With a four-speed automatic transmission (instead of the standard five-speed manual), alloy wheels, rear spoiler and a new-for-2007 factory-installed remote start system added, the Cobalt LT test car came to $20,475.
Cheaper than the competition
Similarly optioned, competing compact sedans - Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Mazda3, Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla -- are all more expensive. (The aforementioned City Jetta with an autobox and a Luxury Package rings in at $20,165.)
"Premium," whether it's cars, coffee or cumquats, should equate to some sort of quality that's higher than normally expected, especially for the price. In this, the Cobalt LT's quiet cabin and smooth ride deliver the goods.
Even though it goes down the road without an independent rear suspension, the Cobalt LT delivers a relaxed highway ride. Its quiet, straight-line cruising attitude and light steering make for a pleasant enough driving experience.
Just remember, that great ride means there's plenty of body roll. The Cobalt LT's shift from understeer to oversteer comes with little warning. When you start cranking the steering wheel, the light steering is slow to react and pretty numb too.
At least the Cobalt isn't slow.
Except for the SS model, with its 173-hp 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, all Cobalt sedans get a 148-hp 2.2-litre four under their hoods. Combined with the slushbox, the Cobalt LT gets from zero to 100 km/h in less than 10 seconds. More pragmatic, the 2.2's torque curve comes on early, allowing the Chevy to feel quicker than it really is.
Inside, though, the test Cobalt LT's interior colour scheme -- "neutral" -- pretty much summed up the cockpit's character, or lack thereof. Notwithstanding a clear set of driver's instruments and GM's now-standard stereo and HVAC controls, the Cobalt's insides lacked anything one would call distinctive or distinguished.
The driving position is fine, but the seats, both front and back, are resolutely flat with little thigh support. And for those relegated to the rear, the average legroom will have taller folks sitting with their knees uncomfortably up.
Cheaper than the competition
Similarly optioned, competing compact sedans - Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Mazda3, Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla -- are all more expensive. (The aforementioned City Jetta with an autobox and a Luxury Package rings in at $20,165.)
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| The Cobalt's road manners are honest. |
"Premium," whether it's cars, coffee or cumquats, should equate to some sort of quality that's higher than normally expected, especially for the price. In this, the Cobalt LT's quiet cabin and smooth ride deliver the goods.
Even though it goes down the road without an independent rear suspension, the Cobalt LT delivers a relaxed highway ride. Its quiet, straight-line cruising attitude and light steering make for a pleasant enough driving experience.
Just remember, that great ride means there's plenty of body roll. The Cobalt LT's shift from understeer to oversteer comes with little warning. When you start cranking the steering wheel, the light steering is slow to react and pretty numb too.
At least the Cobalt isn't slow.
Except for the SS model, with its 173-hp 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, all Cobalt sedans get a 148-hp 2.2-litre four under their hoods. Combined with the slushbox, the Cobalt LT gets from zero to 100 km/h in less than 10 seconds. More pragmatic, the 2.2's torque curve comes on early, allowing the Chevy to feel quicker than it really is.
Inside, though, the test Cobalt LT's interior colour scheme -- "neutral" -- pretty much summed up the cockpit's character, or lack thereof. Notwithstanding a clear set of driver's instruments and GM's now-standard stereo and HVAC controls, the Cobalt's insides lacked anything one would call distinctive or distinguished.
The driving position is fine, but the seats, both front and back, are resolutely flat with little thigh support. And for those relegated to the rear, the average legroom will have taller folks sitting with their knees uncomfortably up.
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| All Cobalts--other than the SS--come equipped with a 2.2-litre 4-cylinder Ecotec engine. |