Chevrolet's new Cobalt SS compact sedan joins coupe as bigtime performers

Not all small sedans have run-of-the-mill engine power. For 2009, Chevrolet adds a 260-horsepower, turbocharged Cobalt sedan that can rocket down the street.

The new-for-2009 four-door Cobalt SS joins the two-door Cobalt SS coupe in showrooms in what is literally the most powerful, four-cylinder small car duo on the market. The most-powerful Honda Civic, the Si, gets 197 hp from its four-cylinder engine, while the Toyota Corolla's top horsepower is 158, and the Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V tops out at 200 horses.

Starting manufacturer's suggested retail price for a 2009 Cobalt SS, sedan or coupe, is $23,435. The SS comes only with five-speed manual transmission.

The price is a considerable premium over the base retail price of a regular Cobalt with 155-horsepower, non-turbocharged four cylinder. With manual transmission, a base, 2009 Cobalt LS XFE sedan or coupe has a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price of $15,670 with a manual transmission or $16,595 with an automatic.

Back in the day, the SS would be labeled a "pocket rocket," for its zooming starts and strong thrust of torque, which tops out at 260 pounds-feet. Just be sure to work the gear shifter appropriately, or there can be turbo lag. Also, be ready for when the power surges, because this car can zip down the pavement quickly.

The test Cobalt SS had a 2-liter, Ecotec four-cylinder with direct injection and turbo. Its fuel rating is 22 miles per gallon city and 30 mpg highway. Chevy recommends premium fuel for the 13.2-gallon tank.

The exterior of the Cobalt SS didn't scream "sporty." Brembo brake calipers peeked out from behind the large alloy wheels and the rear spoiler wasn't outlandish. The sedan rode on 18-inch tire with a stiff, sporty suspension.

Inside, the center console between the front seats has no covered storage area. There were spots for four cupholders, two for front-seat passengers and two for people in the back seat.

The seats all had a spongy feel to the cushions. Front bucket seats in the SS are sculpted and form-fitting and are covered in a suede-like material.

Not all safety equipment is standard on every Cobalt. For example, anti-lock brakes and traction control are a $400 addition to all but the SS. Headroom and legroom in the Cobalt are on par with competitors, and trunk space of 13.9 cubic feet is generous compared with the 12.9 cubic feet in the back of a Honda Civic.

Note that the Cobalt comes with a lengthy powertrain warranty that's good for five years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.

2009 CHEVROLET COBALT SS

Type: Four-door sedan.

Base price: $23,435.

Engine: Turbocharged four-cylinder Ecotec generating 260 horsepower.

Transmission: Five-speed manual.

Fuel economy: 22 miles per gallon city, 30 mpg highway.

Safety: Anti-lock brakes, traction control.

Trunk space: 13.9 cubic feet.

Powertrain warranty: Five years or 100,000 miles.