 Apparently,
Chevrolet HHR is a carbon copy from Chrysler PT Cruiser. Seeing the
success of the Chrysler retro yet practical hatchback, GM's product
director Bob Lutz decided to copy the successful formula of PT Cruiser.
He won't admit that of course. Instead, he said the styling resembles
the classic '49 Chevy Suburban while the name HHR stands for Heritage
High Roof - what a silly name.With an annual sales targeted at 60,000 units (that's just half of the PT) and an affordable price from US$16,000 to US$21,000 when all options are ticked, the Chevrolet HHR cannot afford a dedicated platform. In fact, it is a derivative of the Delta platform that already gave birth to Chevrolet Cobalt and Saturn Ion. This is a rather rigid platform, with strut and torsion-beam suspensions. Power comes from the familiar 143 hp 2.2-litre Ecotec 16V or 172 hp 2.4-litre version. Transmission are the predictable 5-speed manual or 4-speed auto. On the road, the HHR is rather slow because it is some 200 kg heavier than a Honda Civic. The rich torque of the 2.4-litre four-pot engine compensates, but it still needs to rev hard and therefore generate more noise than desired. In terms of handling and ride, the HHR has a similar story. The Delta platform provides a fundamentally safe (understeering) and easy driving character, the suspensions are compliant and the cabin well insulated from road noise. However, keen drivers is better to choose a regular sedan or hatchback because the HHR's High Roof, Heritage or not, results in very high center of gravity, hence a lot of roll and truck-like cornering behaviour. Besides, the electric power steering is too light and lack of feel. In addition to the poor braking power from the rear drum brakes, its handling can earn no more than 2 stars out of five.  Perhaps
the strongest aspect is how it looks. In my opinion the HHR looks
prettier than the PT, though I would say retro theme is never my cup of
tea. One thing cannot be denied: the HHR has a more upmarket feel in
its cabin construction and materials, having none of the cheap
plasticky feel of the PT. Space-wise, it is not as spacious as PT,
especially rear legroom, but its rear seat can fold flat to form a big
cargo loading area. The boot also got a movable parcel shelf. However,
both cars are not real people carriers, neither as spacious nor as
flexible as European Multi-Activity Vehicles. GM took 5 and a half years to reproduce a Chrysler PT Cruiser, yet the car does not handle or accelerate as good as its benchmark, nor did it break any new area in packaging. More crucially, being an imitator, it won't have the original image as the PT Cruiser. Bob Lutz wins no applause this time.    |
| The above report was last updated on 21 Sep 2005. All Rights Reserved. |
