General Motors Brazil's Chevrolet Cobalt [it shares its name but little else with the 2005-2010 North American rental fleet special] has, after four years, had a mid-life refresh subtly inspired by the Malibu. Changes include new headlamps, bumper, grille, tail lamps and boot lid. Plus new light alloy wheels.
Introduced a model year after its North American namesake in 2011, the Brazilian saloon (competes here with the Renault Logan, Nissan Versa, Fiat Grand Siena and Honda City) has aged fairly quickly compared with more modern, more recently launched rivals.
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American brand strategy is to add value to product as the line ages. Apart from the entry version, all now offer the Gen2 MyLink infotainment with seven inch capacitive screen, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Minor dashboard changes are the main updates inside. The Cobalt retains its generous rear legroom thanks to its 2,620mm/103.1 in wheelbase (fractionally longer than on the Versa and City). It also offers ample shoulder room and an impressive 563 litre/19.9 cu ft boot.
A new top-of-the-range Elite variant offers OnStar service free of charge in the first year and adds a rear view camera. This Chevrolet is aimed directly at Honda City buyers and is priced close: BRL67,990/US$17,900. Gearbox is a six-speed automatic and the 1.8-litre/109.8 cu in engine's output a low 106bhp but with good torque of 17.1 kgf m/123.7 lb ft.
"International surveys show that consumers consider high-tech items more relevant than sheer engine power," said William Bertagni, vice-president, product engineering for General Motors South America.
The automaker does not quote fuel consumption and does not take part in the [voluntary] Brazilian [fuel efficiency] labelling programme, either, leading to suspicions Cobalt fuel economy is poor by class standards.
Chevrolet has axed the lowest priced specification version previously offered and the 2016 Cobalt line now starts at BRL52,690/$13,900 with a better equipped entry car, yet the target is still fleet owners. According to GM, the 1.8-litre automatic will account for 80% of sales.
The goal is to sell 1,500 to 2,000 units monthly in current very weak market conditions.
