Posted: Thursday, December 1, 2005.

Chevrolet HHR: Another American Revolution

In the seemingly never-ending new models from Chevy, the HHR simply is not a redo of an existing model but a totally new issue.

By Ed Kemper
Honolulu, Hawaii
Courtesy of JN Autos

Certainly many would argue that this new tall retro wagon has its genesis from across the hall (i.e., Chrysler’s PT Cruiser) nevertheless the styling statement is clearly Chevrolet.

The front fender line and grill comes from a real vehicle unlike the PT Cruiser—the 1949 Chevy Suburban. In fact, the name (more accurately initials) stands for Heritage (Suburban connection), High Roof for the tall roofline.

Underpinning are borrowed from the compact Chevy Cobalt/Saturn Ion Delta platform. Two engines are offered both of the 4-cylinder variety. A 2.2-liter DOHC unit producing 143 hp is the base unit, and a moderately larger 2.4-liter powerplant with variable valve timing has an output rating of 172. A 5-speed stick is standard on both engines and a 4-speed automatic is optional.

Pricing starts in the $16,000 range with 3 models (LS and 2 LTs) to chose from and even the LS starter model is equipped with everything from A/C to power locks and remote entry.

Climbing Aboard
To try the latest in Chevy’s American Revolution, a LT model with fair amount of equipment was the Wheels trial vehicle. The MSRP for this model starts at $16,425, but with the larger 2.4 engine, automatic transmission, the preferred equipment group, side head curtains, 17 inch polished wheels, running boards, and premium floor mats the total list price rounded up to $21,145.

No question the exterior styling is novel and attractive to many. Sure the front end and fenders hark back to a previous generation or two, but the smoothed rounded look provides a modern interpretation of the old spin. In a word, it is quite attractive.

Thankfully, the Chevy did not stop with the outside, because the two toned interior is nicely laid out and much more upscale than the price would normally command.

Besides a fair amount of chrome and faux metal pieces in and around the interior, the stereo, like the Cadillac model, has the station call numbers above the preset buttons. An iPod jack can be used for those who want to hear their choice of music.

In the dash, the gauges with chrome rings around them are overlaid giving a 3 dimensional jewel like look to the layout. In addition, the full round of computer readouts (average gas mileage, etc.) are available in the dash pod.

Atop the dash is a covered storage bin and various open bins are found in the divider between the front two seats. Like some other Chevy models, the power window buttons are on the center console with small graphics showing the window being controlled. Armrests are built into the seats, which are rather flat affairs with little or no bolstering.

Tall Orders
With the tall roof and rear seats that fold over carrying the large, long or bulky is not a problem. The front passenger seat can be flattened, and, the 60/40 split rear seats are easily lowered with a pull of a handle without the need to remove the headrests.

Headroom is enormous and knee room is adequate to good depending on the location of the front seats. The middle of the rear seat is semi useless for adults because the front console (with one cupholder for the back passengers) comes back to far and the seat has a hump built into it.

Behind the rear set of seats, Chevy has built in a lot of cargo versatility by borrowing from the Equinox. A plastic cover can be removed from the floor of the rear cargo area and can be mounted about a foot and a half further up, thus providing another storage shelf or to hide items below it.

The liftgate has a fixed rear window, but comes with a wiper/washer setup for keeping things clean.

Higher Up
When first entering the HHR, one is struck with how short and narrow the windows are, particularly the front windshield. Not that the narrow windows block any needed view, but takes some getting use to. But the driver and passengers sit higher than most sedans and is about minivan level.

The 2.4-liter optional engine is quite quiet and vibration free for a relatively large 4 cylinder. Shifting with the automatic is smooth and acceleration, although not lightning like is more than adequate. But the overall feel upon initial input feels sluggish and oddly geared. To compensate, the accelerator just has to be pushed harder than one would normally expect.

Fuel economy was surprisingly good from a low of 25 to just over 29 mpg in a Waipahu to Kailua run.

The ride was quite smooth on almost all surfaces with bumps being absorbed with ease. Cornering, while not sports car like, was controlled and without drama. The steering feel was heavier than most but reasonably direct.

Higher Altitude
In the battle to fill every automotive niche, Chevy has certainly responded with new models. With the HHR, a Chevy X has been placed over the PT Cruiser model box. Styling is retro based on an earlier Chevy with a modern twist, and the interior has been nicely rendered with a number of upscale features and looks. Added to that are some excellent gas mileage numbers and bright utility ideas and you end up with a very attractive retro alternative.

Q&A
Q: Chevy is thinking about another version of the HHR. What more could Chevy add?

A: Chevy is thinking about a less expensive edition as a delivery wagon. By removing the rear seats, a moveable tray could be installed with rollers so the tray could be pulled in and out. For security the rear windows would be darkened. Time will tell if Chevy decides to produce this model.

High Beams
• Good-looking exterior retro rendition.
• Unusually nice interior look and features.
• Practical aspects are there as well.

Low Beams
• Engine and automatic transmission does not respond well at initial input.

– Ed Kemper is the auto columnist for the Honolulu Star Bulletin and MidWeek, the Weekend. He also hosts Wheels Hawaii TV on Oceanic Cable-Channel 16 in Hawaii, which is shown on Wednesday at 12:30 PM, Thursday at 1:00 PM and 5 PM, Friday at 10:30 PM and 9:30 PM, and Saturday at 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM.

TOP