While the Big 3 have certainly made their mark building outstanding pickups and full-size SUV’s, when it comes to the subcompact segment, the Detroit automakers have fallen fairly short. The first of the three to offer an impressive contribution to the segment in recent years was FoMoCo, with the launch of the Ford Fiesta. Chevy is now stepping up to compete, bringing its new Aveo replacement to the market.
Known as the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic, GM wants you to totally forget about the POS Aveo they used to sell before – a car that would get you extremely depressed if you received it from a rent-a-car. Now, bearing a badge with the hedgehog name like the Sonic, GM is offering something totally different and something completely better.
When you think of the subcompact segment, things like standard aluminum wheels, rear-seat roominess, and Corvette-engineer-tuned suspension are completely off the table. Guess what? The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic comes standard with all those features, plus some more surprising additions.
So is the Chevrolet Sonic better than its competitors? Let’s take a look – but we will tell you up front, it is light years ahead of the crap it replaces.
2012 Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback Specifications:
- Style: Hatchback.
- Drive Type: Front-wheel-drive.
- Seating Capacity: 5 (4 comfortably).
- Base Price: $14,765 ($13,865 for the sedan).
- Price As Tested: $18,215.
- Engine: 1.8 liter 4-cylinder turbo Ecotec – 138-hp at 6,300 rpm / 125 lb-ft of torque at 3,800.
- Transmission: 5-speed manual, 6-speed automatic.
- 0 to 60 mph: 8.2 seconds.
- Curb Weight: 2,684 lbs.
- Fuel-economy (city/highway): 26/35 mpg.
All Photos Copyright egmCarTech © Omar Rana.
Exterior:
Personally, I don’t think that the Chevrolet Sonic is bad looking car. Others on the egmCarTech staff had contrasting opinions, which leads me to believe that the Sonic has a ‘love it or hate it’ kind of design. I found the front end of the car particularly aggressive for a subcompact. At a closer look, you’ll see that it mirrors the dynamic appeal of the Mitsubishi Lancer.
…Sonic has a ‘love it or hate it’ kind of design
On both the sedan and hatchback models of the Chevy Sonic, the front end is definitely more attractive than the rear. Both models come with chrome grille surrounds, a matte black honeycomb grille and a range of aluminum wheels sized from 15 to 17 inches.
Interior:
Like the exterior of the Chevrolet Sonic, the interior also draws some inspiration from motorcycle design. It can be found starting from the detailed instrument cluster, which features a large, round analog tachometer set within an asymmetrical LCD readout, and an ample digital speedometer display.
The Sonic also delivers class-leading rear-seat roominess, connectivity features and a nice smooth ride. It is typical of the segment for there to be a lot of road-noise that leaks into the cabin – however, that is not the case with the Sonic. Driving on the highway with 3 passengers, we were able to have a full conversation about the Sonic’s design and driving dynamics.
Quality wise, the interior of the Sonic is quite well built. There isn’t any soft touch materials like you would find in a Volkswagen, but the materials used are so well put together that you end up with a very solid feel.
Performance:
This is where the Chevrolet Sonic really stands out from the crowd. Besides being able to bungee jump, skydive and being used to perform kick-flip stunts by Rob Dyrdek, the Chevrolet Sonic’s ride and handling were tuned by Corvette engineers, giving it a more direct feel, while balancing the vehicle to handle the broad range of driving terrains across the United States.
The Sonic’s tight, refined chassis help it soak up road imperfections on the worst of pot-hole filled roads, while tight steering also provides some impressive control on sharp turns. All Sonics feature a MacPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and stabilizer bar and a rear suspension with a semi-independent, torsion beam axle-mount compound link-type design – featuring a tubular V-shape beam – with gas-charged shocks. In everyday normal English, that means that the Sonic packs in a smooth ride, tight handling, and an overall solid driving experience into its small frame.
The Sonic’s tight, refined chassis help it soak up road imperfections on the worst of pot-hole filled roads…
Our tester model was equipped with an optional ($700 extra option) 1.4 liter turbo Ecotec 4-cylinder making 138-hp at 4,900 rpm and a peak torque of 148 lb-ft at 2,500 rpm. The 1.4 liter turbo comes exclusively with a 6-speed manual so if you’re not familiar going through the cogs, then obviously go for the 1.8 liter. However, you will be missing out on the added fun of the turbo zip (0 to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds) and better fuel-economy figures.
EPA rated fuel-economy for our 1.4 liter turbo tester model comes in at 29/40 mpg (city/highway). Also according to the EPA, the turbo model will allow for a driving range of 317/427 (city/highway) on a full 12.2 gallon tank. Annual fuel-costs will come in at $1,532, meaning you’ll be saving a nice chunk at the pump.
The 1.8 liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder unit averages 26/35 mpg for the manual and 25/35 mpg for the automatic.
Overall:
In my opinion, the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is a better bang-for-your buck than the Fiesta, Fit and Yaris.
Nonetheless, the Sonic definitely outperforms its competitors when it comes to driving dynamics, interior room, and comfort. In my opinion, the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is a better bang-for-your buck than the Fiesta, Fit and Yaris – however, before you take my word for it, go test drive all the models in the segment and see which fits your lifestyle best.
All Photos Copyright egmCarTech © Omar Rana.
- By: Omar Rana
