Strong Points: Improved Drivetrain Performance; Steering, Interior Comfort; Fuel Economy; Price

Weak Points: Low-end power

Mfr.'s Suggested Retail Price: $22,775
 
In the midst of its bailout doldrums, GM has taken the time to update one of the (few) stellar performers in its car lineup. For 2009, the Chevrolet Cobalt SS Turbo Coupe comes in a new four-door, or carry-over coupe body style. The extra room of the sedan, along with an engine upgrade, make this excellent car even better for the new year and one of the best available from a U.S. manufacturer.
 
We tested the coupe again, but the big news for both models for '09 is a new engine for the Cobalt. Gone is the supercharged model replaced by a turbo also available in the HHR SS truck and other models. This provides a big boost in horsepower and correspondingly better 0-60 mph acceleration times.  While gas might be cheap now, it probably won't be at the end of the average length loan people will take out to buy the Cobalt, so we worried that the extra horses would drink up the previously very good fuel economy numbers. We shouldn't have concerned ourselves. The smaller, more powerful engine loses one mpg in the city, but gains one on the highway. Essentially the same good numbers as the previous models, but with fifty-five additional horsepower. This is the kind of magic we could use more of.  There is still a dearth of power at low rpm, but as the engine revs, the Cobalt really scoots.
 
As before, comfortable sport seats hold the driver and passenger firmly in place. While sport seats require more yoga-like twists to get past the big side bolsters, once you're seated, they maintain excellent ergonomic support keeping the body comfortable for long drives.
 
Handling, as before, is excellent balanced by a good ride that's not too harsh. A fine compromise that makes the car more comfortable than many other cars with sporting pretensions. Steering remains very responsive and provides good feedback of what the front wheels are doing.
 
A good thing made even better. That's the story of the '09 Cobalt SS. We can only hope that more like this are on the way from GM
 
Specifications
Engine                        2.0L Direct Injection Turbo four cylinder
Horsepower                260 @ 5,300 rpm
Acceleration                0-60 mph 5.5 sec.
Braking                        60-0 mph 117 ft.
EPA city/highway        22/30
 
Warranties
Bumber-to-bumper    3/36,000
Powertrain                    5 years/100,000
Rust-through                6 years/100,000
 
Competitors (four-door)
Honda Civic Si
Mazdaspeed3
Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart
Subaru Impreza WRX