2006 CHEVY HHR MELDS STYLISH FORM WITH DO-IT-ALL FUNCTION
Chevrolet’s all-new 2006 HHR is a versatile vehicle designed for every lifestyle. HHR offers distinctive styling, a spacious, easily configurable interior and an economical, Ecotec-based family of powertrains.
The HHR’s unique design fuses elements of the 1949 Chevy Suburban – the original utility vehicle – and the SSR roadster. An overall length of 176.2 inches (4,475 mm) and a cargo capacity of up to approximately 63.1cubic feet (1,787 L) give the five-passenger HHR easy-to-maneuver dimensions. Numerous reconfigurable and convenient storage compartments accommodate everything from groceries to surfboards. The fold-flat front passenger seat, for example, creates enough cargo length to carry an 8-foot ladder with the liftgate closed.
Aimed at customers of all ages, the HHR appeals to those who want a fun vehicle to accommodate a lifestyle that usually incorporates lots of cargo – from guitars and amplifiers to painting equipment or groceries. HHR rounds out Chevrolet’s small-vehicle strategy that began with the successful Aveo, a vehicle that holds the leadership position in its segment, and continues with the recently introduced Cobalt.
HHR comes in a variety of expressive colors, from Sunburst Orange II Metallic to an exclusive Majestic Amethyst. A satin chrome finish is standard, with a bright chrome finish available on some models.
“HHR is one of the rare vehicles that can be all things to a wide variety of customers,” said Lori Queen, GM vehicle line executive for small car. “With its combination of style and function, the HHR gives those seeking an affordable, non-traditional vehicle an enthusiastic reason to visit their Chevy dealer.”
HHR comes well equipped from the factory in two models: LS and LT. The LT also comes in two trim levels – 1LT and 2LT. The MSRP for the LS is $15,990. HHR 1LT’s MSRP is $16,990, with the 2LT listing for $18,790 MSRP (prices include destination and freight charges). All models come with a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty.
All HHR models include standard features such as air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, power outside mirrors and remote keyless entry. Segment-largest 16-inch wheels are standard, with 17-inch wheels available. The HHR’s audio systems, including the standard six-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo, feature an auxiliary channel and front-mounted auxiliary input jack, so that an iPod or other audio source can be played through the vehicle audio system. A powerful, 260-watt Pioneer enhanced-performance audio system with subwoofer is available on the LS and 1LT models.
The 1LT model also includes a standard MP3 player, eight-way power seat including power lumbar, 16-inch cast aluminum wheels and a satin chrome exterior appearance package. Bright chrome exterior trim and a bright exhaust tip are available. ABS and traction control are also available (traction control available only with automatic transmission). LS and 1LT models come with the 2.2L Ecotec engine, which is rated at 143 horsepower (107 kw) and 150 lb.-ft. of torque (203 Nm).*
HHR 2LT comes with the larger 2.4L Ecotec engine. It produces 172 horsepower (128 kw) and 162 lb.-ft. of torque (220 Nm).* The 2LT also includes standard features such as ABS, fog lamps, bright exhaust tip, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, the 260-watt Pioneer sound system with subwoofer, 17-inch aluminum wheels, FE3 sport suspension and a bright chrome exterior trim. Heated leather seats (with two heating levels) are available on both LT packages.
Options include a power sunroof with express close feature, OnStar, XM Satellite Radio and a remote vehicle starter (standard with automatic transmission). A four-speed automatic transmission is available on all models; a five-speed manual transmission is standard. A lineup of accessories that are available through Chevy dealers is also available and includes everything from chrome 17-inch wheels to custom interior mats.
Roomy and convenient
The HHR’s interior combines the reassuring high visibility and cargo flexibility of an SUV with the comfort, appointments, driving ease and ergonomics of a sedan. The vehicle’s high roofline provides increased headroom and creates an open, airy environment.
A highly adaptable cargo system, which maximizes storage capability with a host of clever and useful configuration options, is the center point of HHR’s functionality. Features include an auxiliary glove box with a flip-up cover located at the top center of the instrument panel, a fold-flat front passenger that extends the total interior load length, and 60/40-split rear seats which form a continuous flat load surface when folded.
The rear cargo area also is thoughtfully designed:
- It provides a continuous flat load floor when the rear seats are folded down.
