Auto123.com - Helping you drive happy

Chevrolet HHR brings funky versatility to small vehicle segment

|
Get the best interest rate
Alex Law
It should be noted that these are equipment lineups from Detroit, that the marketing mavens at GM of Canada in Oshawa might tinker with it in some way for Canada, maybe even with more equipment on a certain model.

The 1LT model also includes a standard MP3 player, six-way power seat with power lumbar, and a satin exterior finish. Bright chrome exterior trim and a bright exhaust tip are available, as are anti-lock brakes and traction control are available, though the later can only be had with the automatic transmission.

HHR 2LT includes such standard features that include ABS, fog lamps, bright exhaust tip, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, a Pioneer sound system with subwoofer, 17-inch wheels, FE3 sport suspension, and a bright chrome exterior trim. Heated leather seats also are available on both LT packages.

While I am primarily reminded of the London minicab when I see the HHR, I can also see the family resemblance to the 1949 Suburban and the modern SSR roadster-pickup, which is what Chevrolet was shooting for.
Whatever the outside shape puts you in mind of, says Queen, the interior of HHR is meant to combine "the reassuring high visibility and cargo flexibility of an SUV with the comfort, appointments, driving ease and ergonomics of an upscale sedan. The high roof provides excellent headroom and creates a more open, airy environment, while the instrument cluster carries the heritage theme of the vehicle."

HHR's interior evokes a feeling of roominess, says Queen, while an "upscale aura is created by detailed, jewel-like instrument displays and chrome accents." Interior color combinations feature darker colors on upper sections of the interior and lighter colors for lower sections. "Quality also is conveyed in the tailored seats," maintains Queen, while "providing firmer support, sculpture and plenty of comfort for long drives."
Queen also says HHR's comfortable and expressive interior is complemented by a highly adaptable cargo system, which "maximizes storage capability with a host of clever and useful configuration options," including:

-a front passenger seat that folds fully flat, thereby extending the total load length from the liftgate to the instrument panel;
-a center armrest between the front seats that's integrated into the seat back frame so that it's out of the way when pivoted into a stowed position, which Queen notes is a characteristic of trucks and SUVs;
-rear seats with a 60/40 split that fold to provide a flat load surface in conjunction with the folded front passenger seat.

At the same time, explains Queen, the cargo area also got some useful touching, including:

-a continuous flat load floor when the seats are folded down;
-a 13-cm-deep bin under the load floor and above the spare tire compartment;
-the ability to turn the primary load floor into a shelf when it's raised and mounted approximately 60 cm higher, either level or at a 45-degree angle to provide quick access to the cargo beneath it;
-two large storage bins forward of the load floor behind the rear seats;
-plastic bag holders on the rear compartment bin.

HHR's uses a MacPherson strut front suspension design, along with a semi-independent, torsion beam rear suspension and five-lug wheels.
Two suspension variations are available, Queen says, the FE1 suspension standard on LS and 1LT, with an FE3 suspension standard on 2LT models.

The FE1 suspension is tuned for a softer ride and includes 16-inch wheels, while the FE3 provides sportier handling traits and offers standard 17-inch wheels and monotube shocks, which provide better ride and handling.

Braking is done by large front discs and rear drums, Queen says, and there is a large complement of safety equipment, including optional head curtain airbags for the occupants next to the doors.
photo:General Motors
Alex Law
Alex Law
Automotive expert