Chevrolet unveiled the production model of the 2006 HHR, a unique vehicle that combines styling and interior adaptability to create a vehicle suited to all lifestyles. Chevy introduced the HHR at the 2005 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, the spiritual home of the custom car.

The HHR has a distinct design that fuses elements of the 1949 Chevy Suburban – the original utility vehicle – and the SSR roadster. It is built on the same solid platform as the new Chevy Cobalt. The HHR will be available in the second half of 2005.

With its overall length of 174.5 inches (4472 mm) and a cargo capacity of approximately 63.1cubic feet (1787 liters), the five-passenger HHR has easy-to-maneuver dimensions and room for just about any lifestyle interest. Its reconfigurable interior with clever storage solutions accommodates everything from groceries to surfboards.

HHR rounds out Chevrolet’s small-vehicle strategy that began last year with the successful Aveo – a vehicle which recently claimed the leadership position in its segment after just nine months on the market – and continues this year with Cobalt.

Well-equipped models
HHR comes well equipped from the factory with two model levels: LS and LT. The LT also comes in two packages – 1LT and 2LT. The LS and 1LT are powered by an Ecotec 2.2L four-cylinder rated at 140 horsepower (104 kw) and 150 lb.-ft. of torque (207 Nm). An Ecotec 2.4L four-cylinder is standard in the 2LT and is available in the 1LT; it delivers 170 horsepower (126 kw) and 170 lb.-ft. of torque (235 Nm). A five-speed manual transmission is standard and an electronically controlled four-speed automatic is available in all models.

Style
HHR is a four-door vehicle with a rear touch-pad liftgate. Its high roof evokes the look of the innovative 1949 Chevy Suburban, while other exterior cues carry the expressive attributes of the SSR roadster – all unmistakably Chevy traits.

Like the SSR, the HHR features deep-draw, flared fenders which tuck in at the rockers for a solid, firmly-planted stance. A one-piece, stamped metal hood is reminiscent of the ’49 Suburban’s heritage and is evidence of precise assembly quality. More quality touches are found in the single-cavity headlamp design, which incorporates jeweled lighting effects, as well as a flared, twin-taillamp design in the rear that creates a look that is half street machine and half vintage Corvette. Stamped door and window appearances with a one-piece wraparound molding contribute to the clean, detailed design and are uncommon in contemporary vehicles. The HHR’s rear window is flush with the body side.

The outside mirrors are integrated into the overall design theme for a more custom appearance, and the available integrated roof racks are designed to retain the HHR’s overall aesthetic. The HHR also incorporates contemporary Chevy styling cues, including a prominent cross-grille bar with a Bowtie logo.

Haul, store, pack more
Like the rest of the vehicle, the HHR’s interior combines the reassuring high visibility and cargo flexibility of an SUV with the comfort, appointments, driving ease and ergonomics of an upscale sedan. The high roof provides excellent headroom and creates a more open, airy environment, while the instrument cluster carries the heritage theme of the vehicle.

The HHR’s interior evokes a feeling of roominess and an upscale aura is created by detailed, jewel-like instrument displays and chrome accents. Interior color combinations feature darker colors on upper sections of the interior and lighter colors for lower sections. Quality also is conveyed in the tailored seats, which provide firmer support, sculpture and plenty of comfort for long drives.

HHR also has standard air conditioning, providing comfortable levels of airflow, cooling capability and reduced cool-down time. The system is designed to provide efficient side-window defogging and enhanced rear-window defogging.

Complementing the HHR’s comfortable and expressive interior is a highly adaptable cargo system, which maximizes storage capability with a host of clever and useful configuration options.

The rear seats have a 60/40-split, which fold to form a flat load surface in conjunction with the folded front passenger seat. The 60-percent side was thoughtfully positioned on the passenger side, enabling wider objects to be placed in the vehicle securely.