08 Hummer H3 Alpha By ALAN GELL www.CarColumns.Net Recently, I the opportunity to test-drive the new Hummer 3 Alpha.  It was a beautiful dark orange that the GM designers called Solar Flare Metallic.  There is no mistaking that distinctive Hummer look – even down to that memorable TV commercial with the kids building their soapbox.  My test model was no different.

The H3 is definitely smaller that the H2 and original H1.  The looks and capability are squeezed into roughly the same size as a large family sedan so that it fits in a typical garage and can zip through city traffic.  If you compare the H3 to the bigger H2, this one is almost 17 inches shorter length, 6 inches shorter height, and six and a half inches shorter width.  The H3 is really more of a mid-size family-oriented SUV.

A lot of folks ask me about that Alpha designation.  The car manufacturers have recognized that many buyers want more performance and power.  So they have special designations or badging that indicate a performance package is part of that particular model.  Hummer introduced the Alpha designation a few years ago with their H1, offering a more powerful engine as well as certain comfort features.  This year, the GM Performance Division got involved and helped design the H3 Alpha.

The PR division of General Motors calls the Alpha, “the ultimate Hummer.”   My test drive model certainly had a lot of comfortable attributes and a very powerful engine, but I wouldn’t call it “the ultimate.”  It is still closer to a family vehicle than anything.

Any of the Hummer vehicles has a do-anything and go-anywhere versatility, and this H3 Alpha is certainly a true Hummer by any measure.  Like its bigger brothers, it can crawl over rocks or climb a challenging hill.  It has the ability to ford a two-foot deep stream, although I didn’t put that proposal to the test.  Off-road enthusiasts will recognize that the H3 has been engineered for that purpose, especially with the electronically controlled four-wheel drive system.  The suspension is tuned and tailored for off-road, as has the underbody shielding, and brake traction control. 

The H3 Alpha has a new 5.3 liter V8 engine that is matched with a four speed automatic transmission.  This bigger engine allows the Alpha to have about a third more power that the standard H3.  That comes in especially handy for towing, whether pulling a boat to the lake or a small travel trailer up a hill to a remote campsite.  The engine is similar to the small-block V8 that GM puts in the Chevy Silverado.

The interior of the H3 is certainly more user-friendly for families than the earlier, rough, military-styled Hummers.  It had leather seats, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, oversized carpeted floor mats, carpeted cargo floor area.  There was a great sound system and plenty of storage bins, pockets, and cupholders. 
The exterior was still all-Hummer, just more family-friendly in appearance.  My test model even included a Luxury equipment package that added 16-inch chrome wheels, chromed door handles, and chromed exhaust tips.  Other options include bright roof crossbars, chromed fuel door, a body-colored grille, and even a unique spare tire cover.
Many of the SUV’s designed for serious off-roading do not offer high mileage figures and the H3 is no exception.  But it is much better than those first Hummers we saw several years ago.  This new H3 Alpha is rated between 13 and 16, although I got slightly better during my test drive.   Bottom line – I enjoyed the vehicle.  It had all the legendary capabilities, but included the attributes for a normal, drive-around-town vehicle. 

Check out the new 2008 Hummer 3 and ask about the Alpha model with the special performance package at your GM dealership.