Is There Room for Another Retro People Hauler?
I have to admit that I was a bit put off when GM announced it would be coming to market with its retro HHR. Its just that Chrysler's
PT Cruiser made the new Chevy a bit of a "been there, done that" issue. But now that I've seen it on the road and spent a week behind the wheel, I think I came to my conclusion too quickly.
It offers a more truck-like stance than the PT, with a bolder, wider front grille, more muscular fenders and a lower, longer profile. Its circular rear lights, two per side, are fully integrated into the bodywork, giving an expensive, custom look.
And why shouldn't there be more than one compact crossover with retrospective leanings? After all, there are many GM fans who would never think of purchasing a Chrysler, some of which might have really liked the
PT when it debuted. And what's more, the HHR, which stands for "heritage high roof", actually pays tribute to the 1949 Chevy Suburban and other late 1940s high-roof Chevy trucks, unlike the PT Cruiser that looks more like a classic Ford panel van than anything Chrysler, or the now defunct Plymouth brand ever offered.
But I believe the strongest argument for the HHR comes after spending some time in it. GM furnished an almost fully-loaded LT model, which normally would have featured an upgraded engine but had this deleted from the LT list for some reason (a $770 savings), but nevertheless featured leather seating surfaces, and the top-line audio system, which made for a pretty rich ride.
I have to admit that I was a bit put off when GM announced it would be coming to market with its retro HHR. Its just that Chrysler's
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| After seeing the HHR on the road and spending a week behind the wheel, I think I came to my initial "too little, too late" conclusion too quickly. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
It offers a more truck-like stance than the PT, with a bolder, wider front grille, more muscular fenders and a lower, longer profile. Its circular rear lights, two per side, are fully integrated into the bodywork, giving an expensive, custom look.
And why shouldn't there be more than one compact crossover with retrospective leanings? After all, there are many GM fans who would never think of purchasing a Chrysler, some of which might have really liked the
 |
| I believe the strongest argument for the HHR comes after spending some time in it. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
But I believe the strongest argument for the HHR comes after spending some time in it. GM furnished an almost fully-loaded LT model, which normally would have featured an upgraded engine but had this deleted from the LT list for some reason (a $770 savings), but nevertheless featured leather seating surfaces, and the top-line audio system, which made for a pretty rich ride.