Cobalt a Popular Choice
I had never paid attention to the Chevy Cobalt before, but the week I was driving it a friend’s daughter got one, and I started seeing them all over the place.
Known for value-driven, efficient performance, the sleek Chevrolet Cobalt greets 2009 with enhancements that provide increased fuel efficiency.
And with a five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety "Best Pick" for safety and a low price, it is no wonder the Cobalt is one of the most popular choices in the small-car segment.
The 2009 Cobalt lineup includes LS, LT and the turbocharged SS models, which we drove. The SS coupe and sedan are powered by a sophisticated 2.0-liter turbocharged and intercooled Ecotec engine that uses direct injection technology to provide a great balance of performance and fuel efficiency.
The powertrain and tire revisions enable an EPA-estimated highway rating of 22 miles per gallon and 30 mpg in city driving, great for a teen who has to pay for her own gas.
For teen audiophiles, the addition of a USB port on the radio enables iPods and similar devices to be played through the Cobalt’s audio system.
Cobalt features smooth and sleek exteriors with fast rooflines. A myriad of subtle details, such as aircraft-style doors that integrate the door frames into the exterior surface for a tighter, flush fit, contribute to Cobalt’s overall feeling of strength and solidity. Detailed headlamps and tail lamps exude a premium appearance.
A sporty look for all models is achieved with a low-slung body and a curvaceous roofline – particularly in the coupe, which has tapered, reverse C-pillars that lead to Chevy’s signature four round tail lamps.
The Cobalt SS uses a 2.0L Ecotec turbo engine that produces 260 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. That equates to 2.1 horsepower per cubic inch of displacement, making it the most powerful engine in the Ecotec family. Gasoline direct-injection technology helps the engine produce more power while maintaining lower fuel consumption.
The Cobalt SS was developed by GM Performance Division (GMPD) with a team of engineers and designers dedicated to crafting high-performance vehicles. An all-new FE5 Sport suspension was developed for the SS. It includes specific stabilizer bars, spring rates and damper tuning – all designed to complement the high-output turbocharged powertrain and mitigate afflictions such as torque steer. Driver-selectable modes help maximize performance whether on the street or track. The unique "no-lift shift" feature enables the Cobalt SS to achieve the best acceleration time via an algorithm in the engine controller.
Ensuring the car stops as confidently as it accelerates and corners are four-wheel disc brakes with standard ABS.
With its balanced tuning, the Cobalt SS delivers a quick 0-60 time of approximately 5.7 seconds.
The Cobalt SS is distinguished on the exterior with several unique features, including a distinctive, air dam-style front fascia with integrated projector-beam fog lamps. New front upper and lower grilles sport a new, SS-specific diamond-mesh appearance. SS-specific rockers and badging adorn the body sides, while a standard deck lid spoiler adds the requisite sporty touch to the rear of the car. The standard spoiler can be replaced with an optional high wing-style aero enhancement. Also at the rear is a prominent, bright-tip exhaust outlet.
Large, twin five-spoke 18-inch forged aluminum wheels and performance tires are standard and are tailored with the specific body enhancements to give the Cobalt SS a lower, performance-oriented stance – while also showing off the large Brembo front brake calipers. They’re mounted on 225/40-series Continental summer tires.
Like the exterior, the interior is unique to the Cobalt SS, including SS-embroidered sport seats with suede-like UltraLux inserts, a specific gauge cluster, an A-pillar-mounted turbo boost gauge and a new shifter arrangement.
Published June 2009
