2006 Hummer H3 Preview

The smaller Hummer should have a greater appeal to those who live in urban and suburban areas than the brand's larger SUVs as it

General Motors' new 220-hp 3.5 liter Vortec 3500 engine powers the newest Hummer. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

will undoubtedly be capable of navigating city traffic easier. A highly-assisted steering ratio of 17:1 also contributes to this Hummer's relative maneuverability, allowing it to execute a turning circle of just 11.3 meters (37 ft).

Powering this junior behemoth is General Motor's new Vortec 3500, a 3.5 liter inline-five primarily designed for truck usage. While also featured in GM's new lineup of compact pickups, the motor provides the H3 with 220 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. Aside from incorporating an engine configuration that's only been kept alive by Volvo and a handful of European diesel makers, the Vortec 3500 is light years more sophisticated than the overhead valve V8 used in the H2. While the 5-cylinder's dual overhead camshafts are now a widely-accepted convention, its variable valve timing and electronic throttle control might turn a few heads in this segment. Counter-rotating balance shafts, plus a relatively low peak torque figure make the H3's I-5 as smooth and almost as responsive as the H2's gas-swilling V8.

Speaking of gasoline the H3's consumption is pleasantly surprising. Hummer claims that its inline-five returns figures of

Compared to its H2 sibling's atrocious fuel economy, the H3's consumption is pleasantly surprising. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

11.8 L/100 km (20 mpg) combined city/highway, significantly better than the H2's atrocious numbers. Considering its brick-like aerodynamics inspired from the H1, the heavy-duty off-road mechanical components and high-rolling resistance tires, this claim is more than reasonable. Also, with a curb weight of 2,132 kg (4,700 lbs), 750 kg (1,650 lbs) less than the H2, and the option of a five-speed manual transmission (another first for the brand), the H3 has yet another unseen advantage. Although it's still a far ways off from the class average of 9.4 L/100 km (25 mpg), this Hummer breaks ties with the brand's oilfield depleting siblings.