Auto Trends

Chevrolet has pulled off a beautiful job of creating a class leading Cobalt which is capable of creating mpg ratings in and above the range of the Ford Focus (35 mpg), Honda Civic (34-36 mpg), and Toyota Corolla (35 mpg).

New Ecotec 2.2 liter Engine

That’s right folks, the Cobalt XFE (a.k.a. X-tra Fuel Efficiency) gets 36 mpg with its new Ecotec 2.2 liter. That’s about a 9 percent increase over the standard Cobalt of the year prior. The best part of the new Ecotec, is with the combination of revised engine calibration and tuning, the XFE closes in around 150 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque.

Other Improvements of the XFE

The engine can’t take all the credit however, as part of its improvement comes from its new low resistance tires (Goodyear Integrity’s) and 3.74:1 final drive ratio. The XFE is part of Chevy’s plan to offer a sporty, fuel efficient model, that will appeal to the younger generations and their pocket books.

2009 Model Cobalt XFE

The launch of the XFE came rather quietly a few months ago… so quietly, you’d think Chevy was trying to keep all this a secret. Secret or no secret, the XFE looks like it is here to stay, as the 2009 models have already come out for review… and they have upped the ante another mpg to 37, and a few more horses to 155.

Manual Transmission Only

If you are in the market for a new cobalt XFE and you do not know how to drive a stick (manual transmission), you better learn. Manual transmissions are the only models being offered for the XFE. While many people complain that they would prefer an automatic, truth be told, manuals are cheaper and get better fuel economy, so there is no real surprise Chevy decided to go this route.

Manual transmissions aren’t that difficult to learn, those of you who are complaining. They have become a forgotten skill of the next generation, which is a real shame since they are fun to drive, provide better control over the vehicle, and if you like to eat or talk on your cell phone, you shouldn’t be doing that anyway while driving.

There is Beauty in its Simplicity

There isn’t too much else to tell about the XFE, other than it is basically the same car inside and out from the standard model. It has the standard manual seats, locks, windows, transmission and mirrors, along with basic air-conditioning, anti-lock brakes, XM radio (yes, XM is pretty basic these days), CD, MP3, center console (somewhere to rest your elbow), and a rear defogger.

It isn’t the snazziest looking vehicle, it doesn’t have the most bells and whistles you could find in its price range ($16,000-plus), it won’t beat a Subaru WRX or Ford Mustang off the line at a red light… but if you are looking for an all around sound car with decent fuel efficiency and get up and go, this Chevy won’t let you down.