I realize I’m sure I’m getting some criticism for my title, but at first glance, no wait, in every look When I look at the HHR I can’t help but think that this is Chevrolet’s answer to the Chrysler PT Cruiser. While you may disagree, the similarities are striking, and the HHR is positioned to compete against the PT Cruiser, Honda Element, and Scion xB. How well the HHR will perform is another matter, so let’s take a look at this little marvel before making any judgments.
The HHR, like the SSR released by Chevrolet a year earlier, is a retro car meant to evoke comparisons to vehicles from another generation. Taking cues from the styling of the 1949 Chevrolet/GMC Suburban, the HHR, or Heritage High Roof, is based on the new Chevrolet Cobalt frame. The PT Cruiser is also a retro vehicle and takes its styling cues from panel trucks of the same era, so the PT in the name makes the vehicle a cruiser panel truck. For more comparison notes, the Chrysler is based on aging [and soon to be discontinued] neon platform.
The HHR, like the PT Cruiser, is essentially a tall wagon with raised seats that can be folded flat to allow for the wide hauling of large, long items. In fact, with the front passenger seat folded down, the HHR can easily transport an 8-foot stepladder into its cabin. Chevrolet added a large number of bins, hooks and cup holders to the HHR so that the utilitarian nature of the vehicle is only in its style and not in its practicality. Good thing, because retro should only be in style. aspect and not in creature comforts or the lack thereof, right?
With four passenger doors and a fifth utility door (a liftgate), the HHR is said to seat five passengers, but since vehicles this size go, the three in the back must be children, otherwise , the road will certainly be narrow.
Unlike the PT Cruiser, which offers three 4-cylinder engines, two of which are turbocharged, the HHR features only two normally aspirated engines: the Ecotec 2.2L with 143 horsepower or the Ecotec 2.4L with 172 horsepower. Both engines are mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, but customers can opt for a 4-speed automatic if they wish.
Yes, all the other conveniences of modern vehicles are also available with the HHR; some are standard equipment, while others are listed as options. Air conditioning, cd players, airbags, power seats/windows/doors/locks, etc. offered based on option packages ordered and model selected [there are three].
One of the best features of the HHR is its price. Chevrolet’s base MSRP is currently $15,990, and while GM’s special employee pricing program has ended, incentives are sure to be offered to attract buyers, possibly in the area of low-rate financing. Highway gas mileage should be close to 30 miles per gallon, which is comparable to cars in its class.
Time will tell how the HHR is received, and since it’s so new, I haven’t had a chance to test one yet. So I can’t really pass judgment on the HHR other than to say that I like the look of it and think it can be a good competitor to the PT Cruiser as well as an option for those considering the Honda Element or Scion xB. .