2005 Chevrolet HHR
2005 Chevrolet HHR
No one looking at Chevy's new HHR (Heritage High Roof) miniwagon will be surprised to learn that Bryan Nesbitt, creator of the Chrysler PT Cruiser, had a hand in its design. It's all here: movable rear package shelf with bag hooks on the bottom, flat-folding rear- and front-passenger seats, ball shifter knob, power-window switches in the center console. Despite riding on virtually the same wheelbase and being slightly longer (by 5.7 inches), maximum cargo space is close to the PT's 64.2 cubic feet. That's probably because the HHR's rear seats don't come out, and its rear deck is higher.
Power will come from one of two Ecotec 16-valve four-cylinder engines (2.2 or 2.4 liters). The base engine rates 145 horsepower and 150 pound-feet, while the uplevel I-4 is good for 170 and 170. Transmission options include a five-speed manual and four-speed automatic. Built on GM's new front-drive Delta platform (Chevy Cobalt, Saturn Ion) and riding on 16- or 17-inch wheels and tires with an optional sport-suspension package, we expect the HHR's ride and handling to be quite decent. HHRs will be served in LS or LT models, the latter subdivided into two trim packages. Expect base prices to fall in the $14,000-$18,000 range.
| Base price | $14,000-$18,000 (est) |
| Vehicle layout | Front engine, FWD, 5-door, 5-pass wagon |
| Engine type | I-4, DOHC, 4 valves/cyl |
| Displacement, ci/L | 134/2.2, 145/2.4 |
| SAE net horsepower, hp @ rpm | 145/170 |
| SAE net torque, lb-ft @ rpm | 150/170 |
| Transmissions | 5-speed manual, 4-speed auto |
| Curb weight, lb | 3300 (est) |
| GVWR, lb | 4200 (est) |
| Towing capacity, lb | 1500 (est) |
| Payload, lb | 850 (est) |
| 0-60 mph, sec | 8.0 / 10.0 (est) |
| EPA city/highway, mpg | 21-23 / 29-31 (est) |
| On sale | Summer 2005 |