&tPicture Gallery: 2007 Chevrolet HHR Panel | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4
 Click Image to Enlarge |
A delivery van is what this 2007 HHR Panel was meant to be, or perhaps a vehicle to haul a contractor’s tools around as well as some materials. It is small enough to be useful in the city and easy to drive, while being large enough to carry the essentials to get the job done.
 Click Image to Enlarge |
I first drove the HHR back in late 2004, if memory serves me right. I remember a few things about it, which after driving this HHR for a day now all seem wrong. I remember the HHR having a very high seating position but this one does not. I also remember the interior being rather ugly, but this new 2007 seems pretty good at first glance. Perhaps things have improved on the HHR like many other GM products.
The base model HHR starts at $19,855. My tester adds the security package ($1,195) which brings side curtain airbags and four-wheel ABS brakes; automatic transmission ($1,260) as well as the premium stereo system which adds a subwoofer, seven speakers and XM satellite radio for $1010.
|
|
Having fewer windows has a few advantages, besides the obvious of keeping prying eyes away from the goods being transported. It reduces the heat inside the cabin while the car sits baking in the sun all day. Of course, this comes with the price of visibility as you can no longer rely on the shoulder check before changing lanes.
2007 Chevrolet HHR Panel
MSRP as tested: $24,415
For more information on Chevrolet and the HHR visit GM Canada
 Click Image to Enlarge |
At the front of the HHR Panel, not much has changed over the regular model. The biggest change that I can find is the 2 buttons on the driver’s side to open the rear doors and one button on the passenger side to open the passenger side rear door. The rest is the same, providing a comfortable driving position and aesthetically pleasing dash and instrument cluster.
 Click Image to Enlarge |
The entire floor is level front to rear, with eight tie downs strewn about the cargo area to secure equipment or goods. The rubberized floor mat that covers the cargo area is very sticky as well, and prevents boxes from flying around in turns.
There is a rear cargo shelf as well, which can be placed on the floor or over it as a shelf, but it is rather useless as an upper shelf as items will simply fly off of it with no back seat to block items from going forward. The rear doors, having no windows and handles, do provide extra security but are a little bit of a pain to open.
There are two ways to open the doors, the first being those buttons on the dash, and the second being the interior door handles, which can be accessed by reaching around the front seats. These doors could be made much more convenient by adding buttons to the keyless entry to pop them open. They also do not open any wider than the standard HHR doors, limiting the ability to load large boxes. If the doors could be made to slide like a minivan door they would be perfect.
 Click Image to Enlarge |
Two engine choices are available on the 2007 HHR with a third engine choice coming for 2008. My LS tester is equipped with the 2.2L ecotec engine producing a paltry 143hp coupled with a four-speed automatic transmission. The LT model is available with an optional 2.4L ecotec engine producing 172hp, which should move the HHR around a little quicker. Available for 2008 will be the SS model featuring a turbo-charged 2.0L engine which I’m sure will give the HHR enough juice to move its 3155lbs (1431kg) around.
 Click Image to Enlarge |
This is all with the HHR only carrying myself; I can’t imagine how slowly it would drive carrying two large adults and some heavy packages or gear. I’d be afraid it might just stop dead if you encountered a hill.
I will give the HHR praise for being smooth and quiet though, and it does feel light on its feet. It corners very much like a car and is easy enough to toss around. Surprisingly it is not much higher than a Mazda3 when parked side-by-side. The radio has a speed sensitive volume control and I find the HHR so quiet even above 80km/h that I have to turn down the volume as the automatic control raises it too much.
On the road visibility is good, braking is good and handling is fine as well — actually all are better than expected. As long as you are not in a hurry to get anywhere the HHR could be for you; it certainly will help you avoid any nasty speeding fines.
 Click Image to Enlarge |
What I was amazed at, though, was the fuel economy over the course of the week with the HHR. Who would have thought — put a smaller engine in a vehicle and you will achieve better fuel consumption; what a concept. I averaged 9.8L/100km driving around the city during the week which was extremely good for my typical driving routes. What was even better was my highway trip this weekend that yielded me an average of 7.3L/100km — impressive.
I end the week still slightly puzzled by the Panel version of the HHR. It makes sense only as a business vehicle but one can only assume resale value would be greatly affected by the lack of rear seats and windows. I still believe the standard HHR would be as useful for cargo carrying and even more useful as a second family vehicle in a pinch. Either way the HHR seems to provide good value and, more importantly these days, good fuel economy.
*Rating out of 5:
| 2007 Chevrolet HHR Panel | |
| Acceleration | 
|
| Handling | 
|
| Comfort | |
| Interior | 
|
| Audio System | |
| Gas Mileage |  |
*Rating based on vehicle’s classification
2007 Chevrolet HHR Panel
MSRP as tested: $24,415
For more information on Chevrolet and the HHR visit GM Canada
to our site.
October 03, 2007, 12:53:32 am when I look at that red van a silly song comes to mind.
