HHR pleasing chip off '49 Suburban
08-23-2005, 10:23 PM
#1
Founding Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: 08-21-2005
Location: NE OH
Posts: 1,207
HHR pleasing chip off '49 Suburban
<img src="https://www.chevyhhr.net/news/hhr4.jpg" align="left" border="0" hspace="5" vspace="2">Bob Lutz, General Motors product development chief, bristled when a member of the media suggested that the Chrysler PT Cruiser was the motivation behind the 2006 Chevrolet HHR.
"The impetus," Lutz said, biting off each word for maximum effect, "was not the PT, it was the SSR," referring to the Chevy roadster truck. "Impala and Monte Carlo are sensible but we needed some more unusual vehicles with emotional appeal at Chevrolet.
If you buy a new [Toyota] Camry, you'd feel cheated because you wouldn't get noticed. But you'll get noticed in an HHR," Lutz boasted of the compact with the look of a 1949 Chevy Suburban sport-utility.
Chevy calls HHR a sport-utility vehicle, though it's derived from the Cobalt sedan and offered only in front-wheel-drive.
Though HHR competes against the PT, Lutz said, that's not its only rival.
"While the Scion xB and Honda Element are aesthetically challenged, the HHR is a cool-looking, low-priced vehicle," he said.
He added that it's for anyone who needs a small, economical, youthful, fun vehicle with more package space than an SUV but not minivan looks.
HHR is offered in a trio of versions: The base LS, uplevel LT1 and top-of-the-line LT2. It's 8 inches longer and 2 inches wider than a PT. The nose carries the same grille style as the SSR, and the roofline is a little squared off and side rear windows are very large for that retro SUV look.
The added length and width make for a comfy cabin with ample stretch room. Nice touches include a covered stowage bin in the top of the dash, pull-down armrests for both front seats and cell-phone and cupholders in the center console.
But there's one drawback, which it shares with the PT. Rather than being on each door panel, the power-window buttons are lumped together. In the HHR the buttons are under the dash in front of the center console, where they are tough to find and use.
Stephen McGuire, HHR marketing manager, said putting all the buttons in one spot reduces complexity and, therefore, cost. But to help find the buttons at night, Chevy had to imbed an LED light in the roof, which, unless mistaken, adds complexity and price.
All but the driver's seat back folds flat to convert HHR into a most spacious hauler. The cargo hold is what really stands out. The floor lifts up and out to serve as a thick plastic parcel shelf, though it is so large--extending from the back of the second-row seat to the hatchlid--it should be called a parcel table.
It comes with two settings, one high to hide all the items below, the other at an angle so you can attach plastic grocery bags to the holders underneath.
Another noteworthy feature is the pair of deep storage bins built into the cargo floor just behind the rear seat. Both come with lids to hide items.
The LS and LT1 come with a 2.2-liter, 143-horsepower 4-cylinder engine and 5-speed manual as standard. The LT2 has a peppier 2.4-liter, 172-h.p. 4-cylinder and 5-speed. The 2.4 is a $650 option in the LT1 and was in our test car along with automatic, a $1,000 option in the LT1 or LT2.
That price is high because the automatic's teamed with remote engine start.
The 2.4, thanks in large part to thick insulation in the engine compartment and along the firewall, was very quiet and didn't suffer the typical 4-cylinder groan when the pedal was pushed hard at takeoff.
The 23 m.p.g. city/30 m.p.g. highway rating with automatic helps ease the pain when forced to pull in for a refill and tithe to the Mideast sheiks.
For corporate average fuel economy, or CAFE, purposes, HHR is ranked as a truck, just like the PT Cruiser at Chrysler. This benefits the automakers because the trucks tend to get the lowest mileage and can use the CAFE boost.
Suspension systems differ by model. The LS and LT1 get 16-inch radials and a suspension tuned for a softer ride; the LT2 gets 17-inch radials, firmer ride, but better handling.
The speed-sensitive power steering is tuned to match suspension performance. The HHR LT1 tested was pleasantly agile with short turning circles.
All HHRs come with air conditioning, power door locks, power windows, power mirrors, AM/FM/CD stereo, remote keyless entry, gas struts for hood and hatchlid and a "fingernail friendly" touch pad to open the hatchlid.
