2006 Chevrolet HHR Preview

Respect your elders. That's the undertone of Chevy's new marketing theme, as demonstrated in the humorous Cobalt/Corvette television commercials, and in the retro-styled SSR pickup, which demonstrates a certain appreciation for the skills of yesterday's designers. Paying homage to elders and the past is also apparent with the introduction of Chevrolet's newest small car, the 2006 Chevrolet HHR (Heritage High Roof). Borrowing its naming convention from the SSR, this four-door, five-passenger truck/wagon/crossover supposedly draws styling cues from the 1949 Chevrolet Suburban, a model that Chevy proudly claims as the first utility vehicle when in debuted in 1936.

Design

While comparing the 2006 Chevrolet HHR to the 1940s Suburban makes sense, many people see a stronger link to a certain modern day Chrysler. And as much as the folks at Chevy try to steer our thoughts away from Chrysler's PT Cruiser, the fact remains that these are remarkably similar vehicles. Dimensions between the two are nearly identical (the HHR is a bit longer, but the PT Cruiser has more cargo room), and the resemblance is unmistakable - as it should be, since designer Bryan Nesbitt sketched both. Inside, the HHR's layout and seating positions are similar to the PT Cruiser. On the outside, the 2006 Chevrolet HHR resembles the PT, but to the HHR's benefit, its angular shape and flat roofline result in a more masculine appearance. The differences are subtle, but enough to distinguish the HHR from the PT, though probably not while zooming down the highway at 80 mph.

Model Mix

Available in LS or LT trim, the 2006 Chevrolet HHR shares its platform with the new Chevrolet Cobalt, and is powered by one of two four-cylinder engines. Standard on all models are a folding front passenger seat and a rear 60/40 folding bench seat, 16-inch wheels, a CD player, and a keyless entry system. Mechanical bits include front-disc and rear-drum brakes; and independent MacPherson strut front suspension and semi independent, torsion beam rear suspension; and front and rear stabilizer bars. The HHR LT adds an MP3 player, a six-way power driver's seat with power lumbar support, and a satin exterior paint finish. Shoppers will have to opt for the sporty LT upgrade package to enjoy fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a Pioneer sound system with a subwoofer, 17-inch wheels, antilock brakes, traction control, chrome exterior trim, and a sport-tuned suspension. For those who desire more than the standard amenities, the HHR can be ordered with a variety of popular options, including a power sunroof, OnStar, XM satellite radio, and side curtain airbags.

Power

Moving all 2006 Chevrolet HHRs down the road is a four-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve engine, but the total displacement of that motor depends on which model is chosen. Base LS and LT HHRs are powered by a 2.2-liter motor, good for 140 horsepower and 150 lb.-ft. of torque. The HHR LT with the upgrade package includes a larger 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine that generates 170 horsepower and 170 lb.-ft. of torque. Regardless of which model is chosen, a standard five-speed manual transmission delivers power to the front wheels; a four-speed automatic transmission is optional. A handy remote start system is included only with the automatic transmission. Both engines feature a timing chain rather than a belt, which serves to minimize maintenance costs. Chevy also claims that numerous steps have been taken to lessen powertrain noise and vibration in the HHR, a common problem with high-revving four-cylinder motors.

Wrap-Up

Chevy's version of the Chrysler PT Cruiser comes to market several years late and quite a few ponies shy since the PT Turbo generates 220 horsepower. And with PT Cruiser sales going soft, Chrysler is set to introduce an updated version that will compete with the "brand new" 2006 Chevrolet HHR. To say that the HHR faces an uphill battle would be a tremendous understatement.Despite these concerns, the General expects HHR annual sales to reach between 80-100,000 units starting in the fall of 2005. Pricing has not yet been announced. But it had better be cheap, what with all that cash on the hood of the Chrysler PT Cruiser, which is rated one of the most reliable cars by Consumer Reports. Photos courtesy of General Motors