A terrific compact car

Until recently, I drove a 2002 Honda Civic LX sedan. No problems with that car at all but it was time to give it to my sister and buy something else. I researched all of the many cars in the economy compact class and decided on the new Chevrolet Cobalt, GM's new premium compact that replaces (along with the Korean-built Aveo and Optra) the aged Cavalier. I have an LS Coupe in Arrival Blue Metallic with the Sports Appearance Package, Sunroof, and Enhanced Audio. Including all the various taxes and charges, it was about $26,000 Canadian.

The Cobalt is available in a wide variety of styles and trim levels, from the conservative base sedan to the high-powered SS Supercharged coupe. GM will add to the lineup later this year with the SS sedans and coupes, both of which will have 170hp engines, compared to the 145hp on "normal" Cobalts and 205hp on the SS/SC. To add even more choices to the equation, GM Canada has the Pontiac Pursuit sedan (and later this fall, the coupe) which is the Cobalt's twin, virtually identical aside from some minor styling differences, much like the Cavalier/Sunfire combo.

Let's start off with the looks. My Cobalt looks hot! Designed in the familiar fastback coupe style (think RSX, Celica, or Tiburon) with a low front end and a high rear, it looks like a crouched cat ready to pounce. Only the front end is shared with the sedan. Everything else from the heavily raked windshield to the Corvette-style tailights is unique to the coupe. The optional rear decklid spoiler is angled and placed perfectly to block the headlights of the car behind you, which sure helps against those who drive with their high-beams on or have improper alignment. My colour choice of Arrival Blue is also stunning. Pictures don't do it justice - it's a beautifully dark yet rich shade of metallic blue. Definitely stands out at the intersection. Both the trunk (w/ power remote release) and hood open on gas struts, which is unheard of in this class. The trunk is huge but the opening is rather small. The standard cargo net is a nice touch. Stylish 16" machine-faced aluminum wheels and tires finish off the package. For now, the Cobalt coupes are still comparatively rare where I live so these cars are real head-turners.

Going inside, you're treated to a very well thought out interior. I chose the ebony interior with Sport Cloth seats, which look and feel great. All the stereo and climate controls are logical and well-placed and are even topped off with chrome, as are the door handles and rings around the gauges. The Sports package also wraps the steering wheel and shifter in leather and tops it off with cruise and redundant stereo controls on the wheel itself. Unusually, the speedometer is on the left while the tachometer is on the right. Presumably, this is to reinforce the car's sporty image, subliminally forcing the driver to focus on how many revs he's producing rather than his actual velocity. The Driver Information Centre (DIC) is a really cool feature that displays all sorts of useful info from gas mileage, when it's time to change the oil, outside temperature, as well as the normal odometer. What you will be really impressed by is how quiet the Cobalt is - easily the quietest car in its class (and I'm sure it gives its bigger brothers in the mid-size class a run for their money too). GM spent a lot of time and money on this so it's definitely something to make note of. The optional and pretty affordable enhanced audio package is amazing. 228 watts with six speakers along with a 10" Pioneer subwoofer in the trunk provide for a fantastic sonic experience. The stereo's volume even adjusts automatically depending on how fast you're going. Power windows, locks, and mirrors complete the package. I got the optional sunroof too which opens up and over the car, giving it an even sportier and aggressive look. I don't think there's a single coupe out there with roomy rear seats and the Cobalt is no exception. Still, my average height and size sister fits back there with no problems. I'm 6" feet tall and I tested it out back there and even I was okay with it. Front head and leg room is plentiful.

Now you can't be good looking without having some oomph behind it. Fortunately, the Cobalt LS comes with a great and peppy 145hp 2.2L engine with 155lb/ft torque, making it the most powerful base engine in its class. Even with an automatic transmission (which shifts imperceptibly and perfectly, by the way), it's still faster than the manual trannys of its competition. Handling is assured and I really like the electric-assist steering, which allows for greater maneverability at slow speeds and firmer control at high speeds. Despite its size (among the largest of the economy cars), its turning circle is better than its competition. Kudos to GM!

A couple small nitpicks though. The old-school non-retractable mast antenna was a cheap decision. Why GM didn't spend a few extra bucks for an in-glass antenna (or even a short European-style roof one) is beyond me. I would have been more than glad to pay an extra $20 for one of those. The hand brake is also kind of dodgy-looking and badly placed beneath the armrest console, forcing the driver to lift the console to access the brake.

Overall though, I'm thrilled with my new Cobalt (I've named her Alia). It far surpasses my Civic in every way and GM should be very proud of what they've done with this car.