First Impressions and Background
I had the opportunity to drive Chevy's newest economy car offering: the Sonic. The car in which it replaces, the Aveo, was clearly designed and manufactured on a budget. This mindset took hold as I loaded the hatch with luggage (but Times and tech have certainly changed in the definition of "Economy Car", and this reviewer needed to reset that definition to modern standards).
The rental Chevy barely accepted the standard roll-aboard suitcase and mobile laptop/office bag with the seats up (and left the lift-up cover, well, lifted up slightly, yielding obscured rear visibility -- until removed). But that's where the shortcomings fell short -- after all, 5-door hatches generally aren't big on cargo until the seats fold or pitch the contents into the back seat.
I hopped-in the drivers seat and pleasant surprises started racking-up from the first turn of the key all the way to drop-off. This vehicle is light-years ahead of the Aveo, is the only subcompact assembled in the United States (Orion Assembly, Southeastern Michigan), and backs it all up with a quality impression, aggressive exterior appearance, and upmarket interior componentry, and drivetrains (all for a base price of $13,865). A big thumbs-up to the General's Bow-tie.
Notable Standard Equipment
-1.8L "ECOTEC" Inline-4 rated at 136 hp and 123 lb-ft torque
-Five-Speed Manual Transmission
-Ten standard air bags
-Electronic Stability Control System with rollover sensor and Traction Control
-Four-wheel antilock brakes with Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Panic Assist
-Air Conditioning
-60/40 Folding rear seats
-Power door locks with remote keyless entry
-Fifteen-inch aluminum wheels
EPA Estimates (City/Highway/Combo)
-1.8L Auto: 25/35/28 | Manual: 26/35/29
-1.4L Turbo Manual: 29/40/Unk; Automatic (Not Yet Tested -- Late Availability)
Notable Options either/or Items within Packages / Trim-Levels
-Cruise Control (surprisingly not standard)
-Power Windows
-Heated Leather Seats
-1.4L Turbocharged Inline-4 Cylinder Engine (Additional power, torque, and FE)
-Six-Speed Automatic, 6-Speed Manual
-Sixteen- or 17-Inch Aluminum Wheels
-AM/FM/SAT/CD/MP3/USB Sound System
-Bluetooth Connectivity
Interior
Modern and feature-laden interiors are standard from the base LS Sedan to the top-line LTZ 5-door sport hatchback (the LT is slotted in-between). The instrument cluster is a flat, digital display and analog tachometer that centralizes visual feedback, and gives the interior a more-than-economy feel and an essence of performance. It's very Cruze-like in appearance, with higher-quality plastics...
The adjustable-height, deep-bucket seat is very supportive and places the driver in reach of the beefy steering wheel, with a comfy armrest (further refinement is granted from the tilting wheel and telescoping column). A full-feature trip computer and Satellite-equipped stereo with a custom vehicle preferences menu was within easy reach. Storage and cupholders were adequate.
Exterior
The aggressive, somewhat boxy exterior is a welcomed departure from the frumpy Aveo.
Road Manners
I was truly surprised at the suspension tuning. The compact, twist-beam rear axle and front McPhersons kept ride quality comfortable while allowing it to handle exceedingly well, remaining flat in corners. The goal to keep the car fun to drive, has been well-achieved.
The drivetrain is robust. The 1.8L design uses a form of variable valve timing called "DCVCP" or Double Continuous Variable Cam Phasing technology. It basically varies both intake and exhaust cam timing, hydraulically. This architecture creates considerable torque immediately and is noted to pull to the redline with no surging or slow spots in the rev band (0-60 times are in the 8-second range). It feels like its turbocharged relatives.
The gas pedal was noted to be a bit firm and took some practice to gently modulate. The Sonic's 6-speed automatic is a great fit, and can be selected from start in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd gear (I suggest starting out in 2nd, unless 1st is needed). First gear seemed quite low -- irritating in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Highway RPMs were nominal.
Both the 1.8 and the 1.4L Turbo are a bit much for a smaller "economy" car. Since it's a world-wide platform, other markets receive a Non-turbo 1.4L or 1.6L DCVCP (among others), and likely offer better FE.
As-Tested
MSRP: $17730
Model/Trim Chevy Sonic Hatchback / 2LT (1.8L Automatic)
FE: Unable to Test (got stuck in abnormal stop-and-go driving for 1-hour -- normally takes 5-7 minutes for the same commute).
Test Location/Weather: Indianapolis / 25-35F, Rain - Freezing Rain
Opinion: I really found little to quibble about with this vehicle. A smaller-displacement, less power engine should be available to increase FE. Also, pricing, once options are added, may seem a bit steep when compared with others in its class. Overall quality, and a sporty edge teamed-up with FE, can certainly make-up for it.
Compare: Ford Fiesta / Mazda 2, Hyundai Accent / Kia Rio5, Nissan Versa, Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris.
RH77
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