|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
| Chevrolet HHR |
 |
|
|
|
| |
| 2007 Chevrolet HHR |
| Highlights |
Pros |
Cons |
| • Distinct exterior styling. |
• Versatile and comfortable interiors. |
• Engine calls for refinement. |
| • Cargo capacity. |
• Smooth ride. |
|
| • Lots of entertainment features. |
• Decent fuel economy. |
|
|
|
|
| Overview |
|
| Attractive SUV from the stables of GM |
|
The Chevrolet HHR is a 4-door SUV manufactured by the Chevrolet division of the General Motors. Launched at the 2005 Los Angeles Auto Show as a 2006 model, the HHR is based on the GM Delta platform.
The vehicle’s title HHR stands for Heritage High Roof. The 2007 HHR is available in five models -- LS, 1LT, 2LT, Panel LS, and Panel LT. All are available in a front-wheel drive (FWD) layout. The LS, 1LT, and 2LT are available in a 5-seater configuration, while the Panel LS and LT are offered in a 2-seater configuration.
The HHR is covered by a new vehicle limited warranty for three years or 36,000 miles and a powertrain warranty for five years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. It is a competitor to the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Pontiac Vibe, and Toyota Matrix.
|
|
| Engine and Performance |
|
|
|
The HHR offers a choice of two dynamic engines. Under the hood of the LS, 1LT Panel LS lays a powerful ECOTEC 2.2-liter Inline four-cylinder (I-4) engine, which gives out a maximum power of 149 hp and 152 lb-ft. of torque.
The 2LT and Panel LT are powered by an ECOTEC 2.4-liter I-4 engine, which churns out 175 hp and 165 lb-ft. of torque. This 2.4L engine is optional on the 1LT.
Both the engines feature a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) and are linked to a standard Getrag 5-speed manual transmission with hydraulic clutch system, but can also be teamed with an optional electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission with factory-installed remote vehicle starter system.
|
|
| Walk-around |
|
| Retro styling makes it stand apart |
|
The HHR looks muscular and distinct with its retro styling. With a length and wheelbase of 176.2 and 103.6 inches respectively, the HHR stands on a strikingly wide stance.
Its front fascia is marked by a big body-color bumper, distinct headlamps and a hemispherical grille that sports the Chevy bow-tie. It features standard composite halogen headlamps and daytime running lamps. Fog lamps are standard on 2LT, and optional on 1LT and Panel LT.
At the sides, the HHR features large, square fender flares, which make it look like a vehicle from the mid-40s era. It also comes standard with galvanized-steel body panels to resist corrosion. All HHR models are available with the option of running boards. Roof-mounted side rails are available as optional on all models excluding the LS.
Speed-sensitive, intermittent front wipers and rear wiper with washer are standard on all models of the HHR. All models feature standard dual power mirrors. A rear spoiler available from Chevy accessories is optional on all LT models.
The LS and Panel LS wear standard 16-inch steel wheels with full bolt-on wheel covers, whereas the 1LT comes standard with 16-inch custom-spoke painted silver metallic wheels. The 2LT and Panel LT feature standard 17-inch painted-aluminum wheels and are also available with the optional 17-inch high-polished forged-aluminum wheels.
The LS, 1LT, Panel LS roll on P215/55R-16, all-season, Blackwall tires, while the 2LT and Panel LT ride on P215/50R-17, all-season, Blackwall tires.
|
|
| Comfort, Controls & Convenience |
|
| Spacious and versatile interiors |
|
The HHR has spacious and comfortable interiors, which instantly make you feel at home. The HHR comes standard with cloth-trimmed front passenger and rear seats, which can be folded flat. The LT models are available with the option of leather seating surfaces. The LS models feature a six-way manual seat adjuster for the driver and a four-way manual seat adjuster for the passenger, while the LT models come standard with an eight-way power seat adjuster for the driver and a four-way manual seat adjuster for the passenger, which is optional on the Panel LS.
The HHR offers the comfort of air conditioning including an air filtration system. It comes standard with power windows and power door locks. All models also feature a driver information center (DIC) located inside the speedometer, which includes an oil-life monitor and conveys trip information and calculations.
All HHR models, excluding the 2LT, come standard with a urethane steering wheel with mounted DIC and cruise controls. The 2LT features a standard leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted audio, DIC, and cruise controls, and a leather-wrapped shift knob, both of which are optional on 1LT and Panel LT. All models have a tilt-adjustable steering column.
All models except for the 2LT feature a manual day/night rear-view mirror, whereas the 2LT comes standard with an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with compass and dual LED reading lamps, which is available as optional on other models.
The HHR also offers ample storage options. The Panel LS and LT feature a lockable cargo area under the floor, while the LS, 1LT, and 2LT come with three rear hidden storage bins. A floor console, including dual front and rear cup holders, is standard on all models except the Panel LS and LT models. A rear floor panel package shelf, which can be used as a sturdy tabletop to support up to 100 pounds of cargo, is also standard on the HHR. It also features a five-inch deep bin, which can be used to conceal items. The HHR also features two auxiliary power outlets, one each in the front and rear.
