Chevrolet Cobalt XFE Released
Segment best 36 mpg on highway
Once again, fuel prices are the topic of the day and different car manufacturers tackle the problem in different ways. Chrysler offers fixed fuel prices for three years, Suzuki gives fuel away for free for three months but Chevrolet simply releases a new model with the segments best fuel economy.
Chevrolet called its new model the Cobalt XFE, which stands for Xtra Fuel Economy, and can be fitted on LS and 1LT coupe and sedan models with manual transmission. The Cobalt CFE uses an EcoTec 2.2 liter DOHC I-4 engine capable of 148 hp and 206 Nm of torque with revised engine calibration, low rolling-resistance tires, new 4.74:1 final drive ratio to achieve 25 mpg (city) and 36 mpg (highway), a 9% increase.
"Cobalt has always been an efficient performer, but the changes with the new XFE elevate it to a leadership position that will appeal to customers who put fuel economy at the top of their new-car priority list," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager.
New Chevy Cobalt XFE Delivers 'Xtra' Fuel Economy - Segment Best 36 MPG On The Highway
Consumers looking to squeeze the most mileage from every gallon of gas will find much to appreciate with the new Chevy Cobalt XFE. It delivers a segment-best 36 mpg in highway driving, outdistancing competitors like the Honda Civic, Ford Focus and Toyota Corolla.
The Cobalt XFE - for Xtra Fuel Economy - is on sale now and includes LS and 1LT coupe and sedan models with the manual transmission. It uses revised engine calibration, low rolling-resistance tires, a new, 3.74:1 final drive ratio and other technologies to achieve an EPA-estimated mileage rating of 25 mpg in the city and 36 on the highway. That's an improvement of more than 9 percent over the previous highway mileage.
"Cobalt has always been an efficient performer, but the changes with the new XFE elevate it to a leadership position that will appeal to customers who put fuel economy at the top of their new-car priority list," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. "Better still, the efficiency enhancements don't come at the price of the safety and convenience features that serve as the foundation of Cobalt's value story."
The new, higher-efficiency Cobalts are identified at a glance with "XFE" badges on the trunk lid. Customers can also verify the model they're shopping is the higher-mileage model by checking for the "36 mpg" designation on the window sticker.
Like all U.S.-market Cobalt models, XFE editions come standard with:
- Head curtain side-impact air bags
- Air conditioning
- XM Satellite Radio
- AM/FM radio with CD and MP3 playback
- Rear defogger
- Center console with two power outlets
The Cobalt XFE engine is powered by a 2.2L Ecotec engine that delivers excellent performance in conjunction with the class-leading fuel economy. The Ecotec engine also features numerous long-life maintenance items that help reduce ownership costs.
"Any way you look at it, the Cobalt XFE is a smart choice for those looking to maximize their car-buying dollar," said Peper. "It's well equipped, efficient and plenty of fun to drive."
