[car fanatics]

Car Fanatics
Photo credit:
February 2012
By: Angel Mosqueda

For 2012, Chevrolet really upped the ante with their new subcompact. Not only did they ditch the Aveo nameplate, they better equipped it to match the hedgehog name, Sonic, by offering the Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine. The new specs and name truly make the Chevrolet Sonic a top contender in the subcompact segment. Ford Fiesta, Nissan Versa, and Scion xD better lookout, the Sonic has arrived!

2012 Chevrolet Sonic sedan specifications:

• Style: 4-door sedan, 5 passengers
  

• Driveline: Front-wheel drive, front engine
  

• Base price: $13,865
  

• Engine: 1.4L turbocharged DOHC I-4., 138 hp @ 4900 rpm, 148 lb.-ft. @ 2500
  

• Transmission: 6-speed manual (1.4L turbo)
  

• Curb weight: 1.4L: 2862 / 1298
  

• Fuel-economy (city/highway): 26 / 35 (manual)
  

Exterior

The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is offered in two body styles, hatch and sedan (sedan pictured above). So, where did Chevrolet designers get their inspiration for the new Sonic? Previous designs? Art? None of the above. Try motorcycles, yes, the Chevrolet Sonic was motorcycle-inspired with its round headlamps and taillamps.

If you were to examine the exterior of the Chevrolet Sonic, the front end would definitely be the most appealing with its chrome grille surrounds and matte black honeycomb grille inserts, which give it a more sporty look not found very often in this segment.

Overall, the front end delivers in that it conveys performance, something that is lacking in other subcompact cars on the market today-Nissan Versa and Toyota Yaris come to mind.

Interior
Just like the exterior of the Chevrolet Sonic, the interior also draws inspiration from motorcycles, starting with the round analog tachometer, the beautifully lit LCD readout, and the digital speedometer; they all draw inspiration from motorcycles, adding to the sporty theme that the Chevrolet Sonic aims to convey.

The mid-instrument panel surface is available in two colors, our loaner was equipped with dark titanium; the other color is brick.
The manual version of the Chevrolet Sonic offers a chrome-finish knob, while the auto has more of a ''cobra head' design. We'll take the chrome finish knob any day.

Overall, the interior of the Chevrolet Sonic is of great quality, all put together very nicely to give it a very solid feel.

Cargo
Concerned about the lack of storage that plagues other subcompacts? That is not an issue with the Sonic. The interior includes storage compartments in the center stack and doors. Looking to carry large items? Chevy also has you covered, as the rear seats fold virtually flat. And lastly, front bucket seats are standard, and for those looking to stay warm during the winter, heated seats are also available.

What about a bag of golf clubs, will they fit? Yes, a bag of golf clubs will fit in the trunk of a Chevrolet Sonic sedan. With plenty of room to spare. With 14 cubic feet of trunk space and 60/40 split-folding rear seats, you'll be able to configure the space for just about anything. That's more than a Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla. Win!

Overall, the cargo space is the icing on the cake for the Chevrolet Sonic, with proportions equal to that of the Cruze.

Performance
So, what sets the Chevrolet Sonic apart from the rest of the crowd? The answer is performance. Corvette engineers worked closely to tune the Sonic's ride and handling, giving it a direct feel, while balancing the vehicle for the broad range of driving conditions in North America. That is all due to the Sonic's tight, refined chassis. Both styles of the Sonic feature a MacPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and stabilizer bar and a rear suspension consists of a semi-independent, torsion beam axle-mount compound link-type design – featuring a tubular V-shape beam – with gas-charged shocks. So, what does all this engineering lingo mean? It means that the Sonic delivers smooth riding, tight handling, and a sound driving experience.

Our loaner vehicle was equipped with an Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine making 138 hp at 4, 900 rpm and a peak torque of 148 lb.-ft. at 2500 rpm. The 1.4L turbo engines come exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission. So, if you prefer the 1.8L, you should probably consider the 1.4L because it boast a better 0-60 mph time, and also post better fuel-economy figures (29 / 40 with manual) compared to 26 / 35 (manual) wit the 1.8L.

Conclusion
The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic really delivers with its performance and sporty look. With other subcompacts, you either sacrifice performance and style to get functionality, or vice versa; but with the Chevrolet Sonic, you can get the functionality of a car like the Cruze, and still get a vehicle that is stylish and performance oriented. In a segment where you almost never get all three, the Chevrolet Sonic is really a pleasure to drive and look at. Now, we aren't telling you to completely ignore all other subcompacts in the market, but if you are looking for style and performance, as well as functionality, then you might want to head over to your nearest Chevy dealer and test drive the all-new Chevrolet Sonic for yourself.

[REVolution]

Awesome. That was a solid review. I love the photography as well, I never noticed the pattern on the seats in any of the press release photos. The conclusion pretty much summed up what we all were hoping, that you don't have to sacrifice fun and sportiness to get great fuel economy. The Sonic gives you the best of both worlds. Keep it up guys!

[ncguy]

I looked at a LTZ Turbo with the 6 speed manual Hatch a little while back... Although I like the looks of the sedan more the hatch would work better for me considering we have two dogs that go a lot with us. I LOVE 'the gauge cluster... Looks much better in person and not like any other car.

[ReaganLogan]

Very nice write up.
I would put it on par with other more established auto outlets as AutoWeek and MotorTrend.
I love your photos and am strongly considering a Sonic LTZ for my next vehicle purchase to replace my aging BMW 325i. I like the manual you had and am looking forward to testing one myself soon.
Thanks for the great write up and keep up the great work
RL

[jspookss]

The sonic really impressed me with how connected it feels on the road. Its Buick quiet while being taught and agile. The quick steering ratio makes parking a breeze at lower speeds but it doesn't get twitchy at highway speeds like other sub-compacts/compacts.

It really is a well put together car.

[iDream Theater]

I would like to see Chevy give the Cruze or Maliboo that front end styling, but it would be cleaner and have better proportions.

Cool pics though, look very attractive and professional.

[MOPAR74]

Great review! I cant wait to drive one myself!


Absolutely awesome photography also

[ArtRiX]

Nice review. I didn't have a chance to drive one myself, but the Sonic along with the Fiesta seem to be the nicest cars in the segment. Looks good and seems to be fun to drive.

Looking forward to reading other reviews in the future :2thumbsup:

[96s-10ss]

Much better looking in person.
Especially in orange :2thumbsup:

[zeep]

Great review! :2thumbsup:
Even this sedan version is a looker but I prefer the hatch ::.

[MOPAR74]

first comments from a NON-CF member!

Jason Wrote:Ya, I would say the pictures are really good and leave people wanting more which eats at them to read your review. The review itself is excellent. There is just enough wording and specs that make it a easy but informative read. I have seen in the past where writers just hammer with specs. or worse just drag things out with unnecessary language.

Keep up the good work!


When we gonna get to test other cars?::

[96s-10ss]

[ReaganLogan]

I love how everyone got all professional on this thread hahaha

[ReaganLogan]

This little whip makes the Audi A3 look mundane at best.

This thing could easily take it in looks, now lets see a SS version to smake the A3 out of the window

[MOPAR74]

ReaganLogan;186669 Wrote:I love how everyone got all professional on this thread hahaha

Whatever do you mean, good sir?