Finally: A winner for GM's US compact market.
I recently took a test drive of a Cobalt SS Supercharged. Fully loaded with Pioneer sound system, Recaro seats and a Sunroof, the car is very nice.
Interior:
Aside from the fact that it is obviously plastic, it is designed very well. The gauge cluster is easy to read, and the A-pillar boost gauge (goes up to 20 PSI) is a nice addition instead of crowding the gauges. The dash is nicely designed, providing everything you''d need in perfect place. Aside from the misuse of plastics, the dash and interior panels mesh together very nicely. Very little noticeable gap between panels.
The radio, although I didn''t mess with it much, is almost the same model as the Impala SS, sans auxiliary input jack. Large dials and feng shui-ed buttons make the system look great and is also easy to use. The HVAC controls are also very well planned out and easy to use. Power windows and door lock buttons are within finger''s reach when resting on the door panel.
The leather trimmed door panels and seats are a very nice touch, and the color keying adds a bit of fit and finish to the set. The shift knob is small, but well designed; an aluminum-esque knob wrapped in leather around the center holding area makes it easy to read the tree and shift smoothly. The rear seats are surprisingly comfortable, a welcome change from the J-bodies of old. Also, the front seats move forward quite a bit allowing easy ingress/egress from the rear seats. Very well insulated; road and engine noise is very low.
The trunk is rather large for the size of the car, although the minimal trunk opening almost negates the incredible size. The optional Pioneer subwoofer is nestled cleanly in the rear driver quarter, behind the wheel well.
Pros: Comfortable, easy to read and use, overall finish very smooth.
Cons: PLASTIC.
Exterior:
What can I say; I like the way it looks. Mostly. The overall styling of the Cobalt SS is very clean. Very little gaps between panels, and everything fits together just so. The taillights add a nice touch to the rear end, giving it a little of the old ''muscle car'' look. The 18" wheels are made by Mille Miglia and definitely add refinement to the car. They fit well in the fenderwells and look quite proportionate to the rest of the vehicle.
Pros: Smooth transitions between body panels, aggressive stance and still offers a little ''classic architecture'' in the new car.
Cons: Front end; which is why I didn''t touch on it. Headlights are too big in my book, and the grille is bland. Also the spoiler. Not my taste, it obstructs rear view and just seems too big. Unfortunately there is no delete option.
Mechanical:
This really does feel like a minimuscle car. The 2.0 I4 packs an Eaton MP-62 front and center. Surprisingly for a supercharged car, the engine is very quiet. The engine is rated at 205 HP and 200 ft-lbs, but honestly it doesn''t feel like it. The addition of the supercharger pretty much negates the 3500 RPM "boost" that is inherent in small engines; the power band is large and wide. Accelleration is very smooth and the drive-by-wire throttle is quite responsive. I saw a 0-60 in roughly 6.5. Faster than most small cars(and faster than my Impala). The short throw shifter and extremely tight box make shifting fun and easy, speedshifting is flawless. The 4 wheel disc brakes make stopping very quick and smooth with an est. 60-0 stopping distance of 121 feet. Suspension is quite tight and responsive; taking curves on and off the freeway at 55+ was no problem for this machine.
Pros: Very agile and responsive, best gearbox I''ve touched in ages(in a compact car), quite quick, massive potential in the engine bay.
Cons: It doesn''t feel as fast as it is!
Overall, I rate the Cobalt SS Supercharged a solid 9/10. GM really made a lot of improvements in this new car, and it shows in full force. It looks good, feels good, and drives like no other. With a smooth comfortable ride, it''s something that you can cruise around town in, take to the strip(watch out rice boys!) or travel across the state without feeling uncomfortable. Methinks GM may be on to something here..."