Specifications
Overview
|
Models: |
Cobalt XFE |
|
Body style / driveline: |
5-passenger sedan and coupe, unitized frame, |
|
Construction: |
2-sided galvanized steel on exterior panels (except roof) |
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EPA vehicle class: |
compact car |
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Manufacturing location: |
Lordstown, Ohio |
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Key competitors: |
Honda Civic, Volkswagen Jetta, Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3 |
Engines
|
Ecotec 2.2L |
|
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Type: |
2.2L DOHC I-4 |
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Displacement (cu in / cc): |
134 / 2198 |
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Bore & stroke (in / mm): |
3.39 x 3.72 / 86 x 94.6 |
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Block material: |
cast aluminum |
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Cylinder head material: |
cast aluminum |
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Valvetrain: |
overhead camshafts, |
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Ignition system: |
electronic direct |
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Fuel delivery: |
sequential fuel injection with electronic throttle control |
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Compression ratio: |
10:1 |
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Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm): |
148 / 110 @ 5600 |
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Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm): |
152 / 206 @ 4200 |
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Recommended fuel: |
regular unleaded |
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Maximum engine speed (rpm): |
6750 |
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Exhaust system: |
stainless steel with aluminized coating on the muffler and tailpipe |
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Emissions controls: |
close-coupled dual catalytic converters; Quick-Sync 24X ignition system; returnless fuel delivery system; fast-response O2 sensor |
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EPA estimated fuel economy (city / hwy): |
25 / 36 (manual) |
Transmission
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Type: |
F23 5-speed manual, front-wheel drive |
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Gear ratios (:1): |
|
|
First: |
3.58 |
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Second: |
2.02 |
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Third: |
1.35 |
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Fourth: |
0.98 |
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Fifth: |
0.69 |
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Reverse: |
3.31 |
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Final drive ratio: |
3.74:1 |
Chassis/Suspension
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Front: |
independent strut-type suspension with stabilizer bar |
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Rear: |
semi-independent torsion beam with stabilizer bar |
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Steering type: |
electric, speed-sensitive, variable-assist rack-and-pinion |
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Steering ratio: |
16.63:1 |
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Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock: |
3.6 |
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Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft / m): |
37.4 / 11.4 |
Brakes
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Type: |
power-assisted front discs and rear drums |
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Front rotor (diameter x thickness, in / mm): |
10.7 x .94 / 256 x 24; vented discs |
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Rear drum (diameter x thickness in / mm): |
0.5 / 12 |
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Front total swept area (sq in / sq cm): |
47 / 303.17 |
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Rear total swept area (sq in / sq cm): |
45.2 / 292.07 |
Wheels/Tires
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Wheel size and type: |
15 x 6-inch |
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Tires: |
P195/65R15 all-season |
Dimensions
|
Exterior |
Sedan |
Coupe |
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Wheelbase (in / mm): |
103.3 / 2624 |
103.3 / 2624 |
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Overall length (in / mm): |
180.5 / 4584 |
180.3 / 4580 |
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Overall width (in / mm): |
67.9 / 1725 |
67.9 / 1725 |
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Overall height (in / mm): |
57.1 / 1450 |
55.7 / 1415.4 |
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Track (in / mm): |
front: 58.7 / 1492 rear: 58.1 / 1476 |
front: 57.1 / 1449.7 rear: 58.1 / 1476 |
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Minimum ground clearance (in / mm): |
5.36 / 136.2 |
5.36 / 136.2 |
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Curb weight (lb / kg): |
LS: 2780 / 1261 LT: 2793 / 1267 |
LS: 2730 / 1239 LT: 2742 / 1244 |
|
Weight distribution (% front / rear): |
59 / 41 |
60 / 40 |
Interior
|
Sedan |
Coupe |
|||
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Front |
Rear |
Front |
Rear |
|
|
Seating capacity: |
2 |
3 |
2 |
3 |
|
Headroom (in / mm): |
38.5 / 979 |
37.7 / 958.4 |
38.7 / 984 |
35.7 / 905.7 |
|
Legroom (in / mm): |
41.8 / 1062.7 |
33.7 / 852.6 |
42 / 1066.5 |
32.2 / 817.5 |
|
Shoulder room (in / mm): |
53 / 1345.8 |
51.4 / 1305.4 |
53 / 1346.5 |
49 / 1245.8 |
|
Hip room (in / mm): |
49.5 / 1257 |
49.6 / 1261 |
49.5 / 1257 |
46.1 / 1172 |
Capacities
|
EPA passenger volume (cu ft / L): |
Coupe: 83 / 2350 Sedan: 87.1 / 2469.3 |
|
EPA interior volume (cu ft / L): |
Coupe: 97 / 2747 Sedan: 101 / 2863 |
|
Cargo volume (cu ft /L): |
13.9 / 394 |
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Trailer towing maximum (lb / kg): |
1000 / 454 (all models) |
|
Fuel tank (gal / L): |
13.2 / 49 |
|
Engine oil (qt / L): |
5 / 4.7 |
|
Cooling system (qt / L): |
6.9 / 6.5 |












