Auto Q & A
Auto Q & A
By: Dr. Wheels
Topics:
Posted by editor Fri Apr 28, 2006 18:14:32 PDT
Viewed 1152 times
1 response 0 comments Dear Q & A: How about some information on the new Chevy HHR? Is it a sports car, an economy car, a kiddy car like the Scion, or what? And how come I have yet to see any advertising for it? Doesn’t GM want to sell them?
— Owen
Dear Owen: Here are some basics on the HHR. It appears to be Chevrolet’s (rather belated) answer to the market success of Chrysler’s PT Cruiser, the retro design that’s done so well with younger buyers. The HHR is cheap, small, economical on fuel and incorporates the hot “crossover” look that’s not exactly sedan, SUV, or station wagon but has features of all three.
Supposedly a mini version of GM’s 1949 Chevy Suburban, the HHR platform is the same as Chevy’s Cobalt. Engines offered are 2.2-liter, 145-horsepower and 2.4-liter, 172-hp, both in-line fours, with a 4-speed auto and a 5-speed manual transmission, yielding a fuel economy of about 22 mpg city and 30 highway.
Early testers agree that the ride is good, and they were impressed that the vehicle has power windows, door locks and mirrors as standard equipment and that, like the PT, seat backs are tall and afford good support. The HHR is about as roomy, with all foldable seats down, as the PT, providing 63 cubic feet of cargo capacity. Wheelbase is 103 inches, length 172, width 68, and height 61-Ω. But as you asked, where are GM’s ads?
Dear Q &A: My wife is always after me when we ride together to buy gas at the lowest price we see. I couldn’t care less. I buy where it’s convenient, not where it’s cheapest. I can’t get excited about saving a nickel or a dime per gallon. What’s your take on our disagreement?
— E. W.
Dear EW: She’s got the better idea, from two angles. Not only does she save that nickel or dime per, which can add up to serious money over a year’s time, she and everyone like her is also helping maintain a downward pressure on gasoline pricing in your area. The more business lost to price-conscious people like her at higher-priced gas stations, the more their proprietors lose their enthusiasm for charging more. Think of her as a public-spirited citizen who’s acting for the good of all (including you).
Dear Q & A: What can you tell me about the new Jeep Wrangler “Hummer?” I know it’s not called a “Hummer” (General Motors would probably sue), but I’ve heard it’s huge and square and very military looking.
— A.D.
Dear AD: “Military” describes it pretty well. If the Willys Overland company were still around and had been given the Army contract for a 2006-era military vehicle corresponding to its World War II Jeep, the new four-door Wrangler Unlimited is very likely close to what it would look like. It’s square and retro, with external door hinges and hood latches, and it even has a real fold-down windshield to let you feel the wind in your face. Fenders, bumpers and grille, too, are really reminiscent of the original 1940s workhorse.
Wheelbase of this new competitor for road-macho honors is nearly two feet longer than the 95.4-inch standard Wrangler, which puts the wheels at the extreme front and rear of the Unlimited. Photos released of this new model by Daimler-Chrysler, Jeep’s corporate parent, expected to reach showrooms this coming fall, look digitally enhanced, indicating, like vagueness about power plant options, that a few details have yet to be finalized.
Send your automotive questions to Auto Q & A, Box 2222, Tehachapi, CA 93581
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