General Motors recently launched the 2020 Chevrolet Cobalt in Brazil, the ninth model year of the locally-produced sedan that delivers some minor updates and changes as part of the model-year changeover.
For those unaware, the Cobalt slots above the Onix/Prisma B-segment models in Chevy’s Brazilian car portfolio as a compact (C-segment) sedan roughly the size of the second-generation Cruze, while being considerably more affordable. The nameplate is characterized by a strong value proposition, low maintenance, and operating costs, robust mechanics and ample trunk space.
2020 Chevrolet Cobalt LTZ
Outside, the 2020 Chevrolet Cobalt continues to wear the refreshed design introduced during the nameplate’s update in 2016. The bigger changes are to the trim level structure, as the 2020 model will be offered exclusively in LT and LTZ trim levels, the two equipment groups that have seen the greatest commercial success in Brazil. While the LT trim serves customers looking for a well-equipped yet accessible sedan with ample internal space for occupants and luggage, the LTZ model focuses on the consumer who also seeks greater levels of sophistication and higher levels of connectivity, with Android Auto, Apple Car Play and OnStar.
In only offering the 2020 Cobalt in those two trim levels, GM ceases marketing the Elite trim level of the vehicle. The Elite model was a trim level offered exclusively on the Cobalt. Additionally, it is noteworthy that the 2020 Chevrolet Cobalt does not replace the LTZ model with the Premier trim, which the Bow Tie brand had previously started doing. As of this writing, the first and only Chevrolet car that has adopted the Premier trim level in South America is the 2020 Cruze refresh.
“Cobalt is a very competitive and strategic product within Chevrolet’s portfolio,” said Rafael L. Santos, GM Mercosur Sales Director, in a statement translated from Portuguese by GM Authority. “It has a recognized reputation in the market among various audiences, such as taxi drivers, people with disabilities (PcD), as well as companies, fleet owners and corporate customers, who usually opt for a vehicle that offers higher added value,” he added.
General Motors notes that around 75 percent of Chevrolet Cobalt sales in Brazil are to the aforementioned customers. In addition to generous passenger space, the Cobalt’s big differentiator from other vehicles in its class is a huge boot capacity of 563 liters (19.8 cubic feet).
Mechanically, the 2020 Chevrolet Cobalt continues using the two naturally-aspirated gasoline engine options that were launched during the vehicle’s introduction in 2011. The base motor is a 1.4L I4 making a maximum power of 97 horsepower. It can be coupled to a six-speed manual transmission. Meanwhile, the optional 1.8L I4 making 105 horsepower can be mated to the six-speed stick or a six-speed automatic gearbox.
The Chevrolet Cobalt is manufactured at the GM São Caetano do Sul plant to supply the Brazilian market and some specific markets in South America. It is not clear what the future of this vehicle will be, after the all-new Onix Sedan launches in Brazil later this year. The new Onix will be positioned above the current Chevrolet Onix/Prisma. As such, it is entirely possible that the Cobalt will be replaced by the new Onix.
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Comments
Wow, I actually like that car. Kind of a strange mix of styles, but it works well for me and is just strangely cool.
Make a ss coupe in the us and people will go crazy
YES!! I own a 2007 Cobalt SS Supercharged and would be thrilled if they would come out with a fresh one!!!
If chevy brings it back to the states were gonna need some coupe models INCLUDING the SS, stay true to the original. On top of that, those low horsepower numbers are unacceptable!! I already want one, cuz im gonna mod it out with performance parts. Of course if push comes to shove owners could always do an engine swap. But if all thus happens and we do get an SS model, it needs to be rear wheel drive. But as a modern tuner performance car, i see this car going places