The LT1 adds power seats, and the LT2 gets anti-lock brakes with traction control ($400 on LT1), fog lamps ($115 on LT1) and Pioneer sound system with MP3 player and iPod compatibility ($295 LT1).
The LS starts at $15,990, including $565 freight. LT1 starts at $16,990, LT2 at $18,790.
Lutz initially talked about sales of a very optimistic 80,000 to 100,000 units annually.
McGuire won't talk volume now.
"PT, Element and xB account for about 250,000 units combined annually and we want to be the leader in that segment, though we won't do it the first year," he said.
To reach high volume, HHR would have to adopt the same approach as Chrysler has with the PT Cruiser: Offer derivative models such as the high-performance and convertible PTs.
HHR could boost performance with a supercharged 4-cylinder, likely since the Cobalt offers a 2-liter, supercharged 4-cylinder, and perhaps add a panel van and/or a small pickup. A convertible? Maybe a slide-open canvas roof.
McGuire said Chevy will focus on launching the HHR before getting serious about derivatives. "We'll look at them more later," though noting some possible variants could be on display this fall at the Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas.
Options include side-curtain air bags at $395 to raise the odds in your favor in a side collision, and running boards, dealer-installed for $445, that not only look good, but also "keep road debris from chipping body panels," according to McGuire.
Without running boards, the front of the rear fenders have a small "chip protector" to ward off debris.
Because the large side rear windows don't open, we'd recommend the optional ($725) power sunroof. If the folks from XM would bring out fresh material on the comedy channel ("Laugh In" on radio requires a barf bag), we'd recommend satellite radio at $325.
Two options not available--yet--are a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and a navigation system.
McGuire said HHR is aimed at young, newly marrieds and empty nesters and, yes, it has attracted its first PT taken in trade.
- - -
TEST DRIVE
2006 Chevrolet HHR LT1
Wheelbase: 103.5 inches
Length: 176.2 inches
Engine: 2.4-liter, 172-h.p. 4-cylinder
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Fuel economy: 23 m.p.g. city/30 m.p.g. highway
Base price: $16,425
Price as tested: $20,495. Includes $1,000 for automatic transmission/remote engine start; $650 for 2.4-liter 4-cylinder; $400 for anti-lock brakes; $395 for side-curtain air bags; $325 for XM satellite radio; $295 for chrome appearance package with chrome grille, mirrors and door handles; $295 for AM/FM with six-disc CD changer and MP3; $150 for roof luggage rails; $115 for fog lamps; and $445 for running boards. Add $565 for freight.
Pluses: High-mileage people carrier with a retro look. Large cargo hold with huge parcel shelf and covered stowage bins. Excellent mileage. Quiet operation. Decent price. Neat little touches, such as running boards.
Minuses: AWD not offered. Find the power window controls. Obvious "It's the GM PT Cruiser" comparisons. Will need derivatives, like Chrysler's PT Cruiser, to maintain decent volume.
Source: http://www.nynewsday.com/business/au...extraheadlines
"The impetus," Lutz said, biting off each word for maximum effect, "was not the PT, it was the SSR," referring to the Chevy roadster truck. "Impala and Monte Carlo are sensible but we needed some more unusual vehicles with emotional appeal at Chevrolet.
If you buy a new [Toyota] Camry, you'd feel cheated because you wouldn't get noticed. But you'll get noticed in an HHR," Lutz boasted of the compact with the look of a 1949 Chevy Suburban sport-utility.
Chevy calls HHR a sport-utility vehicle, though it's derived from the Cobalt sedan and offered only in front-wheel-drive.
Though HHR competes against the PT, Lutz said, that's not its only rival.
"While the Scion xB and Honda Element are aesthetically challenged, the HHR is a cool-looking, low-priced vehicle," he said.
He added that it's for anyone who needs a small, economical, youthful, fun vehicle with more package space than an SUV but not minivan looks.
HHR is offered in a trio of versions: The base LS, uplevel LT1 and top-of-the-line LT2. It's 8 inches longer and 2 inches wider than a PT. The nose carries the same grille style as the SSR, and the roofline is a little squared off and side rear windows are very large for that retro SUV look.
