2012 Chevrolet Cobalt review and pictures

Chevrolet Cobalt review:

Chevrolet Cobalt: more than a new car, a new reference

• Model was developed by GM Tech Center in Brazil and will be marketed in over 40 countries in Europe, Africa, Middle East and South America
  
• 1.4 Motor Econoflex has news that makes them even more efficient
  
• Levels of finish and comfort / handling only found in higher vehicle segments
  
• Amazing interior and spacious storage compartments 18 and the largest trunk of the category, with 563 liters
  
• Cobalt comes in costing R $ 39,980 LS version, R $ 43,780, the LT version and R $ 45,980 LTZ version, the most complete line
  
• Sedan has a 3 year warranty with unlimited mileage

Presented as a concept still in the Hall of Buenos Aires, Argentina, in June this year, the Cobalt arrives now in its final version at 600 Chevrolet dealerships throughout Brazil. Created from research that directed from the lines of designers to the calibration of the suspension, the sedan has a number of differences that put you in a position that transcends market segments.

The focus for the development of the new sedan was the need for customers. A car built from the inside out with a design meant to last, with the U.S. research which reinforced the importance of space, versatility and a clear demonstration of prestige accessible, with refinement and finishing equipment to put the new Chevrolet sedan in a broader range segmentation, priced compact car and offer space and comfort only found in top-class sedans.

"The Cobalt will surely beyond what is offered in the market today and thus win customers who use the day to day. He has a new level of maneuverability with an unusual interior, without pressing the knees of front seat occupants, without tight shoulders, without limitation for luggage when traveling. Softness in driving stability and comfort on board. The Cobalt is all this and more. A car beyond expectations, "said Grace Lieblein, president of General Motors of Brazil.

The result of an overall architecture, the Cobalt was fully developed by the Technology Center of General Motors in Brazil, and will be marketed in over 40 countries across Europe, Africa, Middle East and South America In addition to Brazil, which is the first country receiving the Chevrolet Cobalt, three other factories also produce the model.

Prestige lines made to last

The proposal of the Chevrolet Cobalt is already clear in its proportions well defined. A three-volume sedan, which received lines that provide presence and a final design that is not lost with time in a mixture of classic, formal and familiar, with a connotation of prestige. The width of 1,735 mm and length 4479 mm, the impression is of a medium-large sedan, with an exquisite design in clean .

With a high waist line, which conveys strength, the Cobalt is the clear front aspect DNA of the Chevrolet brand, with its own personality, highlighted by the headlights in front, very attractive. At the rear, double lanterns with chrome elements and application of internal lenses give the air of modernity to the sedan.

"The lines of the Chevrolet Cobalt is clean, sharp creases that value by the surface treatment applied to its body. Clearly express the renowned brand's DNA worldwide. I'm sure your design will be perpetuated as the current for a long time, "said Carlos Barba, Executive Director of Design for GM South America

In the trunk, Cobalt provides maximum capacity of the segment, with 563 liters and a total accessibility, enhancing the versatility of a car model that is really familiar, in a perfect marriage between the prestige during the week at work and social commitments, and comfort and versatility on weekends, to accommodate the entire family, without restrictions.

Plus, all that space on lines that generate a low coefficient of aerodynamic penetration of 0.32, which contributes to the Cobalt is the ultimate in performance and fuel economy in its segment.

Versatility, comfort and connectivity are the hallmarks of the interior of the Cobalt

Inside, the space, versatility, finish and comfort found in the Chevrolet Cobalt is their great differences, which relate to and including competitors from higher segments.

With the increased wheelbase category, the new Chevrolet sedan has room for five adults who are accommodated comfortably, with room for the shoulders, legs and knees that are featured in the category. The materials used inside the vehicle create an ambiance of refinement and clear perception of quality, with refined surfaces.

The panel in two tones, the Ice Blue LED lighting instruments that mix analog and digital displays allow a perfect view of information as well as make it clear modernity and technology. As well as the application of the insert with exclusive paint on the wheel, combined with chrome accents on the instrument panel and door panels contribute to an even more luxurious.

For the convenience of the occupants, the Cobalt has a USB port and energy sources in the center console, allowing an unusual connectivity in the category.

Regarding the storage compartments are 18 in total. The Cobalt has a center console with two cup holders plus a niche to put a bottle up to 1.5 liters. The map holder, door panels are large and also won in the front doors with space for bottles up to 1.5 liter capacity.

Clinics conducted by General Motors in various countries around the world, the exterior and interior design, dimensions and capacities, and cost-effectiveness were the items that stood out.

Global validation in more than 460 thousand kilometers and more than 3,700 simulations

How the Chevrolet Cobalt will run for more than 40 countries across Europe, Africa, Middle East and South America, the validation process was more variable and for this model ran 460,000 km in durability testing (facing from snow and ice hot temperatures) and its development has gone through more than 3,700 simulations in all engineering disciplines.

Thanks to the wheelbase than most competitors combined calibration of the suspension, the Cobalt is designed to ensure a superior maneuverability to the standards of the category in a perfect composition between stability and comfort, strength and softness. The model was developed by the GM Tech Center in Brazil from a global architecture, the models used in North America, Europe and Asia.

