2012 Chevrolet Sonic, an Autoweek Flash Drive Car Review
What is it?
First of all, no, it is not built on the same platform nor is it mechanically affiliated with the product formerly known as the Aveo. The all-new Chevrolet Sonic, General Motors' entry in the B-class segment, is the first car to ride on the all-new Gamma, or Global Small Vehicle platform, variations of which you will soon see popping up in markets all over the world. The Sonic is on sale now in U.S. Chevy showrooms.
It comes as a sedan or a hatchback and with either a 138-hp 1.8-liter or 138-hp turbocharged 1.4-liter four driving the front wheels. Yes, they both make 138 hp. The normally aspirated 1.8 makes 125 lb-ft of torque at 3,800 rpm and the turbo makes 148 lb-ft at 1,850 rpm, so the turbo's the one you want. The 1.8-liter comes with a six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual. The turbo comes standard with a six-speed manual but will get a six-speed automatic this spring.
Just remember to order the turbo with the manual.
What is it like to drive?
Early engineering drives in prototypes last May showed a promisingly fun little car. Turns out those analyses were pretty accurate. We spent a day driving several Sonics in the hills above Santa Cruz, Calif., and had a surprisingly good time. Surprising because the Aveo was about as much fun behind the wheel as driving a wet paper bag. Engineers proudly pointed out the Sonic's higher torsional rigidity versus that of the Aveo. Greater use of high- and ultra-high-strength steel gave them a much better basis on which to build. The resonant frequency of the Sonic is 23 hertz, an exponential improvement over the 18-hertz carcass of the Aveo. Forged alloy wheels--yes, forged alloy wheels--tuned bushings and an engine cradle bolted straight to the unibody helped keep the Sonic controlled. A quick 14:1 ratio for the electric power steering further helped.
We got to drive competitors such as the Ford Fiesta (another great chassis but with a softer automatic transmission and more kickback than a Chicago alderman), the Honda Fit (another soft automatic trans but another good chassis) and the Hyundai Accent (GDI for $15,000? Yahoo!). The Sonic came across as having the best ride isolation and as being the quietest of the bunch while not sacrificing any of the tossability inherent in small cars such as this.
Do I want it?
It's a buyer's market in the B-class segment. You almost can't go wrong. The Sonic starts at $14,995 including destination and 10--count 'em--10 airbags. A five-door turbo with a sunroof is about the most you can spend on one of these, and it's about $19,500. Chevy builds these in Lake Orion, Mich., too, unlike the competition, all of which, Chevy points out, are built outside the United States.
2012 Chevrolet Sonic
On Sale: Now, full U.S. launch in October
Base Price: $14,995
Drivetrain: 1.8-liter, 138-hp, 125-lb-ft normally aspirated I4; FWD, six-speed manual
Curb Weight: 2,721 lb sedan; 2,684 lb hatchback
0-60 MPH: 8.2 sec (mfr, turbo w/5-spd)
Fuel Economy (EPA): 25 mpg city, 35 mpg hwy
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