The next big thing from Chevrolet, according to GM's product boss Bob Lutz, is in fact a little vehicle, or at least a mini-minivan.
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| 2006 Chevrolet HHR (photo: General Motors) |
It's called the HHR, and if you think it's meant to compete with the aging PT Cruiser from Chrysler (which gets a facelift this fall) then you are more right than wrong.General Motors of Canada prefers to call the HHR a crossover vehicle, since that's the trendy name for a vehicle that's part station wagon, part minivan, and part SUV.When it arrives later this summer, the 2006 Chevrolet HHR will start at $18,995 for the base LS and go to $21,195 for the uplevel LT.Whatever its price, the HHR is supposed to have "expressive design and surprising functionality," or so says Santo Giardina, GM of Canada's marketing manager for crossover utilities and compact vans.
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| 2006 Chevrolet HHR (photo: General Motors) |
"The 2006 Chevrolet HHR encompasses a unique blend of Chevrolet style and versatility," Giardina says, "and adds to Chevrolet's growing family of crossovers. We believe its innovative functionality, along with great fuel economy and competitive pricing, will encourage consumers to get into the all-new Chevrolet HHR."Standard features on the $18,995 LS include 16-inch wheels, air conditioning, power windows, door locks and outside mirrors, cruise control, six-speaker CD stereo with auxiliary input jack for iPods or other devices, and remote keyless entry. Also standard is a driver information centre, driver and front passenger air bags, and a complete fold-flat interior large enough to fit an eight-foot ladder.
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| Ecotec 2.4L VVT (photo: General Motors) |
The engine in the LS is the 2.2-litre DOHC Ecotec inline-four, producing 143 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque. It's mated to a five-speed Getrag manual transmission, but a four-speed automatic is available for $1,250.A bigger engine is the primary attraction of the HHR LT, but there's also a standard MP3 player, six-way power seat including power lumbar, nickel satin exterior finishes, and cast aluminum wheels. The engine in the LT is the 2.4-litre DOHC Ecotec inline-four, producing 172 hp and 164 lb-ft of torque. It also comes standard with the five-speed manual, though the four-speed automatic is also available for $1,250.
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| 2006 Chevrolet HHR (photo: General Motors) |
Other options include a 260-watt Pioneer sound system with subwoofer ($425), OnStar ($1,115 with a one-year Safe and Sound plan), ABS ($600), head curtain side air bags for front and rear-seat outboard passengers ($595), factory installed remote start ($225) on the automatic model only, and a sunroof with express open and close ($1,250). Two-level heated leather seats, fog lamps, sport suspension and 17" forged aluminum wheels ($590) are also available on the HHR LT model.
photo: GM of Canada