2012 Chevrolet Sonic 2LT Five-door: A definite upgrade, built in America

Written by Steven Macoy
Thursday, 08 December 2011 14:48

Thanks to a fortuitous car rental in Florida and lucky press-fleet scheduling, we got a rare opportunity to test-drive a new model and the one it’s replacing a few weeks apart this fall. For Chevrolet, the transition from the subcompact Aveo to the Sonic should be a happy one.

The Sonic costs more than the Aveo, but then, it’s a much more desirable car. It has sharper driving dynamics, a smoother and quieter ride, a stronger engine and better fuel economy. Best of all, it’s built right here in America, at a Chevrolet plant in Lake Orion, just north of Detroit. The Aveo hailed from South Korea.

Our 2012 Sonic, wearing optional Inferno Orange Metallic paint, was an upscale 2LT five-door hatchback sticker-priced at $18,580. Excluding options, the Sonic 2LT costs about $1,440 more than the comparable Aveo 2LT. The Sonic also is available as a four-door sedan.

Major competitors include the Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, Nissan Versa and Honda Fit. The Sonic stands out for its high power — 138 horsepower in both the 1.8-liter normally aspirated Four and the 1.4-liter turbo. Fuel economy is not the best in its class; we did no better than 29 mpg overall in a car rated at 35 mpg on the highway. The turbocharged version is rated at 40 mpg.

Recognizing today’s young buyer wants something with a little fun crammed into the bargain, Chevy has produced a triumph of athleticism and power. The Honda Fit is as quick on its feet as the Sonic but has only 117 horsepower. The Fiesta is also engineered for fun, but its excellent road manners are diminished by its automated dual-clutch manual transmission.

Like many of today’s compacts, subcompacts and minicars, the Sonic presents a somewhat odd appearance owing to its comparatively long wheelbase (90.6 inches) and short body (159 inches). It almost seems to have been cut off a few inches behind the rear wheels. And, while it doesn’t match the Fit for interior versatility, it provides good front-seat leg room, a comparatively roomy back seat and a spacious cargo bay (19 to 30.7 cubic feet, depending on whether the split rear seat is lowered).

The Sonic earns some additional style points for concealing the rear door handles in the pillar, a design flourish that originated with Nissan. Chevrolet’s new subcompact also is a clever blending of the blunt-nosed look common among many sedans and SUVs nowadays, and a wedge-shaped body tapering toward the rear.

Aware of the widespread belief that small cars are less safe, Chevrolet went to great lengths to achieve good safety marks and won a Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Too often, over the years, Chevrolet seemed content to build the cars management felt it had to build. The Sonic has the look and feel of a car management wanted to build, and that could make all the difference.

Steven Macoy ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) is a longtime car enthusiast and full-time editor who lives in Bethel, Conn.

Price: $18,580

Engine: 1.8-liter Four, 138 horsepower, 125 lb.-ft. torque

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Drive: Front-wheel

Weight: 2,684 lb.

Suspension: MacPherson strut front, torsion beam rear

Wheels: 16-inch painted aluminum (optional)

Tires: P205/55R16 all-season

Seating capacity: 5

Luggage capacity: 14 cu. ft.

Maximum cargo capacity: 30.7 cu. ft.

Fuel capacity: 12.2 gallons

Fuel economy: 25 mpg city, 35 mpg highway

Fuel type: Regular