If the proposal gets the green light, the LHD-only Hummer could be available for around £40,000 from the start of next year. The 3.5-litre five-cylinder machine comes with permanent four-wheel drive, and has room for five -although a seven-seat option is said to be on the cards. It develops 220bhp, but more importantly in this market, there is 305Nm of torque from only 2,800rpm. The car is offered with a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed auto transmissions, and sprints from 0-60mph in 9.3 seconds. The top speed is 125mph.
Despite these performance figures, the H3 is said to have mud-plugging ability which will rival that of the best US and European off-roaders.
However, the arrival of the Hummer won't endear it to all motorists. Sian Berry is a member of the Alliance Against Urban 4x4s, and has ticketed SUV drivers with fake fine notices criticising their cars. She warned: "The way the model looks, styled on a military vehicle, simply makes everything appear hostile. The height at which it would hit a pedestrian doesn't bear thinking about."
Pollution is another cause for concern. Berry said: "Without details of the Hummer's emissions, it's difficult to comment. But if it's as bad as a V8 Range Rover, and the car proves as popular, it would be a disaster for air quality."
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