2009 Chevrolet Cobalt LS Sedan XFE Road Test Video

By Edmunds Video Productions | Published October 14, 2009

3:13 min

Rising gas prices and an abundance of hybrids has forced many automakers to rethink what a small car should be. Chevrolet has the latest entry in what we can only assume will be an all-out fuel-sipping war. The 2009 Chevy Cobalt XFE is basically a stripped down Cobalt sedan with a few tweaks aimed at improved fuel economy. Modifications include tall gearing for the manual transmission, low rolling-resistance tires, and lean burn engine software. There's also a shift-reminder that lights between 2,000 and 2,500 rpm. The result is an EPA-rated 25 miles per gallon in the city and 37 on the highway. That�s good when compared to the Cobalt�s direct competitors like the Ford Focus or Honda Civic. Of course, cars like the Honda Civic Hybrid, diesel-powered VW Jetta TDI and Toyota Prius get equal or better fuel economy, although they are also more expensive. As an added bonus (or not), the Cobalt XFE doesn�t broadcast its fuel-sipping ways. There are no garish decals or hybrid logos - this economy car looks exactly like any other Cobalt. Inside, the XFE is throwback to a simpler time when features like power windows, door locks and mirrors were reserved for more expensive sedans. Braking 60-0 146ft 61.7-mph slalom pass Even anti-lock brakes are an option for the Cobalt XFE. And this combined with skinny, low rolling resistance tires mean braking and handling are less than stellar. Acceleration is actually commendable � its 2.2 liter inline-four good for 150 hp. 0-60 in 8.5 secondsBlatantly ignoring the shift light at the drag strip produced a respectable run to 60 mph on the way to a fair quarter-mile run. In relative terms, the Cobalt will easily smoke a Prius or Civic Hybrid in a contest of speed. As a nice treat, the Cobalt�s transmission is remarkably direct while the engine is responsive. On the highway the Cobalt exhibits very little wind or engine noise and the ride is very comfortable. However, road noise is a constant. We'd like to say that the Cobalt�s shortcomings are minor at best and that the car is well worth the gain in fuel economy � however, that improvement is not dramatic. We recorded real-world average of 25 mpg average in mixed driving conditions. Small cars are the new big thing, and many come with a host of standard or optional features as car manufacturers come to grips with renewed interest in fuel-efficiency. But for all its merits, the Cobalt just doesn't stand out in this crowd. It's more like an economy car of the last century, not this one.