Chevy's new HHR is neat, innovative
10-04-2005, 09:18 PM
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Chevy's new HHR is neat, innovative
<img src="https://www.chevyhhr.net/news/hhr6.jpg" align="left" border="0" hspace="5" vspace="2">Nostalgic hood, chrome grille part of its appeal
Yes, Chevy's new HHR does resemble Chrysler's PT Cruiser.But if imitation is flattery, then I'd welcome more of it.
There's something old-fashioned and appealing about this new car that's really a wagon (although Chevy calls it a truck). I think most buyers will see the HHR for what it is: an affordable small car that's decidedly different. The worst thing I can say about the new HHR is that it shares something else with the original Cruiser: It's underpowered. Its 2.4-liter four-cylinder is rated at 172 horsepower. That's sufficient, but nothing more.
For most buyers, this engine will do fine. And they'll like its 30 mpg while driving on the highway. (A base HHR has a 143-horsepower, 2.2-liter four-cylinder. Chevy didn't make it available for auto writers to test -- probably not a good sign.)
The HHR represents different skin on the platform of the Chevy Cobalt, a new small car that went on sale as a 2005 model. That means it's a front-wheel-drive machine. There's no all-wheel-drive option here.
The rear cargo area includes a shelf that can be mounted about a foot off the floor to provide extra storage space. Below that floor is a nice-size cargo bin (2.8 cubic feet) that is perfect for hiding items or storing wet clothes. The rear seats split and fold flat. The front passenger seat also folds.
The second-row seats are surprisingly spacious, but better suited for two adults than three.
The interior suffers from a heavy reliance on plastic with few bright bits to break up the monotony. But I liked the round air vents and big radio and climate-control buttons.
It's on the outside where the HHR stands out. The large, wrap-around grille features a bright old Chevy bow-tie badge. It accents a distinctive, nostalgic hood. Chrome mirrors and door handles continue the theme.
The HHR, built in Mexico, is so new that neither quality nor safety ratings are available on it yet. The car comes with dual front air bags and anti-lock brakes. Front and rear side-curtain air bags are an option.
HHR stands for heritage high roof, Chevy says, and it comes in three trim-level packages (LS, 1LT and 2LT) add to the alphanumeric muck.
I drove the HHR 2LT, the top model. The ride was comfortable, and so were the seats. I appreciate all the storage spaces.
source: http://www.siliconvalley.com/mld/cha...lotte_business
Yes, Chevy's new HHR does resemble Chrysler's PT Cruiser.But if imitation is flattery, then I'd welcome more of it.
There's something old-fashioned and appealing about this new car that's really a wagon (although Chevy calls it a truck). I think most buyers will see the HHR for what it is: an affordable small car that's decidedly different. The worst thing I can say about the new HHR is that it shares something else with the original Cruiser: It's underpowered. Its 2.4-liter four-cylinder is rated at 172 horsepower. That's sufficient, but nothing more.
For most buyers, this engine will do fine. And they'll like its 30 mpg while driving on the highway. (A base HHR has a 143-horsepower, 2.2-liter four-cylinder. Chevy didn't make it available for auto writers to test -- probably not a good sign.)
The HHR represents different skin on the platform of the Chevy Cobalt, a new small car that went on sale as a 2005 model. That means it's a front-wheel-drive machine. There's no all-wheel-drive option here.
The rear cargo area includes a shelf that can be mounted about a foot off the floor to provide extra storage space. Below that floor is a nice-size cargo bin (2.8 cubic feet) that is perfect for hiding items or storing wet clothes. The rear seats split and fold flat. The front passenger seat also folds.
The second-row seats are surprisingly spacious, but better suited for two adults than three.
The interior suffers from a heavy reliance on plastic with few bright bits to break up the monotony. But I liked the round air vents and big radio and climate-control buttons.
It's on the outside where the HHR stands out. The large, wrap-around grille features a bright old Chevy bow-tie badge. It accents a distinctive, nostalgic hood. Chrome mirrors and door handles continue the theme.
The HHR, built in Mexico, is so new that neither quality nor safety ratings are available on it yet. The car comes with dual front air bags and anti-lock brakes. Front and rear side-curtain air bags are an option.
HHR stands for heritage high roof, Chevy says, and it comes in three trim-level packages (LS, 1LT and 2LT) add to the alphanumeric muck.
I drove the HHR 2LT, the top model. The ride was comfortable, and so were the seats. I appreciate all the storage spaces.
source: http://www.siliconvalley.com/mld/cha...lotte_business
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