2012 Chevrolet Sonic sedan is actually a bit longer than the hatchback

Creating the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic sedan after the Sonic hatchback resulted in an unexpected expansion for GM’s designers.

GM originally intended to make the subcompact sedan a bit longer then the hatchback to add extra trunk space. Ending up with a model 14.1 inches longer then the hatch, the Sonic now come close in length to the Chevrolet Cruze, which falls in the compact segment.

“We felt very good about the balance of the hatch. As we put the sedan together at the same time, the sedan just felt, from a proportional, standpoint stubby. Proportionally it didn’t feel right,” says Ken Parkinson, executive director for GM design and Chevrolet brand champion.

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“So we decided to add a little bit more on the rear length, pull the car together again and step back, and all of a sudden it felt really good. We knew proportionally that was the right thing to do.”

As the designers completed the design challenge, a new set of issues arose. Since the car was significantly longer than expected, they had to be sure there were no problems with manufacturing and engineering.

What GM ended up with is significant trunk room in a well-balanced, attractive sedan, which barely remains stuffed into the subcompact segment.

Refresher: The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is available in a sedan and hatchback variant. The standard engine on the 2012 Sonic is a 1.8L DOHC inline 4-cylinder unit making 135-hp and 125 lb-ft of torque, while an optional 138-hp 1.4L turbocharged inline 4-cylinder is also available. Prices start at $14,495 for the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic LS Sedan($15,395 for the Chevrolet Sonic LS Hatchback), which is powered by a 1.8L Ecotec making 128-hp. Prices top out at $17,295 for the LTZ Sedan and $17,995 for the LTZ Hatchback. Prices start at $14,495.

– By: Alexandra Koken