DETROIT Chevrolet announced that its 2006 HHR will start at $15,990, aiming it squarely at the Chrysler PT Cruiser.
The HHR goes into production in Mexico and arrives at dealerships this summer.
The HHR will be offered in three different versions. The base LS starts at $15,990. The midlevel 1LT opens at $16,990. The top-of-the-line 2LT's base price is $18,790. Pricing includes destination and freight charges.
By comparison, the Chrysler PT Cruiser, which is the dead-on competition for the HHR, starts at under $15,000.
The PT Cruiser has more variations, including souped-up and drop-top ones, and prices for those approach $30,000.
Both vehicles were designed by Bryan Nesbitt, who left Chrysler for GM, and now heads GM's design operations in Europe.
Chevy says the HHR is designed for consumers who need the storage of a utility, the ride comfort of a car and "styling that lets them stand out from the crowd." It has a complete fold-flat interior large enough to fit an 8-foot ladder.
The LS and 1LT are powered by a 2.2-liter, four-cylinder engine, rated at 140 horsepower. The 2LT comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder, available as an option on the 1LT. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and an electronically controlled four-speed automatic is available in all models.
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