The added length and width make for a comfy cabin with ample stretch room. Nice touches include a covered stowage bin in the top of the dash, pull-down armrests for both front seats and cell-phone and cupholders in the center console.
But there's one drawback, which it shares with the PT. Rather than being on each door panel, the power-window buttons are lumped together. In the HHR the buttons are under the dash in front of the center console, where they are tough to find and use.
Stephen McGuire, HHR marketing manager, said putting all the buttons in one spot reduces complexity and, therefore, cost. But to help find the buttons at night, Chevy had to imbed an LED light in the roof, which, unless mistaken, adds complexity and price.
All but the driver's seat back folds flat to convert HHR into a most spacious hauler. The cargo hold is what really stands out. The floor lifts up and out to serve as a thick plastic parcel shelf, though it is so large--extending from the back of the second-row seat to the hatchlid--it should be called a parcel table.
It comes with two settings, one high to hide all the items below, the other at an angle so you can attach plastic grocery bags to the holders underneath.
Another noteworthy feature is the pair of deep storage bins built into the cargo floor just behind the rear seat. Both come with lids to hide items.
The LS and LT1 come with a 2.2-liter, 143-horsepower 4-cylinder engine and 5-speed manual as standard. The LT2 has a peppier 2.4-liter, 172-h.p. 4-cylinder and 5-speed. The 2.4 is a $650 option in the LT1 and was in our test car along with automatic, a $1,000 option in the LT1 or LT2.
That price is high because the automatic's teamed with remote engine start.
The 2.4, thanks in large part to thick insulation in the engine compartment and along the firewall, was very quiet and didn't suffer the typical 4-cylinder groan when the pedal was pushed hard at takeoff.
The 23 m.p.g. city/30 m.p.g. highway rating with automatic helps ease the pain when forced to pull in for a refill and tithe to the Mideast sheiks.
For corporate average fuel economy, or CAFE, purposes, HHR is ranked as a truck, just like the PT Cruiser at Chrysler. This benefits the automakers because the trucks tend to get the lowest mileage and can use the CAFE boost.
Suspension systems differ by model. The LS and LT1 get 16-inch radials and a suspension tuned for a softer ride; the LT2 gets 17-inch radials, firmer ride, but better handling.
The speed-sensitive power steering is tuned to match suspension performance. The HHR LT1 tested was pleasantly agile with short turning circles.
All HHRs come with air conditioning, power door locks, power windows, power mirrors, AM/FM/CD stereo, remote keyless entry, gas struts for hood and hatchlid and a "fingernail friendly" touch pad to open the hatchlid.
The LT1 adds power seats, and the LT2 gets anti-lock brakes with traction control ($400 on LT1), fog lamps ($115 on LT1) and Pioneer sound system with MP3 player and iPod compatibility ($295 LT1).
The LS starts at $15,990, including $565 freight. LT1 starts at $16,990, LT2 at $18,790.
Lutz initially talked about sales of a very optimistic 80,000 to 100,000 units annually.
McGuire won't talk volume now.
"PT, Element and xB account for about 250,000 units combined annually and we want to be the leader in that segment, though we won't do it the first year," he said.
To reach high volume, HHR would have to adopt the same approach as Chrysler has with the PT Cruiser: Offer derivative models such as the high-performance and convertible PTs.
HHR could boost performance with a supercharged 4-cylinder, likely since the Cobalt offers a 2-liter, supercharged 4-cylinder, and perhaps add a panel van and/or a small pickup. A convertible? Maybe a slide-open canvas roof.
McGuire said Chevy will focus on launching the HHR before getting serious about derivatives. "We'll look at them more later," though noting some possible variants could be on display this fall at the Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas.
Options include side-curtain air bags at $395 to raise the odds in your favor in a side collision, and running boards, dealer-installed for $445, that not only look good, but also "keep road debris from chipping body panels," according to McGuire.
Without running boards, the front of the rear fenders have a small "chip protector" to ward off debris.
Because the large side rear windows don't open, we'd recommend the optional ($725) power sunroof. If the folks from XM would bring out fresh material on the comedy channel ("Laugh In" on radio requires a barf bag), we'd recommend satellite radio at $325.
