^^^^Give it up already. All MPG figures on stickers are by the EPA or Ministry. NOT what the manufacturer says. And not only that...according to the US EPA, the Cobalt is a SUBCOMPACT and the Corolla a COMPACT. So Chevy is trying to put one over by comparing Subcompact mileage to some cars on that list that are Compact.
So Chevy's "Best in Class" statement is dubious at best....
This was not a PR statement - it was not released to the general public. As such, this is a classification by GM for GM and may or may not 'jive' with what you want it to. Hopefully that makes sense to you. Now as to why the mini cooper s is listed there and not the lesser mini is beyond me.... but anyways
Now lets take a look at the stats for the Cobalts competitors as listed on the manufacturer's websites:
Year Make Engine size hp torque curb weight transmission city hwy avg combined
2008 cobalt 2.2 148 152 2681 5speed m 24 36 30
2009 corolla 1.8 132 128 2822 5speed m 27 35 31
2008 yaris 1.5 106 103 2293 5speed m 29 35 32
2008 civic sedan 1.8 140 128 2628 5speed m 26 34 29
2008 civic sedan 1.8 140 128 2690 5speed auto 25 36 29
2008 fit 1.5 109 105 2432 5speed m 28 34 31
2008 mini clubman their site is crap 28 37 32 <- premium gas
I would have to say that the package GM offers with this new Cobalt XFE is pretty good considering it has both the largest engine and makes the most power - both HP and Torque.
Just wait until next year when the 2.2 will get VVT and more power AND at better fuel economy.
I suppose I do see where rrocket is coming from not seeming to want to believe this news. The all new 2009 Corolla makes 16 less horsepower, 24 less pound feet of Torque, has a smaller engine by .4 litres, and yet manages to get combined 31mpg versus the Cobalts 30.
Maybe it is because it weighs 2822 pounds? LOL Regardless of what is said the weight of a vehicle has a bigtime factor is real world fuel economy, so it is more than likely easier to get the Cobalt to do the MPG listed than a Corolla.