Totally Improved 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt Priced Lower than 2004 Cavalier MSRP

Due to the Cobalt's many improvements over the Cavalier, Chevy shouldn't need to discount it or add as many profit eroding

The Cobalt will offer excellent rear seat room when available this fall. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

incentives at point of sale, at least to the level of the outgoing model. The Cobalt's lower entry price should help reduce the need for incentives too. Currently, the Cavalier can be purchased for just under $12,000.

The availability of the Korean-made GMDAT (Daewoo) Optra 4-door sedan, currently selling for $16,190 which is $695 more than the $15,495 base price of the 2005 Cobalt, marks one of the first occurrences an automaker has created a direct segment competitor within the same brand. The Optra5 hatchback and Optra wagon are unique in Chevy's lineup, however, and don't compete directly with any other bowtie branded vehicle.

The Cobalt is due to go on sale in mid to late November.