The result is a sedan with a dynamic behavior similar to that of European cars. Standing on the corners, but comfortable and with optimal absorption of the irregularities of the soil, the Cobalt has a smooth and pleasant with a focus on occupant comfort. The work also focused on the suspension to minimize the noise and vibration.

An example is the engine, supported by four special cushions that contribute to reducing noise, vibration and harshness, and improved maneuverability and handling. All cushions, including the transmission, were carefully calibrated to minimize the effects of external vibration and noise. They help control the transfer of forces to the steering system, ensuring a more precise control and a more efficient response.

Two engine options for the Brazilian market

The new Chevrolet Cobalt worldwide will be equipped with a comprehensive range of engines - all four cylinders, ranging from 1.3 to 1.8 liters and using gasoline, ethanol and diesel - that offer economy, power, performance and durability.

The 1.4 Econo.Flex Cobalt is an engine similar to the Chevrolet team to Agile and Montana, which has the plastic intake manifold system and the Zero System, which is controlled by torque management, which improves drivability especially by providing answers faster and reducing the emission of pollutants.

The engine type is Econo.Flex VHCE. For GM, "HCV" means - and Very High Compression - more power, more power, greater efficiency resulting in lower fuel consumption and better handling. The letter "E" is adopted the name because it resembles three words that are part of the spirit of this engine: economy, energy and ecology.

The calibration has been improved to Econo.Flex cold start, which allows the motor at room temperature for up to 8 ? C, without the aid of gasoline. In addition, the crankshaft with eight counterweights allows operation under high speed and reduced vibration.

But before reaching the Chevrolet Cobalt, the 1.4 Econo.Flex received a new generation of the drive by wire or electronic throttle, which also contributed to faster response to the accelerator, less stride in acceleration and deceleration, and thus better handling .

The exhaust system also features news: it is made of stamped stainless steel, lighter and less coarse (inner surface is smoother) than the tube and cast iron. Integrated with the catalyst, allows for greater efficiency of emission control, to have a faster response to achieve the ideal temperature. The benefits, meets the emission standards, its inspections, and provides greater durability of the catalyst, the protected position near the engine.

"The benefits to the customer, both the new generation of electronic throttle and the exhaust manifold stainless steel contribute to further improve system efficiency and reduce fuel consumption," explains Paul Riedel, director of engineering at GM Powertrain Brazil.

This engine already meets the new technical requirements in force since the last days of January 1, 2009, emission of pollutants for light vehicles, the Program for the Control of Air Pollution from Motor Vehicles - Proncove - National Council on the Environment - CONAMA.

The exchange also has news. The Cobalt uses the F-17 box, which include plastic and aluminum components to reduce noise and vibration. This box was given new selectors coupling, which ensure more accuracy and less effort in shifting.

Equipped with the 1.4 Econo.Flex and fueled with ethanol, the Chevrolet Cobalt is 0 to 100 km / h in 11.5 seconds and reaches 170 km / h. With gasoline, it goes from 0 to 100 in 11.9 seconds and also to reach 170 km / h top speed.

In addition to the 1.4 engine Econo.Flex future, the Cobalt also has the 1.8 engine Econo.Flex combined with a six-speed automatic transmission, another item unprecedented in the segment. The choice of transmission is also linked to the research conducted with customers: 40% of entrevistasdos in our clinic in 2010 expressed the desire to have a car with automatic transmission.

Cobalt: a new reference standard items to a new class of consumers

The Cobalt comes to establish a new benchmark in the Brazilian market. Until then, if the consumer wanted a compact car with an engine above 1 liter would have to settle for the same input models with a larger displacement engine and some other equipment without an increase in comfort or the capacity ( trunk).

The Chevrolet Cobalt offers more than that: besides the 1.4 engine, it is bigger and roomier than all its competitors. And, as we have said, has the largest carrying capacity of the segment, giving more space and 563 liters of trunk

For the Brazilian market, the Cobalt comes in three versions: LS, LT and LTZ, each equipped with the 1.4 Econo.Flex. In the proposal to be the reference in terms of comfort, space and driveability, the Cobalt is also surprising in the supply of equipment.

The LS version is shipped equipped with air-conditioning and power steering. It also comes with steel wheel rim 15 and 195/65 R15 tires - the same as the intermediate versions and top line. In addition to the digital display, the LS also offers the rear defroster, key-type knife with opening distance, power door locks and trunk, 60/40 folding rear seat back, headrests with adjustable height and also the driver's seat with height adjustment.

Since the LT version offers all that and still have the LS is equipped with dual airbags, front chrome grille, steering column with height adjustment, ABS with EBD, electric windows in the front doors, anti-theft alarm, and small differences as two-tone interior and seat covers.

The LTZ, high-end, raises the level of equipment offered in the segment, bringing in addition to the items found in LS and LT, alloy wheels, front fog lamp, door handles and internal controls of the air-conditioning chrome, chrome bar in rear, AM / FM radio with CD/MP3 reader, Bluetooth and USB input, trip computer, rear view mirrors with electric adjustment and electric drive for all windows.

In addition to these differences, the Chevrolet Cobalt comes to the Brazilian market with a 3 year warranty with unlimited mileage. Another difference between the cars in this segment.