Another great review
01-18-2006, 01:04 PM
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: 12-19-2005
Location: Miami, Florida
Posts: 63
Another great review
This new entry in the marketplace combines stylish looks, good fuel economy and impressive load-carrying capacity.
TEST DRIVE: Chevy HHR a real winner
Norm Mort
The London Free Press
September 23, 2005
Perhaps it didn't turn as many heads as DaimlerChrysler's PT Cruiser when it hit the streets a few years back, but the new Chevy HHR did get a number of astonished glances during our test drive.
NORM MORT
SHARED ROOTS: The 2006 Chevrolet HHR is based on the same Delta platform GM uses for its Chevy Cobalt, Pontiac Pursuit and Saturn Ion models. CREDIT: SPECIAL TO THE FREE PRESS/ Norm Mort
PRACTICAL DESIGN: The new Chevy HHR delivers the flexibility and load-carrying capacity of a small minivan. CREDIT: SPECIAL TO THE FREE PRESS/ Norm Mort
And, whereas the PT got either the "Like it!" or "Don't like it!" response, the HHR was much more universally given the thumbs up. That included the younger crowd, who were slower to warm up to the PT's heavy-on-the-retro styling.
Traditional pickup truck buyers saw the HHR as a truck and were surprised to find it was based on GM's Delta platform, which forms the foundation for the Chevy Cobalt, Pontiac Pursuit and Saturn Ion.
The HHR is also powered by the same 143-hp, Ecotec four-cylinder engine shared by those products.
A five-speed Getrag manual transmission is standard, with a four-speed automatic being optional.
Many people could believe the HHR had the same design origins as the PT, but the there's more subtlety there, as opposed to the PT.
Some automotive journalists have incorrectly referred to it having styling cues from a '49 Suburban. However, the Suburban nameplate was also used by Plymouth that year on a somewhat similar looking station wagon model, but GM would rather you think of all its "Advance Design" truck models introduced in the summer of 1947 and built from 1948 to 1953. Certainly, the overall shape, fenders, grille, and rear door side window treatments acted as inspiration on the HHR, although overall the HHR looks more modern.
And despite the return of the running board -- a nice touch -- you step into and not up when crossing the threshold of an HHR.
The car-like HHR also goes well. Those 143 horses are no ponies. You can opt for more performance, but the base LS had plenty of pull and gas mileage was excellent. Take note PT.
The Ecotec also didn't sound like it was about to explode at higher speeds. At 80 km/h it ran at a lazy 1,900 rpm, at 100 km/h just 2,500 rpm and at 120 km/h a mere 2,900 rpm.
Handling is not up to sports car standards, but this isn't a sports car. The handling is equal to the best found in any economy car, truck, minivan, crossover or station wagon. In other words, it's good.
This being an economy car, I expected basic accommodations and materials, but GM has done an excellent job in executing a stylish, user-friendly interior. Two-tone grey dash and door panel plastics are textured, shaped and accented with chrome fittings.
As well as loads of comfort and room for adults in both the front and rear seats, there was loads of room for stuff -- and big stuff at that. Like the PT, everything folds flat, so ladders, big screen TVs, a sheepdog can fit in the HHR.
The nameplate HHR stands for High Heritage Roof and with its low-loading, bumper-level sill and a wide-opening rear door you can walk under, piling in stuff is a breeze.
All four side doors are wide and open wide, too, so access from the side is no problem for adjusting loads -- or just plain getting in.
There are also three smallish storage areas in the back for hiding valuables and a handy little storage bin on the dash top for sunglasses, keys and similar items.
A centre console consists of just two cupholders and, rather than fold-down armrests, perhaps a removable, full, padded console that just sat over the basic one could be offered. That way, if hauling and needing to fold the front seat, the console could also come out.
When in passenger mode there's still plenty of room for groceries and boxes, with a shelf that can be fitted, as well as a cargo net.
Note also the split window in the rear passenger door that is stylish but practical -- the HHR is one of only a few vehicles where the window in these doors goes all the way down. Also, by being split, when the rear window is lowered, the rear seat passenger is provided air, but with additional protection from the wind by the fixed glass panel.
With all its minivan flexibility and load-carrying capacity, solid design features, stylish looks and excellent fuel economy, Chevy's HHR looks like a real winner.
-- -- --
2006 CHEVROLET HHR
Base price: $18,995
As tested: $21,015, includes anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes ($600), front wheel drive, speed-sensitive steering, 16-inch wheels, dual-stage front air bags, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with six speakers ($325), remote keyless entry, power windows, door locks, trunk release and mirrors, cruise control, stainless steel exhaust, cloth seats.
Air conditioning tax: $100
Destination charge: $995
Engine: Ecotec 2.2-litre, DOHC, four-cylinder.
Output: 143 hp
Transmission: Five-speed Getrag manual transmission.
Layout: Front engine, front-wheel drive, four-door sedan.
Fuel ratings (Transport Canada): City, 10.7 litres/100 km; highway 7.2 litres/100km hwy.
Warranty: Three years/60,000 km complete; five years/ 100,000 km powertrain; GM roadside assistance, courtesy transportation.
-- -- --
REPORT CARD
Front seats: A
Rear seat: A
Trunk: A+
Performance: A-
Handling: X
Ride: A
Brakes: A
Norm Mort is a collector car-enthusiast, old-car appraiser and member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada. He can be reached by e-mail linked below.
