09 CHEVROLET COBALT SS TURBO SEDAN ALL WRAPPED UP IN BLUE By Judy Gell Automotive Journalist      Christmas was over, but having the Cobalt for a week-long test drive seemed like a post-holiday present!  The Imperial Blue Metallic paint was as shiny as any gift wrap, and the sporty exterior styling suggested a great driving experience!  From the black diamond mesh grille to the rear spoiler, the Cobalt had an invitingly playful look.  Eighteen-inch forged aluminum wheels, performance tires and sport fascias and rocker moldings enhanced the impression.  I was still standing on the driveway, but I was ready to drive!

    Sliding into the performance driver’s seat I immediately felt embraced and supported, and observed that the ebony and gray interior colors present a down-to-business seriousness to the attitude of the Cobalt.  There is no pretense of luxury, but the interior is comfortable and convenient.  The front bucket and rear bench seats are cloth, the tilt steering wheel is leather wrapped and includes radio controls, and the high-performance audio system boasts 7 pioneer speakers.  Other basic features include cruise control, power door locks and windows, rear window defrost, remote keyless entry and Bluetooth for phone.  Use the remote trunk release and find a convenience cargo net and tire sealant and inflator kit.

     The Cobalt is powered by a 2.0 liter 4 cylinder DOHC Turbo gas engine paired with a 5-speed manual transmission with a short throw shifter.  Speed sensitive electric power steering and a performance handling suspension system make the speed, the curves and the straight-outs of the road into a driving experience that takes boring out of any trip.  Meanwhile appreciate the safety of the antilock 4 wheel disc brake system, Stabilitrac traction control system, and dual frontal passenger sensing airbags and front and rear head curtain side airbags.  GM also includes one year of Onstar Safe and Sound. 

     My husband and I along with another couple drove from Dallas, Texas to Springfield, Missouri and back, eight hours each way, in two days.  The two wives sat in the back seat.  I definitely would not call it spacious, but for a vehicle categorized as a sub-compact, we were remarkably comfortable—tired by the end of the trip, but not exhausted and petrified from discomfort.  A family with two children could travel in this car, with room for kid’s entertainment! 

     The Cobalt comes with a 5 year/100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty.  Estimated fuel economy is 22 miles per gallon city, 30 miles per gallon highway.  The standard vehicle price is $22,775.00.