The subcompact market for such things as the standard alloy wheels are big news. Guess what? 2012 Chevrolet Sonic comes standard with aluminum wheels. Honestly, we really so. But the biggest news, upcoming Chevy econobox is really fun to drive. This is a turnaround compared to the outgoing Aveo, which is marketed exclusively in the bargain-basement prices. Sonic, on sale this autumn, aims to attract buyers in the quality, features, and borrow the phrase of the German automotive abused, driving pleasure.
A brief warning: Our exposure of conduct was limited to pre-production prototypes in a configuration (1.4 liter turbo, gearbox or five-door) to a circuit Raceway Lucas Oil fortune in Indianapolis, Indiana. In other words, we will not be able to give a final review until we have more time in a production car finished. But so far, the worst thing about the name of Chevrolet subcompact new Sonic. There is not much wrong with the word itself, but for many other elements of popular culture (fast-food drive-ins, video games, hedgehog, team basketball in Seattle earlier) come readily to mind that "American car affordable."
Aside from that, there is much to like Sonic, particularly the turbocharged 1.4-liter engine, we try. Shared with the Cruze, turbo four gets 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque, 18 hp and 26 lb.-ft. more than the Ford Fiesta, a clear rival. And when paired with a six-speed manual transmission, Chevrolet promises a 40-mpg highway fuel economy rating for the Turbo Sonic. The second engine (also de la Cruz) is a naturally aspirated 1.8-liter, 138 hp doing the same, but with a reduced torque figure of 125 lb-ft. Sonic is a little different gear and weighs about 400 pounds less than the Cruze, so we expect better acceleration and fuel economy across the board. (In a comparison test last year, posted an automatic-equipped 1.4 t Cruze, a run of 8.0 seconds from 0 to 60 km / h).
Sonic the turbo pulls well above 3000 rpm, no significant lag at low revs, despite a maximum torque of 1850 rpm low. However, a strong engine and sweet. This is not the second coming of the Volkswagen GTI, but the Sonic Turbo injects fun into a serious segment performance usually takes a back seat. Chevrolet had a Honda Fit and Ford Fiesta on hand for comparison, and Sonic held up well. In the lap times, all the drivers present in almost two seconds faster than Sonic in the next Fit-Fast, but some is undoubtedly due to greater acceleration in the rate. The Honda, which is geared shorter, feels better at low revs. And Ford has less body roll. However, Sonic seems to be very well cope with the adjustment and the Fiesta and Mazda 2. The direction of the Chevrolet is light and responds quickly to turn.
Handling eventually gives way to understeer (the Honda can be thrown up), but until the limit of Sonic is reactive and behaves predictably, even in the ways of braking. We would like to be a little more on the shifter, but it is acceptable for that price.
It should be practical and affordable
Sonic is an economy car, which means sacrifices in comfort. The rear seats have armrests and cup holders, but are sufficient living space, even behind a driving position more than six down. Both sedan and hatchback Sonic sharing the same wheelbase 99.4 inches. The four-door, with 173.1 inches, is 14.1 inches longer than the hatch, but lost in the space race of 14 cubic feet of trunk space in the hatch is 19. The gate also headroom a little better in the rear seats. The cargo area of the five-door model, though not as broad or clever as the Honda Fit has a removable floor that creates a false floor with the seats folded. There is also a place for the cargo deck to slide behind the rear seats.
Chevrolet does not reveal the price of Sonic until the landing is approaching the market today, only mentioning that it is a competitive segment. We means the starting price is about $ 14,000, and, as is the case with the Fiesta and the Fit, the highest shear models (including turbo), ranging up to $ 19,000. To keep the Fiesta, we're guessing Sonic Control brings a prize of its attractive appearance, although I must say that the sedan Sonic manages to find something less than squat, a huge success in this segment. The LS base set, with Sonic the wheels and air conditioning, central locking, keyless entry, stability control, airbags, and an impressive 10.
We're not quite ready to leave the "super" prefix Sonic, but it would not mark the return of small cars in America, not only in his name. As part of GM's restructuring, Sonic will be built in Lake Orion, Michigan. The good news for Chevy, however, is that calls on its merits Sonic as a coach and not as a piece of patriotism with flags.
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