Chevrolet Cobalt

Impressions: The bread-and-butter Cobalt coupe/sedan lineup has flourished about as far as Chevrolet is willing to take it, at least for the time being. As promised, the brand became more things to more people in 2006 with the SS coupe and sedan models that joined the entry-level LS and LT models as well as the premium LTZ sedan and the SS Supercharged coupe. Therefore, 2007 is a largely a stand-pat year with some light tinkering to the features list as only noteworthy change from last year's batch of economical transporters. Each Cobalt model includes a specific interior, exterior appearance, wheels and tires, as well as a long list of standard and available features. Those who like their small cars hot should check out the Cobalt SS and SS Supercharged at the local Chevy store. This pair tops the Cobalt lineup not only in terms of power and performance, but in terms of equipment and trim. The new SS coupe and sedan come with a 173-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder that's mated to your choice of a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic. The SS Supercharged comes with (you guessed it) a supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that churns out 205 horsepower. Your only choice of transmission in this case is a five-speed manual funneling the torque through a lower final drive ratio for even better performance. The suspension, brakes and trim have been suitably altered on the SS Cobalts and they come with anti-lock brakes and 17- or 18-inch wheels as standard equipment. The base 2.2-liter four-cylinder receives an eight-horsepower bump to 148 this year. Base price: $13,100 (coupe or sedan) Type: Two-door coupe; four-door sedan Base engine (hp): 2.2-liter DOHC I4 (148) Optional engine (hp): 2.4-liter DOHC I4 (173); 2.0-liter DOHC I4, supercharged (205) Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel drive Transmissions: Five-speed manual; four-speed automatic (opt.) Mileage (city/hwy): 25/34 (2.2, MT) Safety: Front airbags; side-curtain airbags (opt.); anti-lock brakes (opt.); traction control (AT) Weight (lb.): 2,870 Basic warranty: 3/36,000 Roadside assistance: Yes Web: chevrolet.com