A Notable Feature of the 2011 Chevrolet Cobalt

We’ve no reason to think the 2011 Chevrolet Cobalt will introduce any major technical breakthrough, but you can bet that standard and optional equipment will be carefully calculated to balance GM’s need for profit with the consumer’s need for affordability. GM Vice President Bob Lutz feels that Americans won’t move to smaller cars in big numbers until gasoline prices reach $4 a gallon or more, but Chevy may try to make converts by offering the next Cobalt with more premium features than is usual for U.S.-brand compacts. That could mean things like a plug-in portable navigation system, rear-obstacle detection, and even radar-based cruise control. And why not? After all, the technologies and components are getting cheaper all the time, which is why they keep filtering down from luxury-class vehicles to low-priced mainstream fare like this.

Buying Advice for the 2011 Chevrolet Cobalt

However ambitious its redesign, Cobalt should continue to offer strong value versus many import-brand rivals, if only because the dollar looks to remain weak against major foreign currencies. On the other hand, Toyota, Honda, Hyundai and others will have tempting new alternatives by the time the 2011 Chevrolet Cobalt comes out. And Ford is drawing on its own global resources for what promises to be a much more competitive 2012 Focus. With all this--and with most every manufacturer trying to wean the public off incentives--the ever-competitive small-car segment will become even more of a slugfest. So, more than with most vehicles, it will pay for you to read up on all the compact car choices--we suggest starting with Consumer Guide, of course--then take time to shop around before you decide.

2011 Chevrolet Cobalt Release Date: The redesigned 2011 Cobalt could presumably arrive in spring or fall of calendar 2010.

2011 Chevrolet Cobalt First Test Drive: It’s hard to be sure at this point, but media previews could be staged as early as autumn 2009 or sometime in the first quarter of 2010.

2011 Chevrolet Cobalt Prices: As usual, it’s impossible to be precise this far ahead of on-sale day. Nevertheless, we’ll again go out on our well-worn limb--and with an eye on interim inflation--to suggest around $16,000 for a base 2011 Chevrolet Cobalt and up to $21,500 for a loaded model.