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Chevy is GM’s “foundation” brand. Therefore, they must stay on top of value and innovation. Translated, Chevy needs more emotional products that will sell. It also means that Chevy can take more risks than the other GM brands. Why? Because they are going after the youth market which stays atop of technology and trends – think Cobalt and Aveo – and they need something hot in the fleet besides the Corvette. So what did they come up with? The third offering in Chevy’s small car lineup, the HHR. It’s a mix of the SSR convertible pick-up and the original ’49 Suburban. It seems like someone was having lunch with the Chrysler crew because the HHR looks like a longer and more muscular PT Cruiser. Actually, the person who designed the PT skipped over to Chevy and designed the HHR. Wow. Where’s the creativity?
Yet, the small crossover market is a growing segment and auto companies are going to infiltrate it with whatever they have. The $15,990 HHR is sure to grab a nice percentage of the pie. To appeal to “urban cool” neighborhoods, Chevy will offer the HHR with 17s, rounded tail lamps, roof racks, chrome, and a one-touch lift tailgate (borrowed from Cadillac). There was so much hype that they gave four customizers a HHR to be customized and broadcast on a segment of Rides TV.
Utility comes into play with a cabin that allows the seats to all fold flat (except driver’s) opening up eight linear feet of cargo space. This is good for carrying ladders and rugs. The front wheel drive HHR operates with an Ecotec 2.4-liter 172-horsepower engine or a 2.2-liter 143-horsepower engine. Two suspensions are available for either a soft or a firm ride. The little guy can also tow a thousand pounds. A sunroof, pear shaped door handles, and one big tailpipe adds to the cosmetics. A plastic dash, rubber mats, OnStar, XM Satellite Radio, an auxiliary audio input for MP3 players or a laptop, remote starter and an optional Pioneer 260-watt 7-speaker, 6-disc audio system round out the interior.
The HHR is sold as a LS and a LT. Accessories include running boards, upper deck spoiler, premium carpet floor mats and door sill plates. According to Lori Queen, GM vehicle line executive for small car, “HHR is one of the rare vehicles that can be all things to a wide variety of customers.”
She is so right! |
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