- The primary load floor can become a shelf when raised and mounted approximately 1 foot higher – the shelf can be mounted level or at a 45-degree angle to provide quick access to the cargo beneath it when the liftgate is opened.
- A 5-inch-deep recessed bin below the load floor can conceal 2.8 cubic feet (79.6 L); the spare tire is located beneath the bin.
- Two storage bins (0.5 cubic foot / 12.9 L total) are found forward of the load floor, nestled behind the rear seat, and plastic bag holders are conveniently located under the cargo shelf.
- It comes with a carpeted cargo mat.
- The rear liftgate is activated via touchpad, for ease of opening.
Powertrain and chassis systems
The Ecotec family of inline four-cylinder engines powers the HHR and is designed to balance performance and economy. All models are designed for flat-towing. HHR’s powertrains are mounted in a robust architecture – the same lower-dominant GM global small car architecture as the Cobalt. It is designed to minimize noise and vibration, with contributing premium materials such as Quiet Steel laminated panels in the plenum area.
A MacPherson-strut front suspension design is employed, along with a semi-independent, torsion beam rear suspension. Two suspension systems are available: FE1 suspension standard on LS and 1LT, with an FE3 suspension standard on the 2LT model. The FE1 suspension is tuned for a softer ride and includes 16-inch wheels, while the FE3 provides sportier handling traits and offers standard 17-inch wheels and monotube shocks. Forged aluminum high-polished 17-inch wheels are available. The tires for all models were developed exclusively for HHR to deliver optimized ride and handling.
All models are equipped with rack-and-pinion steering with electric power steering – more than 2,000 hours were invested in the steering calibrations to ensure a “just right” feel. The brakes consist of large front discs and rear drums, with ABS and traction control standard on 2LT models (traction control available only with automatic transmission) and available on LS and 1LT models.
Safety features
Standard safety features include dual-stage frontal air bags with GM’s Passenger Sensing System. This system works with the front passenger seat and differentiates between adults – 5 th percentile females and larger – and small children or child seats to adjust air bag deployment.
Additionally, HHR has front safety belt pretensioners, rear seat center lap-shoulder safety belts and the LATCH child seat retention system. Head curtain side-impact air bags for front- and rear-seat occupants are available.
OnStar-equipped HHR models feature OnStar dual-mode (analog-digital) equipment. OnStar’s digital equipment also includes enhanced hands-free voice recognition capabilities including more intuitive continuous digit dialing and improved voice recognition accuracy. OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the United States and Canada . Using the GPS satellite network and wireless technology, OnStar features core safety services and OnStar Hands-Free Calling that allows drivers to make and receive voice-activated phone calls using an externally mounted antenna for greater reception.
The OnStar service standard on the 2006 HHR includes the General Motors Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN) system, making crash data available to the participating 911 centers to help them dispatch the appropriate live-saving personnel and equipment to crash scenes faster.
Accessories
In addition to the HHR’s standard and optional equipment, several accessories are available through Chevrolet dealers. The accessories enhance the style and function of the vehicle. They include:
- 17-inch chrome wheels –The HHR accessory wheel features a brightly polished and distinct five double-spoke design.
- Running boards – Designed, engineered and painted to match the body color, these running boards help prevent tire splash and road debris damage. They are made from corrosion-resistant materials and have a traction-gripping step surface.
- Upper deck spoiler – Custom-molded, one-piece design can be painted to match the exterior (offered in body colors and primer).
- Premium carpet floor mats – Front and rear custom carpet floor mats provide an exact fit with a high-quality carpeted upper surface that matches the interior.
- Door sill plates – Black sill plates protect against scratches and scrapes when entering or exiting the vehicle.
*Preliminary, pending certification. A new voluntary power and torque certification procedure developed by the SAE Engine Test Code committee was approved March 31, 2005 . This procedure (J2723) ensures fair, accurate ratings for horsepower and torque by allowing manufacturers to certify their engines through third-party witness testing. GM was the first auto manufacturer to begin using the procedure and expects to use it for all newly rated engines in the future.
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Contact:
Noreen Pratscher
Chevrolet Communications
Phone: (313) 667-0134
Mobile: (586) 899-2760
Email: noreen.patscher@gm.com
Robert Tripolsky
GM Product Communications
Phone : (586) 947-4756
Email : robert.r.tripolsky@gm.com