One of my favourite HHR features is its superbly detailed centre stack. It integrates all heating, ventilation and air conditioning controls in
an easy to use interface, as it does the audio head unit, and goes about the job in a most satisfying way. The rotating knobs are nicely weighted to give them a feeling of quality, while rubber grips have been added to their circumference for a premium experience. Switchgear is excellent too, with zero tolerance gaps so that the buttons don't jiggle back and forth in their cutouts. In other words, there's nothing cheap about the HHR's detailing.
This is also apparent when looking at the HHR's chrome trimmed gauge cluster, a rather tiny but still easily legible assortment of very stylish dials, enhancing the interior's upscale ambience.
Even
the plastic surfaces that surround the centre console are at least average for this class, with only the gray upper door panels, they're dark gray on the bottom, on the less than appealing side. But this, after all, is a relatively inexpensive compact, so the odd corner cut here and there is expected.
Like the switchgear, I was also pleasantly surprised by the tight fit of exterior panels, as well as the beautifully detailed door handles that felt as if made from solid chunks of brushed aluminum, plus the electronically switched rear door release was a premium touch that moves the HHR experience upscale.
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| The centre stack integrates all heating, ventilation and airconditioning controls in an easy to use interface, as it does the audiohead unit, and goes about the job in a most satisfying way. (Photo:Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
This is also apparent when looking at the HHR's chrome trimmed gauge cluster, a rather tiny but still easily legible assortment of very stylish dials, enhancing the interior's upscale ambience.
Even
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| The HHR's switchgear is excellent, with zero tolerance gaps so that the buttons don't jiggle back and forth in their cutouts. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Like the switchgear, I was also pleasantly surprised by the tight fit of exterior panels, as well as the beautifully detailed door handles that felt as if made from solid chunks of brushed aluminum, plus the electronically switched rear door release was a premium touch that moves the HHR experience upscale.