Hummer H3 - dare to be different
For some it is a statement of all that is brash and environmentally unfriendly about American vehicles, while fans of the Hummer believe it is the ultimate four-wheel, all terrain vehicle on the planet. This is far from a full summary of opinion, but you see how Hummer is one of those vehicles that you either love or hate. For most it was probably okay in a wartime arena, while its appropriateness in suburbia is probably fair to be questioned. Just as the Willys Jeep made the transition from military wonder machine to civilian transport, General Motors set about to pursue a similar program for its all terrain Humvee. For much of its development, Australian Hummer devotees were left to look and wonder at this incredible military-derived machine.
General Motors had acquired worldwide ownership of the Hummer brand from AM General in 1999 and just three weeks later at the 2000 Detroit Motor Show introduced the Hummer H2 concept vehicle, a full sized civilian SUV inspired by the original H1. The H2 was on sale by 2002, but Hummer did not arrive in Australia until October 2006 when it was shown at the Sydney Motor Show to gauge local interest. The H3 followed and was also a star at motorshows around Australia, with more than 400 customer orders taken prior to its official launch of the 2008 model range in October 2007. The Hummer H3 was the first Hummer to be officially sold in Australia, managed by the GM premium Brands Group that included such strange stable mates as Hummer and Saab, under the GM Holden umbrella.
Enter the Hummer H3
The striking Hummer H3 was the first factory-built Hummer officially sold and supported in Australia. Over the years the Hummer was downsized, with the H3 actually similar in dimensions to the Ford Territory. The beauty of the Hummer was its distinctive looks. Even today, several years on, a Hummer has an instant presence on the road, challenged by few others. The Hummer H3 had 4WD star quality written all over it, with an impressive no-thrills chunky body, large sculptured cutout wheel arches and a distinctive Jeep-like seven slot chrome grille. It looked a lot bigger than it was, with the allure and mystery of the vehicle enhanced by small narrow windows. Its overall appearance is very macho, almost aggressive and its high metal-to-glass ratio adds to the perception. Compared to the Hummer H2, H3 is 39mm shorter in length, 171mm shorter in height and 73mm narrower.
2008 Model range
The Hummer H3 was available in three models in Australia, H3, H3 Adventure and H3 Luxury. Offered in either five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, depending on the model, the H3 retailed from $51,990, H2 Adventure from $57,990 and H3 Luxury from $59,990 (2008 RRPs).
Performance
All H3 models are powered by a Vortec 3.7-litre in-line five cylinder petrol engine, developing peak power of 180kW at 5600rpm and maximum torque of 328Nm at 4600rpm, with 90 percent of torque available between 2000 and 6000 rpm. Official fuel consumption for combined highway and urban driving was 13.8-litres (manual) and 14.5-litres per 100kms (auto). Its turning circle was 11.3 metres.
Off road capabilities
The H3 offers a choice of two electronically controlled two-speed Borg-Warner transfer cases. The standard transfer case, available on H3 and Luxury, delivers a crawl ratio of 45.1:1 in manual form and 36.8:1 for automatic. The H3 Adventure specification took the H3's off road capability to the next level with a superb crawl ratio of 68.9:1 in manual transmission, and 56.2:1 in automatic. During daily driving the H3 is a full-time 4WD, with 40 to 60 percent front to rear torque split in 4 High Open.
When driving on slippery surfaces such as ice, snow or sand, drivers can engage 4 High Lock, which locks torque split 50:50 front to rear and drive is transferred to the front or rear wheels as needed. For extreme conditions 4 Low Lock can be engaged, creating a different set of gear ratios. For H3 and H3 Luxury the transfer ratio is 2.64:1 and the extreme H3 Adventure has a transfer ratio of 4.03:1. Torsion bar independent suspension at front and a live rear axle with leaf springs provide a good compromise between on and off road requirements.
Safety
Standard active safety features on all H3 models include StabiliTrak stability enhancement system, traction control, ABS and dynamic rear proportioning brakes, with passive safety equipment including dual front airbags with passenger sensing system and curtain bags.
Equipment
H3: Standard features include cruise control, electro-chromatic rearview mirror with 8 point compass, power windows, fog lights and halogen headlights, five 16x17.5-inch alloy wheels, remote entry, single in-dash CD, cloth seats and 60/40 split rear seats. H3 Luxury: Additional equipment over the H3 included automatic transmission, leather seat inserts, electric heated front seats with 8-way power adjustment, leather wrapped steering wheel, exterior chrome package including door handles, roof cross bars and mirror caps, six-disc in-dash CD Monsoon sound system and glass sunroof. H3 Adventure: Manual transmission was standard (auto optional), with the same level of specification as the Luxury model (excluding sunroof), adding a fully locking electronic rear differential and heavy duty two-speed transfer case with super low range ratio of 4.03:1. Metallic paint was optional on all models.
Inside story/performance
Frankly, for everyday use the Hummer H3 becomes a challenge. Access is tight, with the driver having to slide legs in below the steering wheel in an awkward fashion. While vision over the raked bonnet isn't a problem, the small side and rear glass areas, and large blind spots make simple parking and maneouvring tasks more difficult than they need be. The H3 weighs 2.5-tons and acceleration is at best described as modest, with fuel economy similarly painful.
Once fired up, the H3 is good on the highway, but it is when you turn off the bitumen into the dirt that the H3 really begins to shine. Its off road ability is quite awesome and its crawling and descending ability are certainly among the best of any 4x4. The 216mm of ground clearance, reasonable wheel travel and underbody skid plates ready the H3 for four-wheel driving. The cargo area is just adequate, but back seats can be folded forward to increase cargo space.
Overview
The Hummer H3 has a wow factor that few other vehicles match. It is a tidy package, with massive off road capability, but some limitations for urban and daily travel. Similarly, the interior is comfortable but far from roomy or class-leading. If you seek attention, or are a diehard four-wheeler, the H3 could be for you.
