2011 CHEVROLET HHR: A STYLISH AND EFFICIENT ALTERNATIVE IN THE COMPACT SEGMENT
08/07/2010
Chevrolet
Chevrolet's fun, stylish and efficient Chevy HHR continues to shine as one of the compact segment's most unique offerings. Powerful and efficient Ecotec engines are at the heart of the HHR lineup's success, delivering good performance, value and convenience. Manual-transmission models are EPA-rated at 32 mpg on the highway and automatic-equipped HHRs are rated at 30 mpg on the highway.
HHR is a safe vehicle. Since its launch, it has received critical acclaim and federal recognition for its safety features, including five-star crash ratings - the highest rating awarded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program. The five-star ratings were awarded for the driver and right-front passenger in a frontal crash, as well as five-star side-impact crash ratings for front-seat and rear-seat passengers. It has a four-star rating in NHTSA rollover testing.
Other safety features include standard side curtain air bags, as well as StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, tire pressure monitoring system, anti-lock brakes and traction control.
A surprising range of technology complements HHR's efficiency and safety features, including the popular MY LINK package. It includes a radio with a CD player, MP3 playback and USB port; Bluetooth phone connectivity; and OnStar Directions and Connections service plan. A leather-wrapped steering wheel with integral audio controls and a leather-wrapped shifter knob are also part of the package.
New for 2011, MY LINK includes XM Satellite Radio with a 1-year subscription plan.
HHR lineup
Featuring an open interior that provides the spaciousness and cargo capacity of an SUV, the HHR has easy-to-maneuver dimensions and room for just about any lifestyle interest. The rear seats fold flat, providing 57.7 cubic feet (1,634 L) of convenient storage. With the rear seats up, the straight roofline and rear liftgate maximize cargo capacity, offering 25.2 cubic feet (638 L). Reconfigurable and convenient storage compartments accommodate everything from groceries to surfboards.
The unique HHR Panel adds a unique dimension of functionality to the lineup. It offers windowless side panels and rear cargo doors in place of conventional rear doors, making a distinctive, efficient vehicle for a variety of business needs.
HHR and HHR Panel models are available in LS and LT trims. All models include standard features such as air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, power outside mirrors, cruise control, remote keyless entry, StabiliTrak, ABS and full-function traction control.
There are two LT equipment packages: 1LT and 2LT. The 1LT includes a standard eight-way power seat including power lumbar, body-color outside mirrors and 16-inch fascia-spoke wheels painted Sterling Silver. Bright chrome exterior trim and a bright exhaust tip are available, as are 16-inch chrome wheels.
HHR 2LT comes with a larger Ecotec 2.4L engine and FE3 sport suspension with StabiliTrak. Additional standard features include ABS, fog lamps, bright exhaust tip, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, a 260-watt Pioneer sound system with subwoofer and bright chrome exterior trim. Heated leather seats (with two heating levels) are available on both LT packages.
Cargo capability
HHR offers a highly adaptable cargo system that maximizes storage capability with a host of clever and useful configuration options, including:
- An auxiliary glove box with flip-up cover at the top center of the instrument panel provides convenient storage of MP3s, cell phones, sunglasses and other smaller items
- The front passenger seat folds fully flat, extending the total load length from the liftgate to the instrument panel, allowing 8-foot items -- such as a ladder - to be carried with the liftgate closed
- The front center armrest is integrated into the seat back frame so it is out of the way when pivoted into a stowed position, a characteristic of trucks and SUVs
- The rear seats feature a 60/40-split design, and fold to form a continuous flat load surface in conjunction with the folded front passenger seat. The 60-percent folding side was thoughtfully positioned on the passenger side, enabling wider objects to be positioned diagonally and carried more securely in the vehicle.
The cargo area in the rear 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 about 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.
HHR Panel utility
The body of the HHR Panel features steel inserts in place of side windows and cargo doors in place of conventional rear doors. The cargo doors open wide to enable cargo access from both sides of the vehicle, as well as from the rear liftgate. The cargo doors don't have external handles; they are opened via a dashboard release button or the remote keyless entry fob. The large, continuous area created by the windowless cargo doors and rear panels is ideal for business logos, advertising or personalization.
An auxiliary power outlet is standard in the rear of the cargo area, as well as a 40-amp auxiliary power connector to provide service for a variety of specialty equipment needs. This also answers the call of upfitters, who asked for an additional power source to suit their specialty vehicles.
Inside, the HHR Panel has seating for two and a large, flat cargo floor. Tie-down points are located strategically on the floor and the available, robust floor mats enable easier movement of cargo. Two large, lockable storage compartments are located under the cargo floor - in the approximate place of the rear seats of passenger models. The compartments are secure and large enough to hold small computer equipment, flashlights, service manuals and other valuable equipment that is more secure when hidden.
The HHR Panel has a flat load floor that provides more than 57 cubic feet (1,614 L) of cargo space, along with approximately 5 cubic feet (141 L) of covered, under-floor storage.
Ecotec efficiency
The HHR lineup is powered by a family of technologically sophisticated, inline four-cylinder Ecotec engines that balance usable power with fuel and emissions efficiency. The standard engine for LS and 1LT models is the Ecotec 2.2L engine with variable valve timing technology. The Ecotec 2.4L four-cylinder is available on the 1LT and standard on the 2LT.
The 2.2L engine provides 155 horsepower (116 kW)* and 150 lb.-ft. (203 Nm)* of torque and the 2.4L engine provides 172 horsepower (128 kW)* and 167 lb.-ft. of torque (226 Nm)*.
HHR transmissions include a standard F23 five-speed manual transmission and an available Hydra-Matic 4T45 electronically controlled four-speed automatic.
Suspension and brake systems
HHR has a MacPherson strut front suspension design, along with a semi-independent, torsion beam rear suspension and five-lug wheels. Two suspension systems are available: FE1 suspension standard on LS and 1LT, with an FE3 suspension standard on the 2LT model.
All models are equipped with rack-and-pinion steering with electric power steering (EPS) - a speed-sensitive, variable-effort system with specific tuning calibrations to match the performance characteristics of each of the suspension settings. EPS eliminates the use of an engine-driven power steering pump, as well as the corresponding fluid reservoir and plumbing, reducing both fuel consumption and the potential source of an environmental contaminant.
Brakes consist of large front discs and rear drums; ABS and traction control are
standard on all models. StabiliTrak -- also standard -- is GM's advanced electronic stability control system. It assists the vehicle in maintaining the driver's intended path by applying a brake force at any corner of the vehicle independent of the driver's use of the brake pedal. StabiliTrak is integrated with the traction control and ABS brake systems.