2009 Hammer H3

As
with most manufacturers, when you have a good thing going, it is
always a logical path to expand the line-up. And so it is with
Hummer. With the H2 generating widespread popularity of the brand,
the H3 model has enabled more customers to buy into the brand. The
baby Hummer is affordable, has the same rugged looks of its big
brother and is more accessible to a wider cross section of potential
buyers. For 2008, Hummer has also addressed one of the sticking
points many people have had with the smaller H3 model, namely, the
lack of a V8 engine.

This
SUV has bold looks with distinguishable Hummer features such as wide
track, short overhangs and huge tyres. It is, in short, a Hummer H2
that has been shrunk with all typical Hummer cues intact. For 2008,
the H3 sees some minor tweaks which include three new body colours,
lacquered alloy wheels, a new finish on the front bumper and grille.

The
H3’s interior has long been one of its shortcomings. This fact has
been addressed and although there is not a renaissance of sorts here,
it has been tweaked considerably with reasonably upscale materials
and better fit and finish. These touches include a perforated,
leather-wrapped and stitched steering wheel, bright-accented
instrumentation, brushed finished trim plates and chrome door
handles.

The
standard H3 continues with the Vortec 3.7-litre in-line five-cylinder
engine with dual overhead cams and variable valve timing. This
in-line five-cylinder engine offers 255bhp and is mated to a standard
5-speed manual or an available 4-speed automatic transmission. The
bigger engine variant is a 5.3-litre unit offering 305bhp to provide
the H3 with added performance, putting it on a level playing field
with its competitors.

Safety
features that come standard include StabiliTrak electronic stability
control, antilock brakes (ABS), traction control, frontal and
side-impact airbags for the driver and front-seat passenger, and a
tire-pressure monitoring system.

 

 

The
H3 is a attractive buy for those looking for a lifestyle off-road
SUV, bringing in traditional Hummer values in a smaller, more
accessible size. It has had a head start in the region but now faces
competition from the likes of the Toyota FJ Cruiser and Nissan’s
Xterra.

Technical Specifications

Engine	3.7-litre 5-Cyl
Power	255 bhp
Torque	337 Nm
Transmission	5-Speed Manual/4-Speed Automatic

Price Range

Starts from UAE Dirhams 138000 – upto 167000*

* Prices are indicative and may vary at
the time of purchase. All prices are ex-Dubai showrooms. Please check
with your local dealer for current prices and offers.

Competition 

Nissan Xterra
Toyota FJ Cruiser
Ford Explorer
Jeep Grand Cherokee

 

Tags: Hummer H3, new car review