It once was that only rakish looking cars drew stares. But with the introductions of new types of vehicles such as the
2006 Chevrolet HHR, crossovers draw lots of attention.
The front-drive HHR crossover -- a car-based sport-utility -- looks chunky (some say "cute") but causes heads to turn. It's relatively compact but roomy, with retro styling reminiscent of the larger 1949 Chevrolet Suburban and underpinnings of the Chevy Cobalt compact car.
The letters "HRR'' stand for Heritage High Roof, with Heritage referring to the old Suburban utility vehicle and High Roof referring to the HHR's tall roofline.
The 2006 front-drive HHR has the bulldog face and bulging fenders of the old Suburban and has styling touches from the unusual Chevy SSR convertible pickup truck. The HHR is wider and longer than its main rival, the retro-style Chrysler PT Cruiser, which resembles a vintage hot rod. However, both have about the same amount of cargo space.
The HHR shows that making retro-style vehicles is no stroll in the park. For instance, its hood is one of the most complicated sheetmetal parts GM produces.
The HHR has a low, wide opening for the fairly large cargo area. That area can be enlarged by folding the 60-40 split rear seatbacks forward to create a flat cargo floor, although front seats must be far enough forward to let rear headrests clear them. The front passenger seatback can be flipped forward to further lengthen cargo room for such items as ladders.
There's also shallow underfloor storage bins. And the rear cargo area has hooks for grocery bags and a plastic cover to conceal cargo or form a two-tier loading shelf.
The auto giant considers the built-in-Mexico HHR one of the unique new vehicles, which include the new Pontiac Solstice sports car, that will draw more customers and help bring back the old GM distinctiveness largely lost in the 1970s.
The base $15,425 HHR LS has a 2.2-liter, 143-horsepower four-cylinder engine. A 2.4-liter, 172-horsepower four-cylinder is a $650 option for the $16,425 1LT and is standard on the $18,225 2LT.
My test car had the 2.4-liter engine, which provided lively acceleration in town, but average highway performance. The lower-horsepower engine is less potent on highways.
Both are high-revving, dual-overhead-camshaft, 16-valve units that work hard during highway passing maneuvers or climbing hills. A power-boosting supercharger like the one in the 205-horsepower Chevrolet Cobalt SS would help, especially if the 3,155-pound HHR is filled with occupants or cargo.
A five-speed manual gearbox is standard, with a downshift from fifth to fourth gear needed for a decent 65-75 mph passing time. The four-speed automatic, which has a remote-start feature, is $1,000 extra.
Both engines are rated at 22 mpg in the city and 30 on the highway with the manual gearbox and 23 and 30 with the automatic transmission.
The 2LT really is the 1LT with a $1,800 option package that includes the 2.4 engine and a bunch of other equipment. It includes a sport suspension with wider tires, anti-lock brakes, upgraded Pioneer sound system, leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls, fog lights and extra chrome exterior trim.
Even the LS has such standard items as air conditioning, tilt wheel, cruise control, split-folding rear seat, AM/FM/CD player with iPod capability and power mirrors, windows and door locks with remote keyless entry. The 1LT adds a power driver seat and alloy wheels.
Options include a $725 power sunroof, $325 XM satellite radio, $395 rear spoiler and $395 polished alloy wheels.
Safety extras include $395 side curtain air bags, $695 OnStar assistance system and $400 anti-lock brakes, which come with traction control when ordered with the automatic transmission.
My test HHR had the manual gearbox, which works with a stiff clutch. It shifts nicely but has long throws, which take some sportiness out of changing gears.
The manual helps provide slightly better acceleration, which is usually the case with rather small engines like the HHR's. But the automatic works efficiently. Chevy said it expects most HHRs will be bought with the automatic "because most people don't know how to shift gears.''
The HHR steering is smooth and responsive and the wheel has an unusually large retro shape; big steering wheels were needed to maneuver those old utility vehicles, which lacked power steering. The ride is on the soft side, even with the sport suspension, and the body tends to lean a bit around corners. Braking is strong, with good linear pedal feel.
The high roof gives a "command-of-the-road-feel'' familiar to SUV owners, but there's only comfortable space for four adults because of the center of the back seat is uncomfortable. Surprisingly, there's only one cupholder in the rear seat area.
Large outside door handles, wide door openings and a low floor make it easy to get in and out of the quiet interior's chair-height seats. The $445 color-keyed running boards thus are only a cosmetic item, although they look good. The broad front bucket seats are supportive in curves.
Inside door handles are more stylish than practical. Gauge numbers are small, as is the tachometer. Power window controls are awkward to use because they are set low under the dashboard ahead of the console instead of high on doors, where they're usually found. Climate controls are large, sound system controls small.
Interior storage room for small items is marginal, with such things as a small glovebox and slim door pockets. The windshield is large, but a big inside rearview mirror partly blocks vision of overhead traffic lights. However, visibility is generally good because there's lots of glass area and rear door windows roll down all the way. Large outside mirrors are integrated into the overall design theme for a more custom look.
The heavy hood raises smoothly on twin gas struts, and engine compartment fluid filler areas can be reached easily.
Chevrolet is vague about how many HHRs it expects to sell annually, but cautiously indicates that between "50,000 and 100,000'' units might be fine for starters. For one thing, there's that established PT Cruiser to contend with, you know.
2006 CHEVROLET HHR
PRICES
$15,425-$18,225
LIKES
Unique retro design. Carlike ride and handling. Roomy. Versatile.
DISLIKES
Average acceleration. Power window controls on console. Small gauge numbers.