TEST DRIVE: Chevy HHR a real winner
Norm Mort
The London Free Press
September 23, 2005
Perhaps it didn't turn as many heads as DaimlerChrysler's PT Cruiser when it hit the streets a few years back, but the new Chevy HHR did get a number of astonished glances during our test drive.
NORM MORT
SHARED ROOTS: The 2006 Chevrolet HHR is based on the same Delta platform GM uses for its Chevy Cobalt, Pontiac Pursuit and Saturn Ion models. CREDIT: SPECIAL TO THE FREE PRESS/ Norm Mort
PRACTICAL DESIGN: The new Chevy HHR delivers the flexibility and load-carrying capacity of a small minivan. CREDIT: SPECIAL TO THE FREE PRESS/ Norm Mort
And, whereas the PT got either the "Like it!" or "Don't like it!" response, the HHR was much more universally given the thumbs up. That included the younger crowd, who were slower to warm up to the PT's heavy-on-the-retro styling.
Traditional pickup truck buyers saw the HHR as a truck and were surprised to find it was based on GM's Delta platform, which forms the foundation for the Chevy Cobalt, Pontiac Pursuit and Saturn Ion.
The HHR is also powered by the same 143-hp, Ecotec four-cylinder engine shared by those products.
A five-speed Getrag manual transmission is standard, with a four-speed automatic being optional.
Many people could believe the HHR had the same design origins as the PT, but the there's more subtlety there, as opposed to the PT.
Some automotive journalists have incorrectly referred to it having styling cues from a '49 Suburban. However, the Suburban nameplate was also used by Plymouth that year on a somewhat similar looking station wagon model, but GM would rather you think of all its "Advance Design" truck models introduced in the summer of 1947 and built from 1948 to 1953. Certainly, the overall shape, fenders, grille, and rear door side window treatments acted as inspiration on the HHR, although overall the HHR looks more modern.
And despite the return of the running board -- a nice touch -- you step into and not up when crossing the threshold of an HHR.
The car-like HHR also goes well. Those 143 horses are no ponies. You can opt for more performance, but the base LS had plenty of pull and gas mileage was excellent. Take note PT.
The Ecotec also didn't sound like it was about to explode at higher speeds. At 80 km/h it ran at a lazy 1,900 rpm, at 100 km/h just 2,500 rpm and at 120 km/h a mere 2,900 rpm.
Handling is not up to sports car standards, but this isn't a sports car. The handling is equal to the best found in any economy car, truck, minivan, crossover or station wagon. In other words, it's good.
This being an economy car, I expected basic accommodations and materials, but GM has done an excellent job in executing a stylish, user-friendly interior. Two-tone grey dash and door panel plastics are textured, shaped and accented with chrome fittings.
As well as loads of comfort and room for adults in both the front and rear seats, there was loads of room for stuff -- and big stuff at that. Like the PT, everything folds flat, so ladders, big screen TVs, a sheepdog can fit in the HHR.
The nameplate HHR stands for High Heritage Roof and with its low-loading, bumper-level sill and a wide-opening rear door you can walk under, piling in stuff is a breeze.
All four side doors are wide and open wide, too, so access from the side is no problem for adjusting loads -- or just plain getting in.
There are also three smallish storage areas in the back for hiding valuables and a handy little storage bin on the dash top for sunglasses, keys and similar items.
A centre console consists of just two cupholders and, rather than fold-down armrests, perhaps a removable, full, padded console that just sat over the basic one could be offered. That way, if hauling and needing to fold the front seat, the console could also come out.
When in passenger mode there's still plenty of room for groceries and boxes, with a shelf that can be fitted, as well as a cargo net.
Note also the split window in the rear passenger door that is stylish but practical -- the HHR is one of only a few vehicles where the window in these doors goes all the way down. Also, by being split, when the rear window is lowered, the rear seat passenger is provided air, but with additional protection from the wind by the fixed glass panel.
With all its minivan flexibility and load-carrying capacity, solid design features, stylish looks and excellent fuel economy, Chevy's HHR looks like a real winner.
-- -- --
2006 CHEVROLET HHR
Base price: $18,995
As tested: $21,015, includes anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes ($600), front wheel drive, speed-sensitive steering, 16-inch wheels, dual-stage front air bags, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with six speakers ($325), remote keyless entry, power windows, door locks, trunk release and mirrors, cruise control, stainless steel exhaust, cloth seats.
Air conditioning tax: $100
Destination charge: $995
Engine: Ecotec 2.2-litre, DOHC, four-cylinder.
Output: 143 hp
Transmission: Five-speed Getrag manual transmission.
Layout: Front engine, front-wheel drive, four-door sedan.
Fuel ratings (Transport Canada): City, 10.7 litres/100 km; highway 7.2 litres/100km hwy.
Warranty: Three years/60,000 km complete; five years/ 100,000 km powertrain; GM roadside assistance, courtesy transportation.
-- -- --
REPORT CARD
Front seats: A
Rear seat: A
Trunk: A+
Performance: A-
Handling: X
Ride: A
Brakes: A
Norm Mort is a collector car-enthusiast, old-car appraiser and member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada. He can be reached by e-mail linked below.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post