2006 Chevrolet HHR
Chev positions the HHR as a ride for hip, unconventional drivers with a taste for utility.
The small front-wheel-drive retro wagon has another enticing virtue: there's no Pontiac, Saturn or Buick clone to dilute the bow-tie identity.
Good move, GM.
New for 2006, the HHR (heritage high roof) is built in Ramos Arizpe, in northeastern Mexico.
It shares a platform with the Chev Cobalt and Saturn Ion.
Among marketers, HHR is known for conquest sales from rivals and buyers' eagerness to personalize it with accessories.
A two-seat panel version is due next spring and, better still, a hot SS version for 2008.
The HHR comes as an LS, with a 2.2-litre four-cylinder, or posher LT, with a 2.4-litre four.
Both motors are aluminum Ecotecs, with dual overhead camshafts.
They gain modest power tweaks for 2007, the 2.2 moving up to 149 hp from 143, the 2.4 to 175 from 172.
New colour choices inside and out are also available.
A fun-to-use five-speed manual is standard on both trims, with a four-speed automatic optional.
The tester was an LS done in jewel-like Daytona Blue Metallic, with the manual box.
The LS starts at $19,220, the LT at $21,535. Options include head-curtain airbags and ABS.
THREE STARS
THREE STRIKES
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