Two options not available--yet--are a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and a navigation system.
McGuire said HHR is aimed at young, newly marrieds and empty nesters and, yes, it has attracted its first PT taken in trade.
- - -
TEST DRIVE
2006 Chevrolet HHR LT1
Wheelbase: 103.5 inches
Length: 176.2 inches
Engine: 2.4-liter, 172-h.p. 4-cylinder
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Fuel economy: 23 m.p.g. city/30 m.p.g. highway
Base price: $16,425
Price as tested: $20,495. Includes $1,000 for automatic transmission/remote engine start; $650 for 2.4-liter 4-cylinder; $400 for anti-lock brakes; $395 for side-curtain air bags; $325 for XM satellite radio; $295 for chrome appearance package with chrome grille, mirrors and door handles; $295 for AM/FM with six-disc CD changer and MP3; $150 for roof luggage rails; $115 for fog lamps; and $445 for running boards. Add $565 for freight.
Pluses: High-mileage people carrier with a retro look. Large cargo hold with huge parcel shelf and covered stowage bins. Excellent mileage. Quiet operation. Decent price. Neat little touches, such as running boards.
Minuses: AWD not offered. Find the power window controls. Obvious "It's the GM PT Cruiser" comparisons. Will need derivatives, like Chrysler's PT Cruiser, to maintain decent volume.
Source: http://www.nynewsday.com/business/au...extraheadlines
08-28-2005, 12:56 AM
#2
Member
Join Date: 08-21-2005
Location: Valencia, California
Posts: 324
While the Scion xB and Honda Element are aesthetically challenged, the HHR is a cool-looking, low-priced vehicle," he said.
08-29-2005, 04:42 AM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: 08-28-2005
Location: Florida
Posts: 242
But there's one drawback, which it shares with the PT. Rather than being on each door panel, the power-window buttons are lumped together. In the HHR the buttons are under the dash in front of the center console, where they are tough to find and use.
Stephen McGuire, HHR marketing manager, said putting all the buttons in one spot reduces complexity and, therefore, cost. But to help find the buttons at night, Chevy had to imbed an LED light in the roof, which, unless mistaken, adds complexity and price.
Stephen McGuire, HHR marketing manager, said putting all the buttons in one spot reduces complexity and, therefore, cost. But to help find the buttons at night, Chevy had to imbed an LED light in the roof, which, unless mistaken, adds complexity and price.
09-19-2005, 10:39 AM
#4
Join Date: 09-11-2005
Location: Tulsa, OK
Posts: 1
LED units cost usually less than 1 cent in bulk. Add the couple of inches of power wire (power is already supplied to the rear view mirror for courtesy lights.) and the costs is much lower than pushing a LOT of wire to the front left door arm rest. Seems to be to be very cheap in comparison. Probably cut as much as $5 to $20 off the cost of the vehicle, not much but add that to 100,000 vechicles and that's a lot in the end for the big picture. How'd you like to tell your boss you just saved $2,000,000 dollars in expenses. :)
I personally love the window switches where they are. Give both the driver and the passenger control over all windows. And they are truely easy to reach, not as most articles say. It seems they all need Sooomething to gripe about, so if this is all they can find, I'm cool.
I personally love the window switches where they are. Give both the driver and the passenger control over all windows. And they are truely easy to reach, not as most articles say. It seems they all need Sooomething to gripe about, so if this is all they can find, I'm cool.
09-20-2005, 05:32 AM
#5
Junior Member
Join Date: 09-04-2005
Location: North Collins NY
Posts: 26
window switches
Another plus for the switches where they are, water resistance. In the door they are exposed to water from car washes, rain etc. In the middle of the console they are protected from moisture and the constant flexing of the control wires between the door and body.I like them where they are, as long as you know where the switches are you can control them, plus if you have small children there is less chance of an accident or damage from them playing with the switch.People will look at the HHR with a fine magnifying glass to pick it apart because it is a new GM offering. If it came from Japan or some other offshore offering they wouldn't be so critical. Let's face it GM is putting out much better vehicles than they were in the 80's and they are a good value with many more bells and whistles than the competition.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
cperez1217
2.2L Performance Tech
14
01-08-2008 04:45 PM