We like the retrospective styling treatment served up by the
HHR across the model range. The closest comparison to the Chevy HHR is the
Chrysler PT Cruiser. They don't look anything alike, but both are four-cylinder wagons on the retro side of the design equation. Both fill a respective need in their individual camps.
The rounded nose of the HHR is not unlike Chevy's SSR, which also reflects the brand's truck heritage. The HHR's fenders are well defined with flat side wheel well openings contrasting favorably with the vehicle's many curved, contemporary sculpted surfaces. Front and rear bumpers and fog lamps are integrated into seamless fascia, with integrated running boards offering another nostalgic touch. The flush glass all around, including the windshield is a nice touch, as are the headlights surrounded by body panels in old school fashion. The tail light treatment consists of two round vertically stacked lenses on each side. The large, prominent grille is chrome, (except on the SS model), and appears much like that of the 1949 Suburban.
Front and rear bumpers are molded from composite material, integrated as part of their respective fascia. The Chevy HHR offers a more traditional look than other vehicles in its competitive set. It provides lots of room and functionality without being boxy. When viewed from a distance, the HHR looks larger than it really is. Examined closely, it's compact. And you have to sit down into it upon entry and rise out of it when exiting.
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 enabling cargo access from both sides of the vehicle, as well as from the rear lift gate. The cargo doors are smooth and 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. Side visibility is obviously limited due to the solid sides without windows; one must rely primarily on mirrors for backing maneuvers. The smooth, windowless sides on the Panel give it a cleaner, retro, more hot rod look than the standard models. The lack of windows adds security for contents inside.
The HHR SS sits 6 mm lower than it stable mates, but sports extended front and rear fascias that give it the appearance of riding much lower. The new front fascia features an air-dam design with integrated fog lights, and the chrome surround grille comes with mesh-style upper and lower grille inserts. The new rear fascia provides a cutout for single bright exhaust tip. New rocker moldings resemble accentuated running boards. Out back, a rear spoiler is mounted above rear glass. Body-color door handles, mirror caps and rear license plate surround, along with SS badging on the front doors and rear lift gate further differentiate the SS from its stable mates. next page