It’s odd to describe a vehicle as savvy, but there are few better descriptors for the 2009 Chevy Cobalt. Combining intelligent design, efficient performance and innovative technology into one affordable package, the newest Cobalt is perhaps the most street-savvy vehicle on the market.
In sedan and coupe models, the 2009 Chevy Cobalt combines remarkably simple design with modern, athletic features. Just because it’s the practical, economical choice doesn’t mean it has to look like it. The Chevy badge rests atop a sleek, black mesh grille and flanking cat-eye automatic headlamps. Below, available integrated foglamps complete a gently sloping nose.
The lines of the new Cobalt are long and contemporary. There’s an underlying sense of speed and performance to the design that cannot be ignored. Its generous length, sweeping roofline and wide stance connote confident strength while low profile, multi-spoke alloys, a rear spoiler and chrome-tipped exhaust ensure an aggressive athleticism. Gently flared wheel arches and body-colored accents give the newest Cobalt an elegant, understated appearance.
Beneath the hood, the 2009 Cobalt is anything but understated. Chevy’s standard engine is a spirited and ride-optimized 2.2-liter ECOTEC inline four-cylinder capable of 155 hp and 150 lb/ft of torque through a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. When equipped with manual transmission, the Cobalt’s four-cylinder achieves a staggering 37 mpg highway.
For race-inspired power, Chevy has equipped the Cobalt SS model with an upgraded five-speed manual-controlled 2.0-liter ECOTEC four-cylinder. This advanced performance-based powerplant produces an impressive 260 hp and 260 lb/ft of torque and utilizes cutting-edge engineering and direct-injection technology to achieve up to 30 mpg highway. Chevy’s available StabiliTrak electronic stability control system is matched to a sport-tuned suspension system with monotube shocks to ensure nimble, responsive ride control while standard antilock brakes provide unrivaled stopping power.
Beyond stability control and antilock disc brakes, the 2009 Cobalt integrates daytime running lights, advanced traction control and an intelligent array of airbags to ensure optimal safety at all times. The comfort and convenience of Chevy’s innovative OnStar system with hands-free phone system, emergency response and automatic crash response is also standard in the newest Cobalt.
Inside, Chevy has placed an obvious emphasis on personal comfort and modern convenience. Interior design is simple yet sporty, much like the outside. Available heated leather bucket seats and a power sunroof present an overwhelmingly comfortable cabin while sport-inspired gauges and a well designed center stack make this Cobalt the most contemporary to date. An available leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote starter and tire-pressure monitoring system highlight an impressive list of interior amenities.
In terms of technology, the newest Cobalt is the best yet. The center stack houses an available premium CD audio system with auxiliary and USB inputs (for iPods and MP3 players) and XM Satellite Radio. Bluetooth wireless communication and a well-integrated and innovative driver information center make this year’s Cobalt as tech-savvy as it is street-smart.
With its exceptional combination of efficiency, versatility and convenience, the 2009 Chevy Cobalt is an undeniably practical and intelligent choice. With a 260-hp engine, just don’t expect it to act like one all the time.
The 2009 Chevy Cobalt features a starting MSRP of just $16,380.
