Souped-up 2008 Chevy HHR SS a blast

If there were ever a car to make you long for summer evenings, picnics and drives to the lake, it's the 2008 Chevrolet HHR SS. Particularly if you drive fast on the way to the lake and appreciate good value and fuel economy.

The HHR SS is the amped-up performance model of Chevrolet's compact retro wagon. Offering 260 hp, excellent handling, good fuel economy and a practical interior, it's a beach party on wheels that delivers kick-in-the-pants power at a bargain price. The combination of funky looks, value and terrific performance make the HHR SS my favorite among the current crop of sport compacts.

It's a spiritual successor to the surf wagons of yore, but with infinitely better handling and a 100,000-mile warranty on its high-output powertrain.

Prices for the 2008 HHR SS start at $22,375. All SS models come with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 260 hp at 5,300 rpm and an impressive 260 pound-feet of torque at 2,000 rpm when linked to the standard five-speed manual transmission. The engine generates 235 hp when linked to an optional four-speed automatic transmission.

I tested a well-equipped HHR SS with the manual transmission and a list of options that includes a limited-slip differential that virtually eliminates torque steer. It carried a sticker price of $25,604.

The HHR SS competes with sporty compacts such as the Dodge Caliber SRT4, Honda Civic Si sedan, Mazdaspeed 3 and Volkswagen GTI. The Civic Si, Mazdaspeed 3 and VW GTI all beat the HHR SS handily on interior look and feel, but none of the cars can match its overall package of power, performance and value.

The Civic Si and GTI share the HHR SS' dynamic virtues, which include clingy handling, good steering response and excellent brakes. But at 197 and 200 hp, respectively, neither approaches its level of brute force. The Mazdaspeed 3 and Caliber SRT4 have the power, at 263 and 285 hp, respectively, but rampant torque steer makes both of them more work than play when driven hard.

The HHR SS also stacks up well in fuel economy. Its EPA ratings of 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway essentially match the GTI and Civic Si and beat the Mazdaspeed 3 and Caliber SRT4. All of the cars require premium gasoline due to the high output wrung from their four-cylinder engines.

I drove an HHR SS from Detroit to Chicago for the auto show and got a pleasant 27.2 mpg on a long, fast highway run. The car acquitted itself equally well on sharp, twisting roads. The steering provided excellent feel and response, and the sport-tuned suspension kept the HHR SS flat and composed through curves.

The turbocharged engine revs freely and provides excellent power in all ranges from a full stop to high-speed passes. The manual transmission operates smoothly, and the light clutch pedal won't exhaust your left leg in stop-and-go city conditions. The detuned 235-hp engine mated to the four-speed automatic provides ample power but lacks the excitement of the full-bore package.

The HHR transmits noticeable road noise to the passenger compartment. Wind noise is minimal, and road noise is not an issue in city driving.

The interior offers the room and flexibility that helped make the HHR popular and adds sporty touches such as a turbo boost gauge on the A-pillar. Optional sport seats provide good support and comfort. They come in three color combinations and feature leather trim with mesh neoprene and suede seating surfaces. The doors also feature color-matched leather inserts.

The HHR SS comes with standard anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control, but curtain air bags are an option.

The HHR SS is fun to drive, and a car anybody shopping for an affordable sporty compact should consider.