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9/3/2007 | Chevrolet
The car you see here may look a lot like the familiar Chevrolet Cavalier. The face is more or less the same, as are the proportions. But don't be fooled; the 2006 Chevy Cobalt really is more than just a new name on an old body.
With the introduction of the subcompact Aveo, the Cobalt moves slightly
upmarket, taking up a "premium compact" position in the lineup. It'll
be competing with Ford's Focus and Honda's all-conquering Civic. It may look
familiar, but the Cobalt rides an all new version of GM's strong and stiff
front-wheel drive Delta platform.
Like the outgoing Cavalier, the Cobalt comes in two- and four-door
bodies. The slope-nosed design has gained a grille similar to the rest of the
Chevy team, but remains familiar. The seating position is high, for improved
visibility. Large, crystal headlamps and four-unit taillights are also design
cues that help to link the Cobalt with the larger Malibu and Impala.Wheel
choices range from 15" to big, bold 18" wheels on some of the sporty
coupe versions. Inside, the Cobalt is well-equipped, with an options list that
includes heated seats and XM satellite radio.
There are two engine choices; the torquey and frugal
2.2 liter Ecotec four-cylinder that also resides under the hood of the Saturn
ION and other GM products, and a 205-horse supercharged 2.0 liter that's
available in the hot-rod Cobalt SS Supercharged. The 2.2 liter that powers the
rest of the lineup puts out 145 horsepower, which should provide comfortable
mid-pack performance numbers. Splitting the difference for '06 is the Cobalt SS,
with a 2.4 liter Ecotec four offering 171 horses and more torque than the
standard 2.2. A choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions is
offered.
The suspension uses MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam in the
rear. Electronic power steering eliminates the additional weight required by a
more traditional hydraulic system. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) are available, with
front discs and rear drums on base models and four-wheel discs on the Cobalt SS
Supercharged. Traction control is also available on ABS-equipped cars.
Chevrolet calls the Cobalt a premium compact, but it doesn't cost as much as
some $25,000-plus premium compacts have lately. Prices range from just over
$14,000 to over $18,000 for the top-of-the-line Cobalt SS Supercharged. True to
Chevy's mission of producing cars at realistic prices, air conditioning, a tilt
wheel, side airbags and a rear window defroster are standard on every Cobalt.
The Fact Box:
All specs are for the 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt.
Length: 180.5 in.
Width: 67.9 in.
Height: 57.1 in.
Wheelbase: 103.3 in.
Curb weight: 2900 lb. (est.)
Cargo space: 13.9 cu.ft.
Base price: $13,900
Engine: 2.2 liter DOHC inline four-cylinder
Drivetrain: five-speed manual or four-speed automatic,
front-wheel drive
Horsepower: 145 @ 5600
Torque: 155 @ 4000
Fuel capacity: 13.2 gal.
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