2012 Chevrolet Sonic - First Drive Review - A brief disclaimer: Our exposure was limited to pre-drive prototypes of a configuration (1.4-liter turbo transmission, manual, five-door) in a makeshift circuit at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis, Indiana. In other words, we will not be able to give a final opinion until we have more time in a car and finished products. However, so far the worst of new subcompact Chevy is the name of Sonic. Not much wrong with the actual word, but also many others in popular culture (fast-food drive-wins, video game's urchins, former Seattle basketball team) come most readily to mind of "affordable American car."
Sonic is the first vehicle to be born all new General Motors global architecture, small vehicles, a front-drive platform that will drive subcompact based GM in almost every continent in the coming years. Sonic The primary market is the U.S. And, indeed, is the only vehicle in its segment to be built in the States (Orion Township right good ol 'Michigan). Two available body styles: a four-door sedan and five-door hatchback version that we're spending most of our time. Both are fun, and even aggressive look, with carved interfaces rising waistline and a fold that runs from the front fender all the way back to the tail. Hatchback versions have a rear door handles hidden in the blacked-out C-pillar, a Nissan Juke.
2012 Chevrolet Side View Sonic right driving
2012 Chevrolet Left Front Driving View Sonic
2012 Chevrolet Sedan Front Three Quarters Sonic
2012 Chevrolet Sedan rear three-quarters of Sonic moving
2012 Chevrolet Sedan side of Sonic In Motion 3
2012 Chevrolet Sonic Dash
2012 Chevrolet Sonic - First Drive Review Price - Sonic is carefully positioned between the Ford Fiesta and the Honda Fit, when it comes to prices. Based on 2011 Ford Fiesta S sedan begins at $ 13,995, including destination charge of $ 795, while the SE hatchback Ford Fiesta 2011 begins at $ 16,295, including shipping. Based on 2011 Honda Fit starts at $ 15,870, including destination charge of $ 770.
Chevrolet will not disclose the price of Sonic until the fall to the sale date approaches, implying that only will be competitive in the segment. We take you to that sense of a starting price of about $ 14,000 and as is the case for Fiesta and fit, the higher models of adjustment (including turbo) running as high as $ 19,000. Like the Fiesta, we're guessing Sonic hatch a premium for its most attractive, although we must say that Sonic sedan manages to look less chubby-a great achievement in this segment. Even the base LS trim, Sonic comes with the front wheels, as well as air conditioning, power locks, keyless entry, stability control, and an impressive 10 airbags.
2012 Chevrolet Sonic - First Drive Review specification - Beyond that, there is much to like about Sonic, especially the 1.4-liter turbo engine we tested. Share with the Cruze, the turbo four makes 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque, 18 horsepower and 26 lb.-ft. more than the Ford Fiesta, a clear rival. And when combined with a six-speed manual transmission, Chevrolet promises a 40 mpg highway fuel economy rating for the turbo Sonic. The other motor (also from the Cross) is a naturally aspirated 1. 8 liters 138 hp generated by the same, but with a reduced torque figure of 125 lb-ft. The Sonic is a little different gear and weighs about 400 pounds less than the Cruze, so we expect the better acceleration and fuel economy in all areas. (In a comparison test of the latter, an automatic-equipped 1. 4T Cruze recorded at 8.0 seconds from 0 to 60 miles per hour of running).
While there have been overwhelmed with the power of the 1.4-liter turbo in the Cruze 3300 pounds, the mill seems much more appropriate for smaller, lighter Sonic. While a hint of turbo lag still exists, the engine of 148 pound-feet of torque down-low is disclosed that out of the hairpins in second gear. However, the drop in power around 4k rpm is noticed, and when the engine is quite content so you can wind it out all the way to its 6500 rpm redline, it makes little sense in doing so beyond the purpose of making noise. Otomodification
