When GM launched the Pontiac Solstice GXP and Saturn Sky Red Line roadsters a year and a half ago, we were impressed by their new turbo 2.0-litre engine's power and fuel efficiency. To no one's surprise, the company decided to pass it along to other models, notably the Cobalt and the HHR. There were even rumours that it might be the upcoming Camaro's base engine.

The SS stands apart from LS and LT models with a prominent lower front bumper that sticks out like a bulldog's mouth.

So, for those who want a sporty vehicle but need something spacious to accommodate the growing family, an interesting option is this HHR SS.

Hey, look at me!
The SS stands apart from LS and LT models with its cosmetic add-ons, including a prominent lower front bumper that sticks out like a bulldog's mouth and draws mixed opinions; that space is necessary for breathing in air to cool down the turbocharger.

Other visual cues are a unique rear bumper, rocker panels, a rear spoiler and gorgeous 18-inch wheels with P225/45R18 rubber. The mix between these additions and the HHR's retro sheetmetal may seem oddball, but it works. Inside, a boost gauge is tacked onto the A-pillar, and SS-specific sport seats are immediately noticeable.

Power without (much) compromise
The SS gets the turbocharged, 16-valve 2.0-litre inline-4 which also features direct injection. With 260 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, this HHR's performance is brisk: it needs only 7.5 seconds to reach 100 km/h and covers the quarter-mile mark in 15.6 seconds at 148 km/h.

While the engine boasts high output numbers on paper, though, power delivery comes on gradually, with no neck-snapping turbo boost, but the engine doesn't sound very racy. Unsurprisingly, there is a hint of torque steer under full-steam acceleration, but it's nothing to get outraged about.

With 260 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, this HHR's performance is brisk: it needs only 7.5 seconds to reach 100 km/h.

Fuel consumption is pretty good; with a soft right foot, you can achieve an average of about 10.5 L/100 km. But being gentle with a 260-hp compact is missing the purpose, so if you dig deeper into the engine's power band for some driving pleasure, you'll probably observe an average of 12.2 L/100 km like me.

GM recommends you put super unleaded in the 49-litre reservoir, though, which is bad news in these troubled times at the pump. After all, the 304-hp Cadillac CTS runs on regular unleaded. You can always choose 87-octane fuel for the HHR SS anyway, but the engine will adjust itself with a power decrease. Since we're not cheapskates [sic], we used premium fuel only during the test.

The SS version's upgraded suspension provides some extra moves over the lesser HHRs.

The SS version's upgraded suspension provides some extra moves over the lesser HHRs. The car hangs on more swiftly in curves, but it's still a tall wagon, which means a higher center of gravity and more body roll than, say, a Cobalt SS which shares the same mechanicals. The brakes could be better, though, as they produce longish stopping distances.

Space for everyone
Front and rear occupants will find a sufficient amount of room, and the driver benefits from a well laid-out dashboard, especially since the power window switches have been relocated on the door panels in the SS instead of at the bottom of the center console.

Material quality is still questionable, but it looks a little better than in the HHR LS we tested back in 2006. We really like the seat patchwork, which mixes cloth, suede and red leather together to create a sporty-looking cockpit.

Of course, the small side windows and upright windshield mean that outward visibility isn't that great; even the rear view mirror is in the way.

The driver benefits from a well laid-out dashboard.

Cargo space is generous, as the HHR provides up to 1,787 litres of carrying capacity. That's more than in the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Dodge Caliber, Mazda5, Mercedes B200, Pontiac Vibe, Toyota Matrix and even some compact SUVs. Only the fat-mama Kia Rondo is bigger inside. The hatch doesn't open very high, though, so you have to be careful not to bang your head on it.

Competition
The Chevrolet HHR SS starts out at $28,240, which is reasonable but not a blue-light special. Several options boost the as-tested price to $31,910, including the performance driver's seat ($125), the Sun and Sound Package ($1,980), a limited-slip differential ($645), XM satellite radio ($260), cargo net ($65) and side-curtain airbags ($595).

Here's a glance at some the HHR SS' competitors:

Dodge Caliber SRT4, 285 hp, $24,995
Mazdaspeed3, 263 hp, $31,360
Mini Cooper S Clubman, 172 hp, $31,500
Subaru Impreza WRX 5-door, 224 hp, $33,895
Volkswagen GTI 5-door, 200 hp, $28,975

The Chevrolet HHR SS starts out at $28,240, which is reasonable but not a blue-light special.

Conclusion
The addition of the turbocharged SS in the HHR's line-up is interesting, since it will appeal to compact car buyers looking for a versatile compact vehicle in a sporty package. There are some minor irritants, however, and the car is no bargain once you start checking option boxes.

If you dig the SS' looks, you should check it out. But if you're looking for the best performing and handling 5-door compact, there are a couple of competitors that are more exciting to drive.