Chevrolet Cobalt LS 2007
By Benjamin Cyr
Nice look, good and inexpensive
We had already evaluated the Pontiac Pursuit as well as the hyped-up Cobalt, the SS Supercharged. Now, in all fairness, we must revisit GM’s best seller, the Cobalt LS version. After evaluation, this says it all: forget the Cavalier; the Chevrolet Cobalt is in another class.
Going for less than $15,000, the Cobalt shows off a tasteful and modern body, plus, targeting the young drivers makes its affordability enticing. In case you haven’t noticed, the Cobalt seems to be a fixture on our Québec roads. The Cobalt has features added to the base price, contrary to the older Cavalier and Sunfire.
Not perfect, but the Cobalt surpasses by far those offered by GM in the past. Though seating comfort could be improved and the finish does not match Asian standards, (not to mention the lacklustre driving experience) , the Cobalt should be recommended to whoever wants an honest, dependable vehicle, affordable to buy and rent while offering a respectable warranty.
Road-test liked:
- Enough interior volume to accommodate four adults in relative comfort;
- The price is the Cobalt’s main draw, in particular, the LS version (our tryout vehicle) which starts at $14,795 in the manual version;
- The trunk’s size can handle various suitcases and accessories;
- The power of the 2.2 litre is impressive from a dead stop and scoots around in the city very well;
- The anchor points on the child seats can be worked easily;
- Highway fuel consumption sits in the middle of the various compacts;
Road-test disliked:
- The Ecotec’s motor music irritates with the engine in high gear;
- Steering seems floppy and relays virtually nothing to the driver;
- The C pillar blocs the rear view, especially the blind spot;
- The absence of ABS brakes on the LS version and the presence of rear drums;
- Fuel consumption in the city was inferior to our expectations;
- The four-speed automatic could be a little smoother and refined. A fifth speed would help the Cobalt with in gear acceleration and lower fuel demands.
The Cobalt’s success is easy enough to understand. Not perfect, but without any major flaws, considering the price. If you compare its characteristics and price, it cleanly outdoes the competition. But in the end, you have to ask yourself if this vehicle suits you. Once you decide, there are two options: rent at a preferred rate or buy and get substantial rebates directly from the manufacturer.
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