Hummer introduces H3 to Australia

Few badges are more iconic than Chrysler's Jeep brand. GM in Australia is hoping to occupy a similar place in the hearts and minds of consumers with Hummer.

As is the case with the Chrysler-owned marque, Hummer can point to a military heritage and strong offroad credentials. The launch of the GM-owned brand in Australia is just one skirmish in an overall strategy to take Hummer to the world (more here).

For the Australian market, the H3 is a medium SUV contender with a full chassis, five-cylinder petrol engine and traditional underpinnings such as a live rear axle with leaf springs.

Three levels of trim are available. The party starts with the base model, which can be specified with either the standard five-speed manual transmission or the optional 4L60E four-speed automatic transmission -- the same unit as fitted to Holden's Commodore Omega. Price for the base H3 is $51,990 (manual) or $53,990 (auto).

The H3 Adventure and H3 Luxury are priced similarly when specified with the automatic transmission ($59,990), but the former is also available with the manual transmission for a price of $57,990.

The base model has unpainted mirror bodies and bonnet louvres. Both Adventure and Luxury models can be identified by chrome roof rails and exterior mirrors. The Luxury is also fitted with chrome bonnet louvres and a standard sunroof.

Mechanically, there's little to pick between them, although the more serious H3 Adventure is fitted with a lockable rear diff and a very low ratio reduction gear in the transfer case. Indeed, with an overall crawl ratio (including final drive) of 68.9:1 (manual) and 56.2:1 (auto), the Adventure has the lowest of low-range ratios offered in any GM production vehicle currently on sale.

Base and Luxury models also have a low range, but the crawl ratio for these two is 45.1:1 for the manual and 36.8:1 for the auto.

The transfer case is supplied by Borg-Warner and is electronically controlled. Transfer (low-range) ratios are 2.64:1 (base and Luxury) or 4.03:1 (Adventure).

All Hummer models are powered by the same 3.7-litre five-cylinder petrol engine, which is a cut-down version of GM's Vortec straight six. To work as a five-cylinder, the engine was modified with contra-rotating balance shafts to reduce NVH. Peak power is 180kW at 5600rpm and maximum torque of 328Nm occurs at 4600rpm. Power and fuel economy gain from the engine's DOHC valvetrain with variable valve timing.

According to ADR81/01 combined cycle testing, the H3 returns a figure of 13.8lt/100km for the manual and 14.5 for the auto.

Hummer runs in full-time 4WD mode with a 40/60 front/rear torque split when operating in '4-high'. The electronic transfer case uses switches rather than the traditional lever and allows the driver to select a locked mode in 4-high, on the fly. Low range is selected with the vehicle at standstill and will not engage until the driver shifts to neutral before selecting gear. The centre diff is locked in low range and therefore, can only be used on loose surfaces.

Offroad ability is enhanced by the H3's turning circle of 11.3 metres, which is a bonus in an urban setting as well as in the bush.

All vehicles are fitted with 'StabiliTrak', Hummer's stability control program, which is disabled when 4-low is selected. Other active safety features include ABS, traction control and EBD. Dual front airbags are complemented by side curtain airbags across all grades. The passenger seat airbag will not fire if the seat is unoccupied.

As standard, the base H3 is fitted with cruise control, electro-chromatic mirror with built-in compass, electric windows/mirrors, remote central locking with alarm and duress button, single-disc in-dash CD audio system, cloth seat trim and 60/40 split-fold rear seat.

Adventure and Luxury models are equipped to a similar level and feature leather seat trim, heated front seats with eight-way electric adjustment, leather-bound steering wheel, exterior chrome highlights (door handles, roof rails, mirror bodies) and a six-disc in-dash CD audio system.

Where the higher grade models diverge is the sunroof fitted to the Luxury models and the lower-ratio low-range and lockable rear differential of the Adventure models.

Metallic paint is a $1200 option for all variants.

Watch out for our launch review in the next few days.

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