I notice I am specified to get some flack for my title, but at initial look, no wait, at every single look when I seem at the HHR I are not able to assistance consider that this is Chevrolet’s remedy to the Chrysler PT Cruiser. Although you may perhaps disagree, the similarities are striking and the HHR is positioned to contend from the PT Cruiser, Honda Element, and the Scion xB. How very well the HHR will do is one more thing, so let’s choose a search at this minimal surprise before passing judgment.
The HHR, like the SSR released by Chevrolet a single yr ahead of it, is a retro auto meant to evoke comparisons with vehicles of a different era. Having styling cues from the 1949 Chevrolet/GMC Suburban the HHR, or Heritage Substantial Roof, is based on the all new Chevrolet Cobalt frame. The PT Cruiser is also a retro motor vehicle and it just take its styling cues from panel trucks of the similar era, therefore the PT in the title can make the automobile a panel truck cruiser. For even more comparison notes the Chrysler is centered on the aging [and soon to be discontinued] Neon platform.
The HHR, like the PT Cruiser, is primarily a tall wagon with elevated seating that can fold down to enable for sufficient carting of large and lengthy things. In fact, with the entrance passenger seat folded down, the HHR can easily carry an 8 foot move ladder inside its cabin. Chevrolet extra loads of bins, hooks, and cup holders to the HHR so that the utilitarian mother nature of the motor vehicle is only in its styling, and not in its practicality. Good detail, mainly because retro ought to only be in appears to be and not in creature comforts or the lack thereof, ideal?
With four passenger doors and a fifth utility door – a liftgate – the HHR is claimed to keep 5 passengers, but as automobiles of this sizing go the three in the back really should be children, in any other case the likely will absolutely be cramped.
Compared with the PT Cruiser which delivers three 4 cylinder engines, two of which are turbocharged, the HHR features just two typically aspirated engines: the 2.2L Ecotec with 143 horsepower or the 2.4L Ecotec with 172 horses. Equally engines are mated to a 5 pace guide transmission, but shoppers can opt for a 4 speed computerized if they so motivation.
Of course, all the other creature comforts of contemporary automobiles are also out there with the HHR some is normal products while other folks are listed as options. Air conditioning, cd players, air luggage, electricity seats/windows/doors/locks, and so on. are offered dependent on option deals requested and the model chosen [there are three].
One particular of the very best capabilities of the HHR is its rate. At this time, Chevrolet’s foundation MSRP is $15,990 and despite the fact that GM’s exclusive worker pricing plan has ended there are specific to be incentives available to lure buyers, probably in the place of low rate financing. Freeway gas mileage really should approach 30 miles to the gallon, which is similar to autos in its class.
Time will inform how the HHR is obtained and considering that it is so new I haven’t experienced a possibility to test generate 1 yet. Thus, I definitely are unable to pass judgment on the HHR other than to say I like its appears and imagine that it could be a excellent competitor to the PT Cruiser as very well as an solution for those considering the Honda Element or Scion xB.