The Chevrolet Cobalt family undergoes a few changes for 2007, including a slight horsepower increase on 2.2- and 2.4-litre engines, rising from 145 to 148 on the 2.2-litre, and 171 to 173 on the 2.4-litre. Other changes include a three-spoke steering wheel, 18-inch high-polished wheels on the SS Supercharged coupe, available remote starter, available six-CD/MP3 stereo, a new available “Black Tie” family of radios with auxiliary audio input jack, available 16-inch high-vent steel wheels on the LT, and new Pace Blue and Sport Red Tint exterior colours replace Blue Granite and Majestic Amethyst Metallic.

Click image to enlarge Images courtesy: Chevrolet

There are eight Cobalt models in all: LS coupe and sedan, LT coupe and sedan, LTZ sedan, SS coupe and sedan, and SS Supercharged Coupe. The LS and LT use the 2.2-litre with five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic; the LTZ uses the 2.2-litre with four-speed automatic; the SS carries a 2.4-litre with five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic; and the SS Supercharged Coupe uses a supercharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder, mated strictly to a five-speed manual.

The Cobalt is a sister car to the Pontiac Pursuit, renamed the G5 for 2007; it’s built on GM’s Delta platform, also used by the Saturn Ion, Chevrolet HHR and for overseas Opel models.

Features on LS models include automatic headlamps, disc/drum brakes, manual remote mirrors, 15-inch steel wheels, variable intermittent wipers, two auxiliary power outlets, tilt wheel, 60/40 folding rear seats and CD player with four speakers.

LT models add anti-lock brakes, power locks with keyless entry, power mirrors, 15-inch aluminum wheels, air conditioning, cruise control, floor mats and power windows.

The LTZ adds chrome door handles and grille, fog lights, 16-inch aluminum wheels, leather-wrapped wheel and heated leather seats.

The SS models add four-wheel disc brakes, sport-tuned suspension, sport-style fascias, ground effects, rear spoiler, 17-inch aluminum wheels and CD/MP3 player, while the SS Supercharged adds a performance suspension, performance manual transmission with short-throw shifter, fascia extensions, aero wing rear spoiler, titanium-faced gauges and 18-inch aluminum wheels.

The Cobalt remains less expensive than its Pontiac G5 sibling, which doesn’t come in a supercharged version. While interior trim materials and fit aren’t quite as good as some Japanese competitors, the Cobalt is still good value: the base models offer good performance and a comfortable interior at a decent price, and the SS models are great fun to drive. The fact that you can get a supercharged coupe for under $25,000 has to be one of the better buys out there.