New 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt

As American cars go, fuel efficiency usually doesn’t.  Most wouldn’t know it, but the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt offers superb fuel economy, giving drivers a break at the pump while offering more power than the competition.

Commonly referred to as the Cobalt XFE (Xtra Fuel Economy), the Cobalt offers the best in-class fuel efficiency at 25 MPG city and 37 MPG highway.  That’s comparable, if not better than the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic and Ford Focus.  Not only does the Cobalt beat the competition at the pump, it has more power.

Each one of the four trim levels—LS, LT1, LT2 and SS are available as both coupe and sedan.  The LS and LT1 are available in either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission with 2.2-liter, 155-horsepower engine.  The LT2 has the same power, but is available in a 4-speed automatic transmission and has reduced fuel economy at 24 MPG city and 33 MPG highway.  The powerful SS Turbocharged coupe is available as a sedan and has a 2.0-liter, 260-horsepower, 5-speed manual transmission getting 22/30 MPG.

All trims levels offer standard amenities like an AM/FM CD player, iPod® input jack, air conditioning with air filtration system, and theft deterrent system.  General Motor’s OnStar® service comes standard and provides turn-by-turn navigation, vehicle diagnostics, automatic crash response and hands-free calling.

A variety of option packages, interior amenities, and wheel choices help differentiate the trim levels. More powerful audio options include an in-dash six-disc CD changer and MP3 player, a seven-speaker Pioneer® sound system, and XM® satellite radio. The Cobalt has a wide range of active safety features available, including four-wheel anti-lock brakes for added stopping power and an optional traction control system to minimize wheel spin in slippery conditions or quick takeoffs. Front dual airbags are standard across the line, with optional head-curtain side-impact airbags for added front and rear seat passenger protection.

If saving money at the pump without sacrificing power is what you are looking for out of a subcompact, the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt deserves to be in the conversation.