We were really impressed with the Chevrolet Sonic’s chassis, which manages to strike a wonderful balance between a smooth ride and great handling. Absent are the common plagues of body roll, inadequate damping or any dead spots in the steering, and Chevrolet deserves serious praise for making such an inexpensive car so rewarding to drive.
The Chevrolet Sonic’s road manners when not being flogged are also remarkable – there is very little road noise, the ride quality is consistently smooth and comfortable, the engine never feels strained or overworked.
Even the 6-speed automatic (generally a flawed piece of equipment on GM models) is solid. With the 1.4-liter getting 29 mpg in town and 40 mpg on the highway, versus the 1.8-liter’s 25/36 mpg rating, we don’t see why anyone would opt for the 1.8-liter despite the $700 premium – though an automatic 1.4-liter won’t be available until the 2012 calendar year.
The base Sonic LS comes well equipped with features like alloy wheels, anti-lock brakes, power locks and windows, 10 airbags and keyless entry. LT and LTZ models can be equipped the 1.4-liter engine, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, OnStar, cruise control, fog lamps and bigger wheels. There’s no question that the Chevrolet Sonic is a very compelling choice in the subcompact segment.
Of course, demand for fuel-efficient vehicles tends to rise and fall with fuel prices, as well as with public confidence in the way things are going. Still, small-car sales have been rather weak even for todays down market. Like Fords comparable 2011 Fiesta and redesigned 2011 Focus, these products are not only a hedge against another spike in gas prices. The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic reflects these trends, as we know from various recent intel and the production-preview Aveo RS Concept revealed at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. For starters, the Chevrolet Sonic will be an inch or two longer, wider, and lower than the vintage-2004 Aveo (freshened for 2008-09). As a result, sources say, this subcompact will grow to about the same size as Chevys Cobalt compact car (recently replaced by Cruze).
The new Chevrolet Sonic will come in either a four-door sedan or a five-door hatchback. Whatever style you choose, the Chevrolet Sonic will still come with a number of new style features, including a a new aggressive-looking front with motorcycle-inspired twin-headlamps and a dual-element grille, compact taut body panels with a rising shoulder line and short rear overhangs, bulging fender flares, round tail lamps, and an upward sweeping character line.
Despite boasting of similar styling features, the sedan and hatchback versions of the Chevrolet Sonic are also distinctively different. As for the interior, the Sonic’s cabin will feature a Spark-inspired cockpit that comes with a two-tone design and class-leading spacious rear seat. The other engine variant of the Chevrolet Sonic is an Ecotec 1.8-liter engine where it can be paired with either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission system.
