Chevrolet HHR

When Chevy brought out the HHR a couple of years ago I couldn’t help but

An efficient delivery vehicle almost anyone could be proud of. (Kevin Wang, Canadian Auto Press)

think that GM was simply copying an idea that Chrysler came up with for its hugely successful PT Cruiser. And while it would be silly for the General to deny that the PT didn’t influence the design of this retro styled wagon, at least they can say the HHR has been modeled after a vehicle that actually existed in Chevrolet’s past, the ’49 Suburban. But really, does it matter who came up with the idea first?

Take this new Panel version. Chrysler showed a delivery-style PT panel van shortly after the passenger version was launched, and the customizers of the world pleaded with the powers that be in Auburn Hills to build it, but for reasons we’ll never know, although possibly because Chrysler would never have wanted to see its vaunted wings draped across a vehicle that might also be used as a lowly delivery van, it never came to be.

Chevy has no problems with its entry-level status being used for such menial labour, however, so the HHR panel was born and those same customizers who long ago said goodbye to the PT are saying hello to the HHR all over again.

The HHR’s windows never stopped the tuners the first time, though. At the 2005 Specialty Equipment Manufacturer Association show in Las Vegas, otherwise know as SEMA, customizers showed a number of highly tweaked HHRs. Some had their rooflines lowered, others had wild paint jobs and all had killer audio systems. The same is happening with the HHR Panel. But the difference this time goes beyond the interest of tuners, and rather to the vehicle’s commercial applications.

Its profile is ideal for large scale graphics, making it the perfect billboard, and its interior has been designed to withstand the abuse of serious

With all that side space, it would be easy to turn an HHR Panel into a rolling billboard. (Photo: Kevin Wang, Canadian Auto Press)

work thanks to rubber mats and hard plastic interior panels. For smaller items, such as flowers or car parts, it would make a good delivery vehicle, or some might find it ideal for courier work. It’s not going to replace the hole formed in the delivery market when Chevy cancelled its much-loved Astro van, but I think the HHR Panel will find a number of industrial applications for companies wanting a small, fuel efficient runabout.

I kind of expected Chevy to show up with side swinging “Dutch Oven” doors in back when I heard the Panel was getting the green flag for production, but the same liftgate that’s used in the standard HHR got the nod, and I suppose it’s better for those who would have otherwise found themselves standing in the rain when hauling deliveries in and out of the cargo area.

And where most would expect to find side sliders for ease of access, Chevy left the side doors the same too. Without any door handles they require a bit of finagling to get into if you go about it manually, as

Lots of extra (hidden) storage space is standard. (Photo: Kevin Wang, Canadian Auto Press)

you’ve got to open the front door and reach your hand behind, blindly fidget for the latch that is awkwardly placed to be tugged from the opposite angle, and then give it a pull which opens the door. A smarter way is by pushing one of the rear door buttons located on the dash. There’s two on the driver’s side, and one on the passenger’s.

Once inside the changes are obvious. Chevy has removed the rear seats and replaced them with handy storage bins, perfect for keeping work items that might otherwise roll around in back and then get lost behind the front seats on the floor. Pulling up the optional rubber mat to get at them is a bit of a pain, but the benefit of having the mat separate from the floor for cleaning purposes is probably worth it.

Up front the HHR Panel is exactly the same as its five-seat sibling, which means that large people will fit in without complaint and most everyone else should find it equally comfortable. The plastics are delivery van-like, in that they’re hard and easily washable, but those wanting luxury

This HHR LS felt a little "utility" grade. It can be equipped just as well as a regular HHR, though. (Photo: Kevin Wang, Canadian Auto Press)

should probably look elsewhere or take it to their local tuner who would be happy to add leather covered panels in replacement. And while I’m not going to complain about the quality of the plastic, I have to argue with GM about the way the specific example I used for this test fit together, and particularly how some of the edges aren’t finished off properly, with this one even spoiled by leftover plastic extrusion bits sticking out on the dash. I couldn’t help myself and started to scrape off the sharp edges, but I don’t think new car owners should have to do that.

