Hummer H3: The Intimidating 4x4

Motoring Channel Staff - 2/October/2007

Melbourne, Australia — Despite it's overbearing design the Hummer H3 is not the largest 4WD on sale in Australia, and will fit into most Aussie garages. On sale this week priced from $51,990, the Hummer H3 promises to be one of the most rugged cars off the road, and one of the most unmissable vehicle on the road.

Hummer, part of the overarching General Motors brand, has had more than 400 pre-orders for the vehicle long before it even went on sale and according to the company Hummer is one of the most recognisable brands in the world.

The original Humm-Vee was an US Military vehicle that was made popular after the Governator, Arnold Schwarzenegger, had one converted for civilian use. This Hummer H3 is different from the military version in many ways - it's not as big, has a different engine type, and doesn't cost as much. Pricing for the new 4x4 range is as follows:

• H3: $51,990 (manual) $53,990 (automatic)
  Features: Cruise control, electro-chromatic rearview mirror with eight point compass, power windows, fog lights and halogen headlamps, 16-inch alloy wheels, remote entry with panic alarm, single in-dash CD stereo, cloth seats and 60/40 split rear seats.

• H3 Luxury: $59,990 (automatic)
  Features: Automatic transmission standard, leather seat inserts, electric heated front seats with eight way power adjustment, leather wrapped steering wheel, exterior chrome package including door handles, roof cross bars and mirror caps, 6-disc in-dash CD Monsoon sound system and glass sunroof.

• H3 Adventure: $57,990 (manual) $59,990 (automatic)
  Features: Manual transmission as standard (optional automatic), 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 a super low range ratio of 4.03:1 for serious off-road performance.

Metallic paint is a $1,200 option on all models, and Hummer is confident that the three model range will provide 4x4 customers with enough choice. Director of GM Premium Brands, Parveen Batish, said the H3's Australian launch is part of a successful global roll-out for Hummer: "The H3 has proved itself in some of world's most challenging environments from Australia's Rocky Track to the famous Rubicon Trail."

"This outstanding off-road performance, together with its iconic design and city-friendly size make it the ideal vehicle to launch the brand in this market," added Mr Batish.

The company says the first customers to order an H3 earlier this year have started taking delivery of their cars this month, and all models are powered by a 3.7-litre 5-cylinder petrol engine available with auto and manual transmissions. Peak power of 180kW @ 5600rpm and torque of 328Nm @ 4600rpm are transferred to all four wheels, and Hummer says that 90% of peak torque available between 2000 and 6000rpm.

The official fuel consumption figures for the combined cycle (highway/urban driving) is 13.8 litres (manual) and 14.5 litres per 100km (automatic), which is in line with similar mid-size SUVs.

Hummer is also touting the H3's city driving credentials, saying it's turning circle of 11.3 metres is comparable to an average size passenger car. But the H3 is most at home on the rough stuff, with plenty of ride height and rugged chassis to deal with challenging 4WD tracks and bush trails.

According to Hummer, the H3 offers a choice of two electronically controlled 2-speed Borg-Warner transfer cases. The standard transfer case available on H3 and Luxury models delivers a crawl ratio of 45.1:1 in manual form, and 36.8:1 for automatic. The H3 Adventure specification is the most rugged, and takes the vehicle's off-road capability to the next level with a strong crawl ratio of 68.9:1 in manual transmission, and 56.2:1 in automatic. 

When the Hummer H3 is used in daily driving situations, it has a full-time 4WD system that delivers a 40:60 front-to-rear torque split when the '4 HIGH OPEN' mode is engaged. Of course when conditions change and snow, ice or sand needs to be considered, the '4 HIGH LOCK' changes the drive ratio and torque split, and Hummer says this mode locks torque at 50:50 front-to-rear and drive is transferred to the front or rear wheels as needed.

The '4 LOW LOCK' mode is for the most difficult and challenging off-road situations and creates a totally different set of gear ratios. In the H3 and H3 Luxury models, the transfer ratio is 2.64:1 and the H3 Adventure model boasts a transfer ratio of 4.03:1, which is the most aggressive transfer ratio GM has installed in a production vehicle. Furthermore, all H3 models come standard with StabiliTrak, a stability enhancement system, plus traction control, ABS and dynamic rear proportioning brakes. Dual front airbags and curtain bags covering front and rear passengers are also standard on all models.

Right-hand drive Australian versions of the Hummer H3 are built in South Africa, at GM's Struandale assembly facility in Port Elizabeth, then imported here. The company has confirmed that 22 Hummer dealers have been appointed around Australia with representation in every state and territory, some of which represent a selection of existing premium Saab, Holden and combined dealerships.

"Australians are clearly excited by the Hummer brand, and we're finding our buyers are confident, independent minded and embrace the H3 for bringing a sense of fun and adventure to their lives," Mr Batish said.

Related articles:
- Hummer H3 (2007)
- Hummer H2 (2003)
- Christmas Hummer H2 by GeigerCars (2006)