Hummer H3 arrives!

After a recent drive it soon became apparent that this is one vehicle that deserves its reputation as an outstanding off road performer. At launch the Hummer cantered over, through and up obstacles that many of our top selling 'genuine' four-wheel drives would have struggled. The Hummer not only conquered all that we could throw at it, it was impressive just how effortlessly it traversed some seriously difficult trails. Of course this is the H3 Hummer, which should not be confused with earlier, wider, longer and perhaps more unwielding models. The H3 is about Ford Territory size, so is reasonably manoeuvrable and certainly it isn't a handicap to drive it in an urban environment.

Compared to the Hummer H2, H3 is 39mm shorter in length, 171mm lower in height and 73mm narrower. The Hummer H3 is available in three models - entry level H3, the ultimate off-road H3 Adventure and highly specified H3 Luxury. Available in either five-speed manual or four-speed automatic depending on the model, H3 retails from $51,990, H3 Adventure from $57,990 and H3 Luxury from $59,990. All H3 models are powered by a 3.7 litre in-line five cylinder petrol engine, developing maximum power of 180kW at 5,600rpm and peak torque of 328Nm at 4,600rpm with 90 percent of peak torque available between 2,000 and 6,000 rpm. Australian buyers will have to wait until 2009 for a diesel option. The H3 is a full time 4WD with normal drive distributed 40 to 60 percent front to rear in 4 High Open. When driving on slippery surfaces 4 High Lock can be engaged for a 50:50 torque split front to rear. In 4 Low Lock a totally different set of gear ratios are activated for off road crawling.

Full pricing: H3: $51,990 (manual), $53,990 (auto); H3 Luxury: $59,990 (auto); H3 Adventure: $57,990 (manual), $59,990 (auto).

In brief:
Engine: 3.7-litre in-line DOHC?
5-cylinder with four valves per cylinder
Compression ratio: 10.0:1
Max. power: 180kW @ 5600 rpm
Max. torque: 328Nm @ 4600rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual or
4-speed auto
Transfer case: 2-speed, electronically controlled, full time 4WD
Grade capability: 60 percent
Side slope capacity: 40 percent
Water fording depth: 610mm @ 8 km/h
Ground clearance: 216mm
Breakover angle: 23.5
Approach/departure angles: 37.5/35.5
Turning circle: 11.3 metres