.g. highway for both engines.
Trim levels include the base LS and two LT trims denoted as 1LT and 2LT. The base 2.2-liter Ecotec engine is standard in the LS and 1LT while the 2.4-liter Ecotec engine is the norm for the 2LT. The larger 2.4-liter engine is also optional in the 1LT trim. Five-speed manual transmission comes standard in all models; a four-speed electronically controlled automatic with remote start is optional in all editions.
Price: A base LS checks in at $15,990 while a 1LT lists for $16,990. A top-of-the-line 2LT starts at $18,790. All prices include a $565 destination charge. The folks at Chevrolet dropped off a 2.4-liter Ecotec 1LT with a generous number of amenities including automatic transmission with remote start ($1,000), larger 2.4-liter engine ($650), anti-lock brakes ($400), head-curtain side air bags ($395) and upgraded stereo ($295). The bottom line ended at $21,355.
In addition to the PT Cruiser (with a five-speed manual Base edition starting at $14,210 without destination charge and without optional air conditioning), other competitors in this four-cylinder, slightly funky, utilitarian class include the Honda Element ($17,750 for a two-wheel five-speed manual edition) and Scion xB ($13,880 for a five-speed, two-wheel-drive edition).
Equipment: Both trim levels include cruise control, rear window defroster, air conditioning, power windows, single-feed compact disc player, AM/FM radio (with an auxiliary jack for MP3 players and ipods), power locks, intermittent front wipers, a rear wiper and power side mirrors.
The 1LT trim includes a MP3 player and eight-way power driver's seat standard. The 2LT trim adds fog lamps, sports suspension and leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Optional in both trims is XM satellite radio ($325 which includes three months of free service; thereafter, a monthly $12.95 subscription fee kicks in). Heated leather seats are optional in both LT packages as are a power sunroof and rear spoiler.
Interior: The versatile interior can be designed to handle many different duties and can handle up to five riders; no third row seating is available. The front passenger seat back folds flat onto the seat cushion as does the 60/40-split second row, creating a long flat cargo region when needed. Second-row seat backs fold forward once a pull tab on top of each back is pulled up. The cargo area features a cover/panel with four different positions, allowing again for several configurations. Cloth seating comes standard. Because of its tall design headroom is more than generous forriders in front and back. Despite its tall stance, it's a very easy vehicle to enter and exit from. No jump-up motion is necessary, just slide in.
Half-moon-shaped interior chrome door handles adorn all four doors. Power lock buttons are found near the handles on the two front doors. Diminutive power outside mirror controls are found on the driver's door. Between the front bucket seats with high seat backs are dual, inline beverage holders, a hand-operated parking brake and long, narrow, fold-up arm rests for each seat. Cruise control functions are located at about 3 o'clock on the steering wheel's face.
Four circular air vents are plotted along the dashboard. In the center, the stereo with compact disc player features a design with a digital rectangular and large, circular volume dial just below. In the middle are three dials controlling ventilation functions. Near the bottom is a toggle-like switch monitoring the standard rear wiper. Closer the bottom of the center column are four switches operating all four power windows. A handy coin-tray area rests along the bottom.
Front wipers operate from a right-hand-side steering column stalk. The ignition cylinder is also found nearby on the right-hand side. Headlights are found on the steering column stalk. No ceiling handles are found inside and the ceiling is rather smooth looking. Another nice touch is a shallow, square storage area on top of the dashboard with a retracting cover. This handy storage option has been showing up in other recently introduced vehicles from other automakers including the Ford Fusion and Ford Freestyle crossover.
Exterior: The high stance of HHR makes the vehicle stand out from a pack. Although the stance is high, ground clearance is low. The raised hood comes to a nose-like point in front with a large, tall grille made up of horizontal slats and a Chevrolet bow tie logo front and center. Arched fenders adorn all four wheels.
Two circular, vertically-arranged tail lamps surround the back hatch door, hinged at the top, which opens up from the bottom. Instead of a traditional 'latch' Chevrolet designed the rear door with a touch pad, which unlocks with a gentle touch. A square fuel door is found on the passenger-side rear fender. All four exterior door handles on our test vehicle included optional chrome plating as did side-view mirror housing.
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 103.5 inches
Overall length: 176.2 inches
Overall width: 69.2 inches
Overall height: 65.2 inches
Curb weight: 3,208 pounds
Safety features: Anti-lock brakes come standard in 2LT editions with automatic transmission; traction control is optional. Anti-lock brakes and traction control are optional in LS and 1LT editions with automatic transmission. While dual front air bags come standard, head and side airbags are optional.
Other standard features include daytime running lights, child safety rear door locks, remote keyless entry and theft deterrent system. OnStar, General Motors Satellite-drive communication system is a $695 option (plus a $16.95 monthly charge after initial trial period).
Warranty: The basic and drivetrain warranties are good for three years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first). The roadside assistance is also covered for the same duration. The rust/corrosion coverage is six years or 100,000 miles.
Final thoughts: Part of the appeal of the HHR is a versatile interior capable of handling a good volume of cargo wrapped around a retro-style shell. It's a economy-type vehicle, not a sports-tuned sports car. The ride is very smooth and sure-footed, not bouncy as is felt in some larger sport utility vehicles.
It's interesting the HHR offers no six-cylinder powertrain. While the two four-cylinder engines offer better-than-average fuel economy, a six-cylinder option seems like a natural progression up. Chrysler's PT Cruiser, which has been on the road since 2000, often has been encouraged by journalists and the driving public to add a six-banger to the lineup to increase driving dynamics. Maybe down the road?
Also down the road, look for Chevrolet to spice up the HHR lineup with several 'special editions.' This strategy has worked well for other compact retro-type offerings including the Volkswagen Beetle and PT Cruiser which have introduced faux wood paneling and convertible editions among others. |