Chevrolet has reserved the SS (Super Sport) badge for its performance-oriented models through the years.
The SS designation has been added to the compact Cobalt coupe and sedan, which seems a bit odd at first for a small vehicle.
However, when you’re trying to attract the youth market, you need to add some spice to the mix to appeal to younger buyers wanting more performance. And Chevy has delivered with a 260-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder engine under the hood.
The 2009 Cobalt’s turbocharged engine replaces a supercharged version in earlier models with a big improvement in performance and a slight bump in fuel mileage.
But we’re not sure this is a good thing for the tiny Cobalt. With that much power and a quick-shifting, five-speed transmission, the Cobalt is a handful to drive, even for experienced drivers. When you get on the gas hard in first gear, the car tends to jump left immediately because of the torque steer.
Also new for 2009 is a sleeker profile on the coupe model, a modified rear spoiler, 18-inch wheels and Brembo brakes, which are needed to bring the sportster under control.
Also appealing to the youth market, is a performance boost gauge mounted on the left A pillar. The gauge can be adjusted for different information, including g-force when cornering. This is probably important for competitors in the newly popular sport of drifting.
Despite being a compact car, the Cobalt has plenty of room in the front cabin with seats that hold you firmly in place. The rear seats are cramped and the sloping roofline reduces headroom.
The Cobalt is reasonably priced at $24,400 with a modest $965 addition for options such as a limited slip differential, the performance gauge, audio system with Bluetooth capability and spare tire.
Standard features include XM satellite radio (free first three months), power windows and mirrors, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and the 18-inch wheels.
What isn’t included is admission to a driving school, which should be mandatory for any Cobalt SS buyers under 25 years of age.

Ryan’s Ride –
The Cobalt SS is a terrific little car in a lot of ways. The styling has been improved with an eye toward the youth market and the interior has been upgraded slightly.
Under the hood, the powerful turbocharged engine is a wonderful thing. Shifting through the gears, you can feel and hear the whine as you accelerate.
However, as noted above, the front-wheel drive Cobalt wants to jump out from under you when you get on the gas. However, if you launch with restraint, the SS runs through the gears quickly with the short-throw, five-speed transmission. The Brembo brakes work wonders when slowing down or negotiating a tight corner.
The speed sensitive, electric steering adjusts to the driving conditions. The suspension is taut and transfers bumps back through the steering wheel. But taking that into consideration, the $24,000 Cobalt is very capable. This isn’t a 5 Series BMW after all.
The performance gauge on the A pillar was a little confusing for me. A trip to a Chevy dealer would have probably cleared up the mysteries of the various settings.
I’ve raced cars and been to several driving schools in the past. But I still had to react quickly when the torque steer took over on some quick starts. If you’re the parent of a teen driver wanting a Cobalt SS, I’d be very careful before giving the OK.

Marilyn’s Moment –
The bright red, sleek Cobalt SS we tested was cute as a button. But it’s not a car that appeals to me. And it’s not intended for older buyers. This is a kid’s car.
The SS emblems and huge rear wing send an instant signal to red light racers.
I don’t drive as aggressively as Ryan, so I didn’t encounter any of the handling problems he mentioned. I did find the five-speed transmission easy to shift and the turbo engine certainly delivers enough power.
The interior is sporty looking with color-coordinated inserts in the cloth seats. The gauges and controls are easy to read and use and XM radio is a great addition.
The front seats are snug and hold you firmly in place. There’s not a lot of storage places in the front cabin but there are two cupholders and the trunk has a cargo net.
The rear seats are very snug but they do fold down to extend the trunk storage area.
I didn’t mind driving the Cobalt, but I felt a little out of place when I’d pull up to a stop light and a younger driver in the car next to me would give me one of those “what are you doing driving that car?” looks.
Maybe I’m just feeling older.