Blargage!

2006 Chevrolet Colbalt LS Coupe

This Coupe is the slightly sportier version of the Cobalt introduced in 2005 to replace the Cavalier. Mechanically smooth, with a pleasant price point and good safety ratings, it is Chevy’s great answer to the compact car question. It’s lower MPG than Honda’s Civic Hybrids, is compensated for by the pick up and lower price. Likely more reliable than Ford’s Focus, it also gives a clearer feel of the road. While Chevy’s Aveo offering may be thriftier, the Chevy Cobalt doesn’t feel as insubstantial as the Aveo, and looks far less boxy. The Cavalier, while a good car, give the impression of incremental improvements, and older body contours, whereas the Cobalt’s interior and exterior styling seem more cohesive and its engine runs more smoothly.

On the road the Cobalt Coupe doesn’t quite give the road feel of a true sports car, but the control and feedback of the steering and the response of the accelerator give the impression of a car costing more. If a driver takes too sharp a turn at too fast a speed, the lean of the car reminds that the Cobalt is a light car, and gently suggests caution. Barring the reckless, the Cobalt corners well, though it would be nice if the turning radius were a hair tighter for u-turns and such. The anti-lock braking system is responsive without feeling tight and provides a solid stop, even on wet pavement. The computer system is designed to adapt to a driver’s driving style over time, and after resetting it (disconnecting and reconnecting the battery), it becomes clear how much it makes driving smoother.

The passenger compartment is comfortable for two, though hardly spacious in the back seat; the Coupe’s backseat is comfortable, but headroom in back feels tight for taller passengers. With out an armrest, the open center helps driver and passenger feel a little like being in a larger car. The four cup-holders are sufficient and in between the driver and passenger seats, making the two in front convenient and the two in back either the well placed for the back seat passenger or back up spots for driver and front seat passenger. The dashboard and control console are sensibly laid-out, and the darker color blends well and doesn’t show dirt easily. Unfortunately, the light grey cloth seats aren’t so lucky, and can pick up dirt, and for some reason stretch such that the cloth may not remain flush with the plastic interior door handle. The gearshift is perfectly placed, as are the wiper, headlight and other controls. The owner’s manual can stay unread, and everything is easily figured out.

The trunk is deceptively large, allowing a big suitcase to leave extra space, and is immense compared to other small car trunks (like the Miata). The spare is subtly hidden far beneath the flat would-feel-big-even-for-a-midsize floor of the trunk and the back seats can fold down allowing for even more space. One can fit a compact refrigerator in the back seat and still use the rear-view mirror. The doors both have a slot like storage space that fits a small umbrella perfectly. Maps fit comfortably under the seats. The glove box is moderate and holds a CD case and a few other small items well.

The A/C controls are minimal but effective, though it takes a moment or two for the air to truly blow cold on a hot day (or hot on a cold one). The CD/Radio/XM Radio is fairly intuitive despite having three types of radio and CD from which to choose. Unfortunately, the CD player will not play mp3 formatted discs and doesn’t have an audio-in jack. Without a tape deck, a radio-type adapter is likely the only way to play an mp3 player through the car’s speakers. The sound system is clear even at low volumes and has a pleasantly rich high-mid range for XM radio or CDs. Setting the clock is so easy it is surprising, though it seems to lose a couple minutes every month or so.

The Cobalt LS Coupe’s body is exciting and has been described as making the car look as though it were “going a million miles an hour” when standing still. The gold colored GM and Chevy Logo accents also look more subdued against the rally yellow paint than plain chrome would. This look sets the coupe apart from the sedan.

Rating: Awesome!