The CD-equipped audio system sits in one of GM’s now common interfaces, and it’s a high quality unit with better than average switchgear. It also gets an auxiliary input for an external audio device, and can be had with XM satellite radio. Of course, only delivery drivers will care about what comes standard, as customizers will inevitably toss it out as soon as it arrives in their shop.

Some tuners might decide to tweak the HHR’s standard

The rear doors don't have windows. Instead, they've got body coloured steel panels. (Photo: Kevin Wang, Canadian Auto Press)

four-cylinder engine too, but for most its 149 horsepower 2.2-litre capability will be ample for hauling stuff around town. This particular car features a 4-speed automatic transmission, which is hardly state of the art but is smooth in operation and goes about its business efficiently. Base cars get a five-speed manual gearbox. Top-line HHR Panels can be had with a 175-horsepower 2.4-litre four-cylinder, by the way, which gives it a bit more kick without using much more fuel.

Its handling is pretty good too, which is important for accident avoidance, but sports car fans will notice it lean at bit into corners and react like most tall wagons. I’m more impressed with its maneuverability in tight parking lots, as, despite being longer, its turning circle is much better than the PT Cruiser. And it has a really nice ride for a compact vehicle, important for protecting fragile cargo.

I have to say that I was a bit surprised about the price. I expected the Panel to cost less than a regular five-person HHR, due to its lack of

Though there are door handles to get out, there aren't any to get in. It's done by pressing buttons on the dash. (Photo: Kevin Wang, Canadian Auto Press)

rear seats, rear carpeting and rear windows, but in reality it costs about $200 more. I suppose there’s a cost to the electric rear door openers allowing for the removal of the door handles, the storage bin system that goes where the seats used to and the unique interior panels in back, but I still expected it to sticker a little lower than the passenger version.

On the positive, it can be had with ABS, although it’s an extra, as are side-curtain airbags that only have to protect front occupants although extend to the rear anyway; probably cheaper than reconfiguring the car to only accept curtain airbags up front.

Oh, and that rubber mat in back? It’ll cost you a nominal fee too. I suppose making most things optional is OK, considering

It's different for sure, but it's a concept that should pay off well for Chevrolet. (Photo: Kevin Wang, Canadian Auto Press)

that many will want to make this car their own by adding unique touches. So why pay for something you don’t need like alloy wheels… the wheels in these photos are covers over steel rims by the way. Don’t worry. They fooled me at first too.

At the end of the day the HHR Panel is one of a kind, and I think it’s going to be popular with customizers and businesses that do light deliveries. Adding to this is a strong powertrain warranty covering 5 years or 160,000 km that will make it even more appealing to penny pinching small business owners. I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to seeing how creative these businesses and customizers get with the new HHR Panel. One thing’s for sure, our streets will become more colourful now that this new Chevy is available.

Specifications:

• Price Range (base LS - LT MSRP): $19,480 - $22,120 ($26,015 loaded)
• Freight: $1,095
• Body Type: 5-door wagon / light commercial vehicle
• Layout: front engine, FWD
• Base Engine: 149 hp, 150 lb-ft of torque, 2.2L, 16-valve DOHC I-4
• Optional Engine: 175 hp, 162 lb-ft of torque, 2.4L, 16-valve DOHC I-4
• Transmission: 5-spd manual (optional 4-spd auto)
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/drum (optional ABS)
• Curb Weight: 1,431 kg (3,155 lbs)
• Seating Capacity: 2
• Exterior Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 4,432 / 1,730 1,562 / 2,620 mm (176.2 / 69.1 / 63.1 / 103.5 in)
• Cargo Volume: 1,787 liters (63.1 cubic feet)
• Fuel Economy (estimated city/hwy): 9.5 / 6.1 L/100 km (2.2L)
• Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive - 60/160,000 powertrain
• Direct Competitors: Chrysler PT Cruiser, Honda Element, Scion xB
• Web Site: www.gmcanada.com