Cruising both Interstate highways and country dirt roads, we put the all-new 2006 Chevrolet HHR on a 600 mile test and found this a versatile vehicle suitable for everyday tasks or a long journey. Comfortable seating, enough power and a smooth, quiet ride left us wanting another 600 miles.

The Chevy HHR's official EPA designation is 2WD Sport Utility. That may, or may not, answer your question as to whether it is a truck, car, wagon, hatchback, or SUV. Whichever segment it fits into one thing is for certain; its styling is nothing like the ordinary. In a shape reminiscent of the 1949 Chevrolet Suburban, the Chevy HHR is really in a class of unique, 'personal expression' vehicles that say "look at me," instead of blending in to the masses. And for the boldness in design, we tip our hats to GM for building it.

Built on the same platform as the Chevrolet Cobalt, the HHR is available in two models with three trim levels: LS, LT1 and LT2. Standards include air conditioning and AM/FM with a CD player and an auxiliary input jack for MP3 players, along with electric windows, central locking and electrically operated mirrors.

Underneath the hood - like the '49 Suburban - is a 2.2-litre Ecotec four-cylinder (143bhp / 150lb.ft of torque), standard with the LS and LT1, or optional for the LT. Standard for the LT2 models is a 2.4-litre four-cylinder (172bhp / 162lb.ft torque). A 5-speed manual is the standard transmission for all trim levels with a 4-speed automatic optional.

Fuel economy ratings are estimated at 22mpg city and 30mpg highway with the standard gearbox, and 23mpg city and 30mpg highway with the automatic transmission. For the 2.4-litre engine equipped models, premium fuel is recommended but not required. For testing purposes we chose to put in the premium fuel and we averaged 27mpg combined city/highway; not bad for a vehicle of this size and carrying capacity.

We were driving an LT2 with the manual transmission and had no trouble getting up to speed. Not the fastest thing on four wheels, we thought it a little slow on the on ramps, but we were still able to cruise effortlessly on the Interstate. Perhaps with the introduction of the SS Cobalt for '06, a supercharged version of the HHR could be in the works.

Anti-lock brakes are standard on the LT2 and available with the LS and LT1 models. Cars with the automatic transmission and ABS will also get traction control. The brakes are front disc and rear drums. On our country road test I braked hard and we came to an impressive stop on the gravel.

Driving the HHR was a delight; the seating was firm with the side bolsters holding us in place on those quick turns. The steering was responsive and smooth. All models are equipped with rack-and-pinion steering with electric power steering, a speed-sensitive, variable-effort system that is tuned to match the performance characteristics of two separate suspension settings.

Standard on the LS and LT1 is the 'FE1' suspension and our LT2 was equipped with the 'FE3' suspension. Both feature a MacPherson strut for the front suspension design and a semi-independent, torsion beam rear suspension. The FE1 is tuned for a softer ride while the FE3 features sportier handling. Standard 16-inch wheels are on the LS/LT1 while the LT2 had the FE3 suspension with standard 17-inch wheels; our test model had the optional polished aluminium 17-inch wheels.

The instrument-panel layout was easy to read and we liked the inset rev counter beside and above the speedometer; also are engine temperature and fuel gauges. The electric window switches seem to be just out of reach at the bottom of the centre console. The centre armrests for the front bucket seats are attached to the seat back frame, and when raised up give access to the large drink holders moulded into the centre console. At the rear of the console is a drink holder for the rear passengers. Top centre of the instrument panel is an auxiliary glove box.

The standard audio system is a six-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo, which features an auxiliary channel and front-mounted auxiliary input jack, so that another audio source can be played through the vehicle audio system. Our test system had the 6-disc CD changer, and the Pioneer 7-speaker system with optional XM radio.

The rear seats will fold into the floor, and with the front passenger seat folded forward, over 63-cubic feet (1784 litres) of cargo space is made available.

My 87-year old father has ridden with me several times, in some mighty expensive cars and this is the only car that he actually enthused over and made comments about buying. If he does, I think he would make a good choice, and for all but speed enthusiasts, I can recommend this car/utility/truck/wagon.

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Likes: Cargo space, audio system, distinctive and bold styling.

Dislikes: Electric window switch placement.