Postman Pat, Postman Pat, Postman Pat and his black and white cat, Early in the morning, Just as day is dawning, He picks up all the post bags in his van. Postman Pat, Postman Pat, Postman Pat and his black and white cat, All the birds are singing......................
Anyway.
These small van can be tricky to drive around urban centres than a normal size cargo van, Some turnings you are almost blind. I'm not sure if there is need for this size van in Canada, I guess only time will tell?
October 03, 2007, 07:51:52 am this probably a perfect size for some trades since there no small wagon anymore, controls, telephone installers. Probably even geek squad
October 03, 2007, 09:03:38 am I actually quite like this vehicle, it looks neat and could be very practical. And look at all that space to plaster your company name!
James, I remember reading when these first came out they were also putting out a panel version with back windows. Does yours have windows? Also: is the panel available with the turbocharged SS motor?
October 03, 2007, 09:40:22 am
Postman Pat, Postman Pat, Postman Pat and his black and white cat, Early in the morning, Just as day is dawning, He picks up all the post bags in his van. Postman Pat, Postman Pat, Postman Pat and his black and white cat, All the birds are singing......................
...
I think if I were a contractor it would be between a panel HHR and a Magnum - and I'd probably opt for the Magnum because of the sheer size - you can carry a ton of stuff in them and no really terrible blind spots like the panel van would have.
October 03, 2007, 10:26:04 am Wing, think the HHR looks 10X better inside in black/charcoal than the tan/beige.
I don't mind the exterior - quite like it.
Don't know if this vehicle has enough vertical height inside. If it had a bit more would greatly expand the flexibility of the vehicle.
October 03, 2007, 11:58:08 am
Postman Pat, Postman Pat, Postman Pat and his black and white cat, Early in the morning, Just as day is dawning, He picks up all the post bags in his van. Postman Pat, Postman Pat, Postman Pat and his black and white cat, All the birds are singing......................
...
I think if I were a contractor it would be between a panel HHR and a Magnum - and I'd probably opt for the Magnum because of the sheer size - you can carry a ton of stuff in them and no really terrible blind spots like the panel van would have.
October 03, 2007, 12:04:46 pm Magnums are pretty popular with businesses around here. Good utility at a good price.
October 03, 2007, 03:14:30 pm
The HHR will get sales though - I can see people wanting one with the high roof line for stacking high in the rear. That is, until they read the warning about cargo stacked higher than the seat back is dangerous and might fly around the cabin during transit.
October 03, 2007, 03:25:23 pm
The HHR will get sales though - I can see people wanting one with the high roof line for stacking high in the rear. That is, until they read the warning about cargo stacked higher than the seat back is dangerous and might fly around the cabin during transit.
Also can you get a real roof rack to hold ladders
October 03, 2007, 03:45:02 pm If not, I'm sure the aftermarket will have something very quickly that will do both. Though it would be nice to be able to tick the option box for those two things at the time of purchase.
You know, these car companies should be scouting on our forum. We're just full of good ideas!
October 03, 2007, 03:54:12 pm
The HHR will get sales though - I can see people wanting one with the high roof line for stacking high in the rear. That is, until they read the warning about cargo stacked higher than the seat back is dangerous and might fly around the cabin during transit.
Heh. I remember being told that was always a hazard about running those 'A-team' style cargo vans that were popular back in the day.
If something was wanted you just braked hard and it all hit you in the back of the head.
October 03, 2007, 06:52:52 pm
Unless you want to carry something more than a couple of feet high like a table saw -- then the ridiculously low Magnum cargo area becomes useless. Plus it would be significantly more fuel-hungry than the HHR Panel, which I think should do well.
October 04, 2007, 01:11:10 am I've seen a few running around town here all gussied up with logos - nice. One was going down a pretty busy street and several pedestrians were turning their heads to have a look - mission accomplished I'd say.
October 04, 2007, 10:32:43 pm Most of the commercial roof racks as they are adjustable already will fit the top of this van and there will probably be a solid wall or a even a full height cargo net to keep the goods where they belong. The Fuel milage will be fantastic in comparison to a full sized Magnum which would probably have a Hemi in it. I also have seen a No. of these painted up and they do look very good as a Billboard for any company.
October 05, 2007, 10:32:32 am Had no idea an SS Panel was coming. Cool.
October 05, 2007, 10:42:51 am
Not just because of the body panel too...the car is pretty eye catching to begin with. I find the typical GM Savanna / Ford E-Series vans with vinyl work on them to just blend into the scenery far too easily.
October 05, 2007, 11:22:34 am I have a 2006 HHR LT with the 2.4L engine and auto.
That engine/transmission combo has a lot of get up and go. I routinely end up (accidently) doing 100 km/h along hunt club.
Backing up is also an issue with the regular HHRs - I cannot judge how far I am from the vehicle behind me. I think part of it is that the rear end is slightly raised. A set of leveling springs would resolve that.
October 05, 2007, 12:51:38 pm ..when were the "SS" re_MOBBED?
October 05, 2007, 07:30:38 pm
And that's where the song (and your thoughts) should have stayed.