An electric defogger on the rear-window is a standard feature. A power-sliding sunroof with express-open and close and a large opening to deliver an open-air driving experience is optional on the LT models. The HHR comes equipped with cruise control and OnStar turn-by-turn navigation, which guides you to your destination by downloading the route to the vehicle. In addition, an automated voice guides you through every turn until you arrive at your destination.
The Panel LT is offered with the optional Convenience Package, which includes an inside rear-view auto-dimming mirror with compass display, leather-wrapped shift knob and leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted audio controls.
With the rear seat folded, the LS, 1LT and 2LT models come with a maximum cargo capacity of 57.7 cubic-feet, while that of the Panel LS and LT is 62.7 cubic-feet. The HHR can tow up to 1,000 pounds of cargo.
It also comes with plenty of entertainment features to make your journeys pleasant. The LS and Panel LS feature a standard AM/FM stereo with CD player and auxiliary audio input jack. The LT models come standard with an AM/FM stereo with a CD/MP3 player, a radio data system (RDS), TheftLock, and an auxiliary audio input jack. This audio system is optional on LS and Panel LS. The LT models are also offered with the option of an AM/FM stereo with an in-dash six-disc CD changer, MP3 playback, RDS, TheftLock, and an auxiliary audio input jack.
All models excluding the 2LT feature a standard six-speaker sound system. The 2LT features a standard Pioneer premium seven-speaker sound system, which is optional on LS, 1LT, and Panel LT. All models except for the Panel LS are offered with the option of XM Satellite Radio, which offers more than 69 channels of commercial-free music in digital-quality sound.
|
|
| Driving Impressions |
|
| Smooth to drive as well as to be driven in |
|
The HHR is available in a FWD layout, which puts the engine weight directly over the driven wheels, thereby improving traction on slippery or snow-packed roads.
The ECOTEC 2.2L I-4 and 2.4L I-4 engines issue 149 hp and 175 hp respectively. Both the engines produce satisfactory power and acceleration at all engine speeds, and are fuel efficient.
The Getrag 5-speed MT with a hydraulic clutch system provides five synchronized forward gears and a synchronized reverse gear to help prevent their grinding if reverse is engaged before the vehicle is at a standstill. The gearbox also employs a hydraulic clutch, which is designed to be efficient and reliable. The 4-speed AT also offers smooth shifts and a soft ride on all kinds of road conditions.
The HHR is maneuvered by a speed-sensitive, electric, variable power steering, which includes electronic sensors and computer controls. These sensors and controls measure and react to thousands of inputs per second, adjusting steering assistance to help provide precise control and responsiveness.
The LS, 1LT, and Panel LT come with a Touring Suspension Package, which includes variable-rate springs and a 25mm front stabilizer bar. The 2LT and Panel LT are equipped with Sport Suspension Package, which includes variable-rate springs, a 25mm stabilizer bar and gas-charged shocks. This modern suspension system empowers the HHR to soak up all kinds of bumps and road irregularities with élan, thereby delivering a breezy, smooth ride.
All models excluding the 2LT feature front disc and rear drum brakes. The front discs feature ventilated rotors with single piston calipers. The 2LT comes standard with four-wheel anti-lock, front disc and rear drum brakes, which are optional on the other models. An anti-lock braking system (ABS), standard on 2LT and available on all other models, is designed to help you maintain steering control by reducing wheel lockup during hard braking on slippery surfaces.
The HHR is also offered with an optional electronic traction control, a system that utilizes electronic controls to help reduce front-wheel spin when the vehicle is being driven on most slippery surfaces. When sensors determine one or both front wheels have low traction, engine power is reduced to limit wheel slippage. Electronic traction control is included and only available with four-wheel anti-lock brakes and an automatic transmission.
With all these mechanical features, the HHR offers a pleasant, hassle-free ride. With a turning diameter ranging between 36 and 37.7 feet, the HHR can be moved and parked in tight spaces quite easily.
|
|
| Safety |
|
| High-tech safety features |
|
The Chevrolet HHR comes with numerous safety features to ensure the protection of driver and passengers. It comes standard with dual-stage frontal airbags, including a passenger sensing system for the right front-seat passenger. The passenger sensing system automatically switches the right-front passenger airbag on or off on the basis of the passenger's weight and the type of pressure on the seat.
All HHR models are available with the option of head-curtain side-impact airbags in the front and rear outboard positions. The HHR comes standard with three-point safety belts. The LS, 1LT, and 2LT feature a standard LATCH (Lower Anchors and Top tethers for Children) system for child safety seats and child security rear door locks. The HHR also comes standard with a remote keyless entry and a PASS-Key III theft-deterrent system.
OnStar, including a one-year safe & sound plan, is optional on the HHR. OnStar is an in-vehicle safety and security system created to help protect the driver and passengers on the road. OnStar's innovative three-button system offers 24-hour access to expertly trained and caring advisors, a connection to emergency assistance, and access to OnStar hands-free calling.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|