So close, but yet so far. That’s the best way to describe Chevrolet’s effort to capture the hearts and souls of the younger generation with its new Cobalt SS coupe. Close, because this car actually has the performance credentials to make it on the tuner’s shopping list: 205-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder supercharged engine and 5-speed manual transmission. Not bad for a car that starts at $21,430, right? Don’t jump to conclusions just yet because here’s the downside: poor interior quality and boring styling.

I’ll admit the styling of the Cobalt SS has grown on me. Sure, it’s no show-stopper, but it’s much better than the old Cavalier or Pontiac Sunfire. Still, it doesn’t live up to the small-car persona of the Mini, Scion tC or even the Mazda3, but at least Chevy is starting to move the needle, although at an incremental pace. The best part of the design is the front fascia, with its lower air scoop, recessed fog lamps and ground effects. Less appealing is the rear end, where the quad round tail lamps look out of place in the sea of sheet metal and plastic surrounding them. Although I have to admit I love the oversized rear spoiler, it gives the car cred.

Where the ball really seems to have been dropped is inside the SS, where two-bit hard plastic abounds. While the leather-wrapped steering wheel is a nice touch, I was extremely disappointed with the feel of the switches on the steering wheel. On several occasions I found myself jiggling the cruise control on-off switch along with the speed setting switch. I have felt better quality on my nephew’s Little Tikes toy car. Furthermore, it was surprising to see with only 6,100 miles on the odo that paint was peeling off from the trim piece surrounding the power window/lock switches on the driver’s side door panel. That’s just unacceptable at a time when brands like Mini can do a high-quality, tight interiors on their cars for the same price.

The Cobalt SS does get high marks for its off-the-line acceleration, power and handling, as well as its responsive brakes, but that wasn’t enough to win me over. Maybe that’s what the tuners are looking for, power and nothing else. If that’s the case, then score one for Chevy. If power is only one factor for breaking into the garages of these sought-after buyers, then Chevy needs to kick it up a few notches. Close, but no cigar!