Short Take – 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt XFE

Somewhat to Chevrolet's surprise, the Cobalt has turned out to be a better than expected seller for GM's most popular brand, and is its smallest and most fuel efficient model. Built on GM's Delta platform, the Cobalt does not quite match the popular Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic, two competitive models in quality, but in price and fuel economy the car holds its own.

For 2009, Chevrolet has tweaked the Cobalt where it counts: in fuel efficiency. The most fuel efficient model is the XFE (Xtra Fuel Economy) delivering an impressive 37 mpg on the highway or 26 mpg in the city with its manual transmission.

History of the Cobalt

First roled out as a 2004 model, the Cobalt replaced the decades old Cavalier, a dated, but fairly decent selling entry-level model that was first launched in the early 1980s. GM's small car Delta platform, which also underpins the Chevrolet HHR, Pontiac G5, and the Saturn Astra serves the Cobalt. The XFE model has a 148 horsepower 2.2L ECOTEC I4 engine and is paired with a 5 speed manual transmission with other engine and powertrain combinations available. However, to achieve the highest fuel economy the XFE combination is what truly delivers the best numbers.

XFE – Xtra Fuel Economy

To achieve the higher fuel numbers, which adds a substantial 3 mpg highway to the XFE, parent General Motors had to do some refining to hit that target. Changes in computer programming, adding low-resistance tires, and a change in geared thought about the increases. Best of all, these changes were not technological add-ons, updates which could increase the price of a car. As the model year comes to an end, the base Cobalt still retails for just $ 15,070 which is before rebates kick in. A well equipped model can be had for about $ 17,000 which includes rebate money, taxes, tags, etc. Truly the Cobalt is priced to compete.

What You Get With Every Cobalt

With every Cobalt, you get a subcompact car that can carry as many as five passengers, comes with a number of options including OnStar, XM Radio, safety and security features, and has a sport option. Air conditioning is standard equipment as is an AM / FM radio with CD player and MP3 playback. Customers wanting more power can select a turbocharged 2.0L I4 or a high output 2.4L I4 engine. However, if best in class fuel economy is what you crave, then only the XFE will do.

What's Coming

The Chevrolet Cobalt will soldier on for at least two more model years before its widely anticipated replacement model, the Cruze, steps in. The all-new Cruze is set for introduction at the 2008 Paris Auto Show and will be built in Europe initially before GM's Lordstown, OH plant starts building the car in two years time. By then, the 2011 Cruze will be ready and the Cobalt will fade into the history books.

So, if you're looking for an economic American made model to get you around today, then the Chevrolet Cobalt will not disappoint you. Compare the Cobalt to the Corolla, Civic, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, and the Nissan Sentra to find what similar models have to offer to you.



Source by Matthew Keegan