KansasCity.com's view

The Chevy Cobalt SS sedan will be a hit with performance buffs because it delivers tons of fun at a reasonable price. I, on the other hand, like it for another reason: The turbocharged engine has gobs of low-end torque, the suspension is a great compromise between ride and handling, and the sports seats fit just right.

Even though the SS can be revved hard and driven fast, you don’t have to do so to enjoy it. The turbocharged engine also seemed quieter and smoother than the non-turbo model.

The modestly priced SS has rather mundane looks that belie the performance that lies underneath. The 2.0-liter engine makes 260 horsepower, and it revs freely. Although Chevy says the SS will hit 60 mph in an impressive 5.7 seconds, it also pulls away from corners in third gear because it has such a linear power band.

Squeezing this much power from such a small engine while maintaining low-speed drivability is not easy, but the engineers have succeeded admirably. Chevy’s press materials indicate that the Cobalt SS lapped the famous 14-mile German Nurburgring racetrack in a time of 8 minutes and 22 seconds. That time, by way of comparison, is roughly only one minute slower than the time posted by the 638-horsepower Corvette ZR1 that costs more than four times as much as the Cobalt SS.

The turbocharged engine also seemed quieter and smoother than the non-turbo model.

One thing I did not like was the location of the shift lever. It is placed farther back and closer to the seat than with most other cars. That may not seem like a big deal, but even after a week of driving I often felt as if I were selecting the wrong gear.

The SS is available as a sedan or a coupe, and both have a base price of $23,435 including delivery charges.

Exterior tweaks that identify the SS are subtle and consist of a deeper front spoiler and a small wing on the trunk. The handsome 18-inch wheels were shod with performance tires.

Handling is obviously a strong point, yet the car’s agility is accomplished without creating a rough ride. In daily driving, the SS suspension kept the car flat in turns, yet the firm suspension was never uncomfortable over bumps or rough roads.

The front brakes have powerful Brembo calipers. Anti-lock brakes, traction control and vehicle stability control are all standard.

The SS sport theme continues inside with two-tone upholstery, brushed silver trim on the instrument panel and contoured front bucket seats. The front seats were firm and supportive without being restrictive. Rear-seat leg-room is decent for adults.

The dash has bright gauges, and the easy-to-use audio system lets the driver create preset buttons for AM, FM or XM satellite stations. Having all presets together saves switching bands to select favorites.

Price

The base price of the test car was $23,435. Options included an upgraded stereo, limited-slip differential and a spare tire. The sticker price was $24,105.

Warranty

Three years or 36,000 miles with a five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

2009 Chevy Cobalt SS

Engine: 2.0-liter, 260-hp 4-cyl.

Transmission: Five-speed

Front-wheel drive

Wheelbase: 103.5 inches

Curb weight: 2,975 lbs.

Base price: $23,435

As driven: $24,105

MPG rating: 22 city, 30 hwy.

To reach Tom Strongman, send e-mail to tom@tomstrongman.com.