2006 Chevrolet Cobalt SS

Welcome to the Driving Range with Dave Jordan - Your Auto Guide to the South Shore of Nova Scotia. All you need to know about Nova Scotia's South Shore Auto scene.

This week, Dave Jordan checks out the 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt SS:

Some people like to stand out and be noticed. Their clothes, their music preferences and the cars they drive all indicate a certain type of person and what they stand for. If you choose to drive a new Chevrolet Cobalt SS, it's likely you will get noticed. With an aggressive stance, a handsome profile and sharp-looking aluminum wheels inside subtly flared fenders, you're bound to turn a few heads. Especially if you choose the rally yellow coupe as I did for this week's report. Thanks to Carroll South Shore Motors for the opportunity to test this sporty compact.

The outgoing Cavalier was a decent enough car that, in my opinion, looked pretty good in two-door Z24 format. Heck, GM sold a tonne of these cars and you can bet the younger generation will continue to buy used Cavaliers to soup up like their buddies are doing with Honda Civics and Dodge Neons. Even though the Cavalier had a long history with several upgrades over its 22-- year lifespan, it was definitely time for a change as the old platform was at its limit for competitive improvements. So, in steps the Cobalt with a plethora of model and trim-level combinations from basic four-door family transportation to high-end sport compact

As mentioned, my tester is the Cobalt SS, not to be confused with the SS Supercharged Coupe, which was the first SS available back in 2005 with the 205-horsepower blown power plant. The SS here is new for '06 in that it is motivated by a high-output, normally aspirated 2.4-litre, 171-horsepower engine that utilizes variable valve timing but no extra help from a blower. Power delivery from this smooth-running engine is even throughout the rev range delivering linear torque characteristics and consistent acceleration through the gears. My tester was equipped with the short-throw, slick-shifting Getrag five-speed manual transmission that made good use of this engine's 165 lb.-ft. of torque. A four-speed slush box is available as an option if you're a poseur, not a driver. Of note is that fact that the 6,750-rpm red line for this unit is higher than for both the base engine and the supercharged mill.

When driving the Cobalt SS on twisty roads, its sporty suspension tuning exhibits ultra-stable dynamics combined with a supple ride, a combination that sometimes is not easy to accomplish. Body motions are firmly controlled with the overall impression of being a sure-footed and capable carver. A quiet cabin makes this dual-purpose vehicle a comfortable GT car for longer trips as well.

When you need to stop, the four-wheel discs of the SS rein in forward momentum with assurance and little drama. Rear drums are standard on all but the SS models.

Adding to the comfort are, for my frame, anyway, excellent, well-bolstered front seats with firm cushions, a usable headrest and ample lumbar support. The rears aren't bad either for a two-door coupe. My tallish son fit comfortably in the back with no complaints on a 1.5-hour drive.

The trunk is sufficient, if not huge, with almost 14 cubic feet of space. Enough room for weekend getaways and trips to the golf course with bags in tow. This is a compact car, after all.

I have praised previously tested GM products for their advancement with interior design and quality, and this affirmation carries over to the Cobalt as well. Nicely styled with good materials and ergonomics, the Cobalt living quarters are far and above what Cavalier offered. Large, simple controls are easy to decipher with all stalks and dials within easy reach. Fit and finish are now up to current competitive standards as is the quality of the materials in use. The basic gauge package is supplemented with a driver information centre that reports fuel consumption, oil life, water temperature and more. And since this particular model is designed to attract the younger generation, a 228-watt, seven-speaker Pioneer sound system with a 10-inch rear subwoofer is on board to titillate your auditory senses.

Exterior design is a key factor in attracting a certain buyer demographic, and the Cobalt SS certainly hits home in that regard. The sporting intentions of this car are apparent, yet subtle. There are no outrageous styling characteristics, but the well-integrated front and rear-end treatments, the not too wild rear wing and the aggressive stance work very well together to portray that "meant to be driven" demeanour. I particularly like the front three quarter view. All in all, a sharp-looking car.

Although the SS has a high-output engine, its fuel consumption ratings are virtually identical to those of Cobalts equipped with the smaller power plant. At 9.4 L/100KM city (30 mpg) and a frugal 6.3 L/100KM (45 mpg) highway, this sporty compact delivers economy car numbers.

The SS comes very well equipped with A/C, a power group, keyless entry, great-looking 17-inch wheels, sport suspension, high-output engine and more for an MSRP of just over $21,000. The leather-clad optioned-out SS Supercharged Coupe will require slightly more than 24 grand, with an entry-level Cobalt sedan available for under $15,000. A Cobalt SS sedan is available as are several other trim-level variants of this much-improved compact. With variety aplenty, there should be a Cobalt to suit the needs of just about anyone in this market segment.

Once again GM has stepped up with a vastly improved replacement for an aging model. In fact, Chevrolet is so confident with the Cobalt that its web site has a comparison page that allows you to evaluate this car against its competitors. With the soon to be available five-year powertrain warranty (on 2007 models), the value-for-dollar equation looks even better.

Dave's Auto Archive – GM was a technological innovator in the early years of the auto industry. In the1920s the company developed four-wheel brakes, shatter-resistant safety glass, chromium plating, automatic engine temperature control, hydraulic shock absorbers, automatic choking, adjustable front seats and numerous advances in performance, dependability and manufacturing technology.