2009 CHEVROLET COBALT LS SEDAN

The most important of the changes to the 2009 Cobalt concerns the base engine, the Ecotec 2.2-litre 4-cylinder Thanks to variable valve timing, the engine is more powerful and more fuel-efficient. Two new models make their debut, the XFE, tweaked for fuel economy, and the sporty SS sedan. The Cobalt is offered in coupe and sedan body styles. Interior and trunk The front is easy to access and the seats are comfortable, though heavily built people may find the cushion a bit thin on long trips. The lumbar adjuster is located in front of the seat, which is not the most practical spot, as you have to lean forward away from the seatback to engage it. Taller drivers will find legroom a bit sparse for the left leg. Although getting into the back is no problem, getting out is another issue because there isnt much space between the B pillar and the seat cushion. The rear bench is firm and comfortable but it would be even better if the seatback werent so upright. There is room for two people; theres no legroom in the middle. The backrest is split 60/40 but it folds with a slight upward angle towards the front, not flat to the floor, and it is a few centimetres higher than the floor of the trunk. The trunk offers good cargo space but is limited by a small opening. Trunk hinges are mounted on the outside so they wont damage your luggage, but the same doesnt go for the child seat strap anchor bolt, which sticks out way too far. Convenience and safety features The interior is well appointed and relatively well soundproofed, but there were several rattles from the dashboard area of our test vehicle. There are no grab bars, and the poorly placed cup holders block access to the air conditioning controls. In the base model, cabin storage is limited to a glove compartment and front-door map pockets.

Photo: Chevrolet

The controls and gauges are well laid out. The air conditioner is very effective and there are several ways to modulate air distribution. Strangely, air conditioning is not available in LS trim with the automatic transmission. The glove compartment is not lighted. Safety equipment includes dual front airbags, and four head restraints. The rear restraints are fixed and do not adjust high enough for tall people. As an option, curtain airbags are available in the LS and LT, and ABS brakes are available in the LS. Sadly, side airbags are unavailable in all versions. Visibility is very good in all directions but it can be difficult to judge distances when backing up. The headlights are a bit lacking in both intensity and reach. Engine and transmission The 2.2-litre 4-cylinder ECOTEC engine generates 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. It delivers respectable acceleration and pickup, and proves a bit noisy off the blocks, especially during warm-up. The four-cylinder engine isnt the most refined around but it does the job. This year, it gets a variable valve timing system that permits a 5-percent gain in power 7 horsepowerwhile reducing fuel consumption. Theres also an Extra Fuel Efficiency (XFE) version that includes low-resistance tires, a numerically lower differential ratio and a gearshift indicator. With this version, we obtained a reasonable 7.2 L/100 km fuel economy. The five-speed manual transmission is precise and easy to use. The gears are well spaced, and the clutch engages smoothly. On the road The Cobalts relatively supple suspension tuning delivers a smooth ride with a touch of firmness that is exempt of unpleasant reaction on uneven pavement. Road holding is adequate, but no more, and lean is pronounced in turns. The Cobalt drives with a relatively sturdy feel. The power steering is very well weighted, stable, precise, and quick. The turning circle is small. Unfortunately, the steering transmits no road feel at all. The brakes are powerful and resistant to fading, so they hold their grip even after a number of high-speed emergency stops. Its to be hoped that they are durable, too, because the front discs and brake pads are expensive. Our inspection of the Cobalt at a CAA-Quebec Technical Inspection Centre showed that the underside is built tough and the emergency brake design is good, which isnt always the case with GM vehicles. The wiper fluid tank is on the leftand thus is not very safe for roadside fillingand close enough to the radiator expansion tank to cause confusion. Grime easily enters the engine compartment, and road debris can get through the big openings under the front bumper and damage the air-conditioner condenser. There is no rust proofing, and the ABS wiring to the rear wheels is exposed. The overhead camshafts of the 2.2-litre engine are chain driven.

Conclusion The Cobalt is a respectable means of transportation and though it is more refined than the preceding generations, it cannot claim to be as well balanced as its Asian competitors. Hopefully for GM, the replacement model scheduled for the 2011 model-year, the Cruze, will be up to scratch. PROS: smooth ride, well-tuned steering, soundproofing, reasonable fuel economy front-seat comfort, handling,

CONS: small trunk opening, room for four only, visibility when backing up, expensive brakes, headlights a bit weak, no side airbags 2009 CHEVROLET COBALT Engine: 16-valve, 2.2-litre 4-cylinder; 16-valve, 2.0-litre, turbo 4-cylinder Horsepower: 155 hp at 6,100 rpm; 260 hp at 6,300 rpm Torque: 150 lb-ft at 4,900 rpm; 260 lb-ft at 2,000 rpm Transmission: 5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic Suspension: independent/semi-independent Brakes: disc/drum (SS: disc/disc) Wheelbase: 262.3 cm Length: 458 cm (Coupe: 458.4 cm) Width: 173.8 cm Height: 145 cm (Coupe: 141.5 cm) Weight: 1,216 to 1,373 kg Tires: P195/60R15; P195/60R15; P205/55R16; P225/40R18 Maximum towing capacity: 454 kg Airbags: dual front. Two curtain airbags standard with SS. Fuel consumption with manual transmission and 2.2-litre engine Natural Resources Canada rating: City: 8 L/100 km (35 mpg) Highway: 5.4 L/100 km (52 mpg) Test result: 7.2 L/100 km (39 mpg) Test temperature: 16C to 36C CO2 emissions: 3,264 kg/20,000 km Fuel tank capacity: 50 litres Fuel requirement: regular grade gasoline Acceleration: 0100 km/h: 9.3 seconds 60100 km/h: 8 seconds

Competition: Dodge Caliber, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, Mazda3, Mitsubishi Lancer, Nissan Sentra, Pontiac G5, Saturn Astra, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen GTI and Jetta

Warranty: Full basic coverage: 3 years/60,000 km Powertrain: 5 years/160,000 km Surface corrosion: 3 years/60,000 km Perforation damage: 6 years/160,000 km Emissions control system: 3 years/60,000 km (full coverage); 8 years/130,000 km (catalytic converter, electronic control module). Factory replacement parts: Rear bumper: $1,052 Front brake disc: $202 Brake pads: $166 Muffler: $681 Front fender: $213 Price according to trim level: LS: $15,325 LT: $18,295 SS: $25,445 Main options: Automatic transmission: $1,250 Air conditioning: $1,150 Price as tested: $17,965 Freight and preparation: $1,225 Dealers: Quebec: 86 Canada: 435

August 2009. All rights reserved, CAA-Quebec