HHR to Malibu platform, your thoughts?

tgolden said:

Being a current Maxx owner, I like my midsize car with extra storage space and versatility I currently have. The other vehicle I considered was the HHR, but chose the Maxx because of its interior space, V6, and larger command of the road. I just wonder if anyone else has thought of what a HHR would be like with the larger frame, 3.5 V6, and perhaps an awd option. You could even have both vehicles if you gave the new Malibu derivative a unique and futuristic face. Am I alone….

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I am with you. One of the reasons why I bought a Vue over the HHR was its overall space.

On the other hand I like the fact that Chevy has a small 4 cylinder retro truck as opposed to another thirsty midsize SUV.

If I were going to replace my commuter (Cobalt), I would want something small like the HHR just because it can handle 90% of what the Vue can do with better fuel economy and I would be the only person in the car most of the time anyway.

I wanted the HHR for it's current size and ecomomy. It is had of been bigger, I would not even considered it. V6 and AWD are items not needed with it. Plenty of other SUV's/CUV's out there clogging that mess.

I do agree with you about the HHR filling a nice spot in the lineup for economy, utility, and style. However I wish GM offered a car based wagon-like vehicle that isn't the equinox because those things are kinda crappy.

tgolden said:

I do agree with you about the HHR filling a nice spot in the lineup for economy, utility, and style. However I wish GM offered a car based wagon-like vehicle that isn't the equinox because those things are kinda crappy.

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I would love to see a new Malibu wagon. It would have been sweet. It is a shame that GM killed the Maxx.

Why not build the HHR on the delta chassis like it is?

It's very roomy and affordable...perfect size for a family of four. It's light enough to move around quickly on a four cylinder, and it handles well.

I'd like to see an Aura wagon, though.

I'm not sure how this idea would fly but... I think GM should offer an Epsilon-sized MPV. A "supersized" Zafira, if you will.

Maybe it's just because I need such a vehicle, and nobody offers one. The Kia Rondo comes close, but it's rather cheap. Since Epsilon-sized midsize cars are Americans' #1 choice for family vehicles, it makes sense that an MPV that's Malibu-, not Cobalt-, based might find market success. The Rondo's selling much better than Kia expected.

With minivans and SUVs quickly gaining an unfavorable image, maybe the time's right for a midsize MPV.

But please. Enough with the retro themes. I'm beyond sick of it.

I'm happy with my LS on the current platform. The 2.2 with the 5 spd is peppy considering how light the vehicle is and is averaging over 32 mpg. When I have the need for speed, I pull the Monte SS out of the garage and listen to the sweet sound of the LS4 singing through the Magnaflow.

Well, I think the HHR would be good on a smaller version of the Malibu platform. That way, the HHR can be stretched out (giving it potentially 3 rows like the Kia Rondo), or it can be raised and given AWD (like the Toyota Vensa, or whatever their new wagon is), or perhaps lowered and given a V6 SS engine, etc.


Yeah, the Malibu platform would give the HHR more variety.

Most other automakers build their "full-size" MPVs out of their midsize platforms (Toyota Sienna -> Camry, Honda Odyssey -> Accord, Renault Espace -> Laguna, Nissan Quest -> Altima/Maxima, Ford Galaxy/S-Max -> Mondeo). The original "dustbuster" GM minivans were born out of extensively modified A-body (mid-size) platform. I also believe GM actually planned an Epsilon-based people mover for both Opel and North America.

Malibu MAXX afficionados - flood GM with emails and letters asking for a Malibu wagon.

The fullsize body on frame SUV's are going to disappear so I can definitely see something like what you have in mind in the future. I think the HHR is cool and something in the same style but bigger with more seating and good fuel economy would be a hit.

tgolden said:

Being a current Maxx owner, I like my midsize car with extra storage space and versatility I currently have. The other vehicle I considered was the HHR, but chose the Maxx because of its interior space, V6, and larger command of the road. I just wonder if anyone else has thought of what a HHR would be like with the larger frame, 3.5 V6, and perhaps an awd option. You could even have both vehicles if you gave the new Malibu derivative a unique and futuristic face. Am I alone….

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Think the HHR can stay on the new DeltaII platform as it will be wider with a longer WB and rumors of AWD.

Another option is to use the outgoing Epsilon platform (the 9-3 has XWD), the 3.5 is availble and it is wider and longer for more room saving costs, and the current Epsilon is still a competitive platform and could be used for a new HHR.

I bet I am the only one who thinks The Chevy HHR should be built on the Pontiac Vibe's platform. Slightly smaller engine then the HHR slightly bigger then the Vibe but same space as HHR. Lighter it would get better gas mileage.

Is this desc clear as mudd or what?

I would have liked the idea when it first came out to but now that gas is $4.00 a gallon and there are a 100 other "cute utes" available I think the HHR is right where it needs to be. I think if you try and make every vehicle be everything (3 row) you actually reduce the desireability for most people.

gm needs to put out more AWD cars. i wish my g5 was awd in the worst ways. so the HHR should at least come in awd if they wanted it and i think the 2.4l motor is good enought for that car.

it seems like a good idea, as it would make it a small suburban, especially if they have four doors. Whatever they do, they need to fix it so that taller people can see out of the thing.

Lunden said:

I bet I am the only one who thinks The Chevy HHR should be built on the Pontiac Vibe's platform.

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I hope so.......

I think GM should build a Malibu wagon and keep the HHR on the Delta (Delta II) chassis.

The Delta II chassis is going to get some refinements, including a tighter stick shift (SAAB may help with that one), DI engines, and the rumored turbo 1.4L engine.

As it is, the HHR is pretty space efficient compared to most cars except for maybe the Xb or Element. That little panel trucklet seems to be a hot seller, and if it can average 25 mpg then it's doing quite well. The 2.2L 5 speed versions seem to be averaging over 30mpg according to truedelta.

We just ordered takeout from McAllisters and they brought all 14 meals to our office in a panel HHR.

Although, an HHR wagon would make for an interesting comparison to the undoubtedly larger Ford Flex...but I think the Traverse will cover that pretty easily. Maybe they can make a wood panel version that doesn't look so cheesy. It's more upright, so it should flow better than the PT woodie.

With CAFE, I don't think GM wants to upsize anything.

01sunfire01 said:

gm needs to put out more AWD cars. i wish my g5 was awd in the worst ways. so the HHR should at least come in awd if they wanted it and i think the 2.4l motor is good enought for that car.

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I couldn't agree more. GM is coming out with a million RWD cars but totally forgetting AWD cars (Minus Saab's upcoming XWD system). I would like to see the HHR keep its 4 cylinder engines and just add an AWD option for people who need to get through snow. The fuel economy will be less but still probably better than a Subaru. The HHR SS with AWD should also be made.