Test Drive Hummer H3 since 2005 SUV
The city did not accept
Find ten differences! Under such a slogan, the presentation of the updated Hummer H3 could well be held, which General Motors representation organized in early July on the off-road highway in the town of Dracino under the Serpukhov. Ten will find not everyone. Outside the car remained the same optional, implanted light on the roof light instead of the chandelier, transparent rear turn signals and some other mirrors do not count. It is all the same frame bulldog with scattered eyes of round headlights, with a shiny muzzle and characteristic hips of wheeled arches. The invited press, looking at the mighty front, joking: the level of protection of pedestrians minus three stars. Yeah, God forbid God!
The interior is also unchanged. Simple and simple, places angular, under the appearance, it is finished in a typical American with a hint of suite. But only with a hint, because the quality of the materials and fit the panels is clearly lower than the European level, it is especially noticeable in modest equipment. Despite the impressive H3 dimensions (length 4742 mm, width 1897 mm, height is 1872 mm), no spacious salon. There is constantly a feeling of an infrationally used space. Behind the threesome closely in the shoulders, with the growth above the average almost get your head to the ceiling. When the driver's seat is lowered to the end, the steering wheel will still have to toss up until it is different, it will fall on his knees. The miracle ergonomics is complemented by the inadvertent front chairs, an uncomfortable, convex pad under the left foot and the only submissive switch A la Mercedes. Right, it would be better to take over something worthwhile!
Main changes in the technique. First of all, the engine. Although new and it can be called with a large stretch. Rather upgraded. An inline five-cylinder GM Vortec Motor with two distribution and balancing shafts added 0.2 liters in volume. Now it is 3.7-liter. In addition, the phasear of a new design appeared (the so-called blade mechanism), a larger catalyst, and the VVT \u200b\u200bphase adjustment system is released. As a result, the regiment of the torque (maximum 327 nm at 4600 rpm) was noticeably extended. The maximum power also increased a bit by 22 hp, to 242 forces at 5600 rpm. Another news is the possibility of installing a five-speed MCPP AISIN. Previously, the handles for Hammer were not offered at all (as it turned out, in vain, but about it below). Usually, H3 is equipped with a machine, this is a four-stage veteran Hydramatic. With him, too, the new DEXRON IV oil is poured a little bit and promise a resource of 200,000 miles. Hydramatic automatic is as well deserved, proven and unnecessary, as far as unhurried in the switching. Both transmissions are aggregated with a two-stage Borg Warner rattling with a downgrade nearby (4: 1), inter-axes and rear differential locks (from Eaton). The described off-road arsenal is available even in the simplest configuration. Together with the frame structure of the body, a huge clearance (231 mm) and a condove suspension (torsion duplex in front, the bridge on the sheets behind) is, no doubt make H3 one of the most capable SUVs on the planet. What we had to make sure the off-road track in Dracino. 
We were waiting for four updated Hummer H3 in various equipment: from the simplest with the manual transmission and textile interior to the most sophisticated with the machine, the hatch in the roof, chrome-plated steps and leather interior. Also in the parking lot was the older brother Hummer H2, which participated in off-road tests for comparison with H3. Recall, H2 also has a lowering series in the checkpoint and blocking both differentials. In the asset, it can be added a more powerful power unit (6 l, 315 hp), into a passive a large wheel base and a mass of 3,400 kg. At the wheel of H2, I was during the first run. The off-road track of Dracino is abounding with ughabs and obstacles. There are high-speed sections on which Hummer allowed to develop speed at 80 km / h. And on two asphalt pieces of common roads, it was possible to evaluate how good the car is where it is most likely to be operated by 90% of the time. Compared to H2, Baby-Hummer rougher and tougher. It is also understandable below the class, less base and cutting mass. The car is already lying how to shake the saddles, although, of course, compared to Wrangler or Defender is a cradle. But it is easier to control the machine: H2 is heavy athletics, and H3 is rather gymnastics. The younger Hummer fun forces Bueraiki, jumps around the bumps, rushing along the forest road, quite adequately reacting to the gas and the handle. On asphalt, of course, the dynamics are weak, and the steering wheel is empty and non-informative (almost four turns from the stop up to the stop), but on off-road will be just right. In addition, the electronic drive of the throttle valve and configuration of the Stabilitrac security system (includes ABS, TC traction control, TSC anti-slip system, DRP electronic brake force regulator, as well as the VSES stabilization system) have a variable characteristic depending on the selected transmission mode.
The accelerator becomes even more viscous and stupid when you turn on the downgrade and blocking. In total, four modes are provided with the choice of buttons on the front panel. The first asphalt mode, 4hi. Here, the torque is distributed in the proportion of 40: 60 in favor of the rear axle, differentials are free. The second 4Hi Lock blocks the inter-axis differential, the moment is distributed across the axes equally. In the 4 Low Lock mode, a lower row is additionally involved and you can block the rear differential. In this case, the Traction Control will work only on the front axle of the car. And finally, the service mode is neutral. It is turned on by simultaneously pressing two keys on the 4HI and 4 LOW LOCK panel. As a result, the distribution is completely disconnected, and you can tow H3 without consequences for the PPC. It remains only to find a tug suitable for such commodity.
On the cliff, the Oka was organized, perhaps the most serious test. It was possible to hang a hammer diagonally (sometimes the rear wheel was taken off by centimeters at seventy from the ground!), Go down to the water, folel back to top. H3 Not least due to the phenomenal geometric patency on this descent, wonders. After such exercises, overcoming the fusion and mileage in shallow water with splashes from under the wheels seemed to be a baby basting. After lunch, I was waiting for another interesting event. No, we are not talking about how snarling Hummer dragged the Yak-52 aircraft on the trailer. I was waiting for the only yellow Hummer on the event on the handle. In addition, the shower began, what is necessary for the real off-road expheress! I note that with all the included locks and a downward row in the transmission, a gear ratio on the first gear (manual transmission) giant 68.9! That is, Hummer H3 is capable of crawling very slowly, which is a huge plus in heavy road conditions. This circle on the track Dracino gave me more emotions than everyone else, combined. H3 with MCPP and besides with the simplest finish, a real honest SUV, without the ponte-despised ponte, like a leather interior and automaton. The handle transformed the machine adequate, without delay, responses to the gas pedal stroke, clear operation of the switching mechanism and, as a result, more convenient control and assembly acceleration. With whatever pleasure I drove H3 on the forest lines filled with rainwater! The car floats on wide tires, sometimes helps himself a bottom (it is almost completely in defense) and, slightly losing speed and lifting two-meter waves, smoothly exports to the other side of the puddles. Fantastic sensations! Well, after the tests we can safely say that the new Hummer H3 worthy rival of the terrain for the Defender, Wrangler, Land Cruiser and our UAZ. But on the pavement That said, I'm a little sorry for those who are going to operate the Hummer in the city. Although it is known that the owners of the vast majority of H3. PRICES AND EQUIPMENT
Prices for Hummer H3 begin with a mark of $ 53,910 per car with manual transmission in the simplest Base configuration. When equipping such a machine with an automatic machine, you additionally receive an audio system with a 6-disk changer, roof rails and steps, the cost increases to $ 57 120. Version Adventure at the price of $ 62 940 has a seat with a leather trim, a shutter in the cargo compartment, chrome-plated rails, door handles and mirror housing, as well as retractable steps, headlights on the roof and a set for towing trailer. The topping combination of Luxury costs $ 67,50 and additionally gets a panoramic hatch in the roof, tubular chrome steps and the chrome-plated fuel tube lid.
Dmitry Krotov
A source: Magazine Motor [September 2007]
