The author of the Uzbek YouTube channel Avtostrada tested the Chevrolet Onix and compared it with the Cobalt. In the review, he assessed the dynamics, engine, comfort, equipment and servicing features of the popular sedan. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
A few years ago, the Onix was supposed to become one of the main budget models in Uzbekistan. However, its high price prevented it from competing with the more affordable Cobalt. Now the gap has narrowed.
Today the official Onix in the neighbouring country costs from 162 million soum (6.2 million tenge) and reaches 215.6 million soum (8.3 million tenge). The Cobalt is sold from 146 million soum, or about 5.6 million tenge.
In the turbocharged version, the Onix is equipped with a 1.2-litre engine producing 132 hp and a 6-speed automatic. The naturally aspirated engine of the same volume develops 90 hp and can work with a 5-speed manual.
According to the blogger, it is precisely the dynamics that give owners the feeling of moving up a class. The turbo engine accelerates the sedan to 100 km/h in about 11 seconds, and on the highway the reserve of traction is noticeably greater than that of the Cobalt. The flip side of the more complex engine is higher maintenance requirements.
One of the author's main complaints concerns the three-cylinder turbo engine. At idle, its vibrations can be transmitted to the cabin, and during active acceleration the engine becomes quite noisy.
The engine uses a timing belt running in an oil bath. Therefore, it is important to comply with maintenance requirements, oil and parts quality in accordance with the owner's manual and service recommendations.
According to the author, the Onix can be converted to run on both methane and propane. However, with a forced turbo engine, running on gas requires proper tuning of the equipment and regular monitoring of its technical condition. Therefore, fuel savings should not come at the expense of installation and maintenance quality.
The Onix has many advantages over the Cobalt even without considering the engine. The author positively assessed the steering wheel adjustment for height and reach, the seating position and the electronic equipment. Depending on the trim level, the sedan is equipped with an onboard computer, tyre pressure monitoring, cruise control, a speed limiter, steering-wheel multimedia controls and a rear-view camera. An 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also available.
At the same time, the model's budget nature is still noticeable. The review criticised the hard plastic, sound insulation and certain ergonomic solutions. During acceleration the engine becomes loud, and road noise is clearly audible in the cabin.
At the same time, the reviewer assessed the suspension positively. McPherson struts are used at the front, a beam at the rear, and the settings allow the Onix to hold the road more confidently compared with the Cobalt.
Another feature of the Onix is its drum rear brakes, which is quite usual for a budget sedan. The author also noted the operation of the tyre pressure sensors: with a noticeable change in temperature, the system may issue a warning due to the pressure change.
When changing wheels or tyres seasonally, the owner should take into account the servicing features of the system.
According to the author, the Onix is a more modern and technologically advanced alternative to the Cobalt. It is faster, handles better and offers more electronic functions.
At the same time, the buyer gets a more complex turbocharged engine and potentially more demanding maintenance. The Cobalt is inferior in dynamics and equipment, but its powertrain is simpler and more familiar to the local market.
Ultimately, the Onix should be considered by those who value dynamics, modern electronics and comfort. The Cobalt remains a rational choice for those who prioritise simplicity and minimal operating costs. In any case, it is better to conduct a test drive yourself before buying.
Earlier, Kursiv Auto reported that a dealer would return 7.3 million tenge to a resident of Kostanay for a Chevrolet Onix with defects.