Well, retro was on the runway, it's now on the freeway too. Launched as a 2006 model, this front- wheel-drive-car based SUV is a take-off on Chevy's small sedan - Cobalt. For those who are wondering, HHR is the acronym for 'Heritage High Roof'. Inspired baroque finds a home in the gently curved contours of its body work. Its heritage styling is heavily inspired by the 1949 GMC Suburban panel delivery truck.

The HHR has a reconfigurable cargo capacity and the space to adapt to just about every kind of storage need. Its modular interior has inventive and convenient storage solutions; a fold-flat passenger seat accommodates up to 8-foot-long items. It also has three hidden rear cargo areas. One is located under the rear load floor while the other two cargo bins are located just behind the rear seats. The cargo floor can also be repositioned to double up as an adjustable package shelf for picnics or tailgate parties.

Standard features include AM/FM/CD audio system with auxiliary audio input jack, air conditioning, chrome interior accents, and power mirrors. The HHR has a basic warranty of 36 months/ 36,000 miles. For 2007 the HHR's engines have been given minor upgrades in horsepower. The 2.2L now serves up 149 hp, while the 2.4L version dishes out 175 hp.

The Chevrolet HHR comes in three models; LS, 1LT and 2LT. The LS and 1LT have a standard 2.2-liter (L) DOHC ECOTEC 4-cylinder engine with 145 horsepower (hp) and 152 pound-feet (lb-ft) of torque. The 2LT has a standard 2.4L DOHC ECOTEC 4-cylinder engine with 175 hp and 165 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine is optional on the 1LT.

All models have a standard Getrag 5-speed manual transmission with a hydraulic clutch system and an EPA fuel estimate of 22/30 mpg (city/highway). The optional 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission has an EPA fuel estimate of 23/30 mpg (city/highway).

Sinewy muscle-expressionist sculpture, abstract-practical and fuel efficient do not begin to describe the HHR. Here is the unlikely marriage of retro-baroque-al symmetry with millennium artsy-technology. Flared fenders with gently rounded off edges give it a late 40s delivery truck-like look.

A big chrome grille flanked by contemporary wedge-like headlights and slickly contoured glass in the five rectangular windows hint at a mean low-rider quality. Front and rear bumpers are made from molded plastic. The HHR's hood is precision engineered with a one-piece, stamped metal hood like the '49 Suburban. From the SSR it borrows the deep-draw, flared fenders that tuck in at the rockers - rendering it a sturdy feel. Flared twin-taillamps in the rear and the single-cavity headlamp with a bejeweled lighting effect gives it an edgy yet classic appeal. One-piece wraparound molding and integrated roof racks contribute to its clean linear silhouette. The prominent cross-grille bar with a Bowtie logo marks it as a contemporary Chevy.

The compact HHR brims over with an upbeat ambience and heaps of cargo space, making it the perfect family car. The interiors combine the stowage facilities of an SUV with the comforts and ergonomics of a luxury sedan.

The instrument cluster is in tune with the heritage theme. Its high roof creates plenty of headroom and an open spacious ambience. There’s a handy flip-up compartment on top of the dash and a cupholder and small door pockets in the rear. The back of the front passenger seat has a storage net. The rear cargo has a cozy five-inch-deep tray that can be flipped open.

The rear liftgate can be raised easily and is one piece. The HHR also features a Driver Information Center located inside the speedometer that conveys trip information, calculations, and personalized settings.

It also has a Passenger Sensing System, power windows and locks, XM Satellite Radio, a Pioneer premium sound system and a sunroof.

The HHR isn't exactly a racecar; so performance is in accordance with its 2.4L engine. It glides along offering up a smooth ride quality, although the engine gets a mite noisy at revs. It delivers power efficiently and the MT handles well.

The dual-overhead-camshaft 16-valve units work efficiently on the highway and the 2LT's sports tuned suspension with Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) make for a well turned out SUV.

The HHR is offered with state-of-the-art safety features that include front and side-curtain airbags, remote keyless entry, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Top tethers for Children) system for the child safety seats, ABS (Anti-lock Brake System), Traction control, daytime running lamps, Driver Information Center, and most importantly the OnStar system.