It
seems that every time GM redesigns a small car, it gives
it a new name to keep the outgoing model’s bad
reputation at arm’s length. The Vega was replaced by
the Monza, which was replaced by the Cavalier, which was
replaced by the Cobalt. None of that would prepare you
for the Cobalt’s replacement, the Cruze, which breaks
the bad replacement mojo so much a part of the Chevy
small car psyche.
That
trend continues with the Chevrolet Sonic, the Chevrolet
Aveo’s replacement. I suspect the Sonic name may last
more than one generation.
The
Sonic’s style quotient depends on the body style you
opt for; it comes as a four-door notchback and a
five-door hatchback.
Both
share the same wheelbase, but the sedan is 14 inches
longer. This doesn’t add interior volume. As a matter
of fact, crucial measurements such as headroom, leg room
and shoulder room are identical. Cargo space, however,
is a spacious 14 cubic feet in the sedan, versus an
incredible 19 cubic feet in the hatchback. And it
expands to more than 30 cubic feet.
More
importantly, the five-door is a funky little chunk
oozing with youthful, athletic spunkiness. The four-door
is a bit more conservative and not as fetching.
But
Chevrolet designers tapped motorcycles for design
inspiration, using it for the car’s lights, as well as
inside, where the instrument cluster consists of a
tachometer and speedometer and bunch of lights laid out
asymmetrically.
The
interior’s layout is as visually caffeinated as the
five-door. But look closer: Everywhere you look, Chevy
designers have paid attention to the finishes. There’s
nothing poorly done. The plastics are hard, but nicely
textured. A second, smaller glove box has a USB port for
your portable electronic device of choice. The steering
wheel has buttons for the cruise control and audio
system.
The
front seats are more comfortable than you might expect
and there’s more than sufficient leg room. The rear
seat has a lot less leg room, but that’s typical of
the class.
But
all of this means nothing if the car isn’t fun to
drive. Given that it’s a small Chevrolet, you might
have some preconceived notions. This car will brush them
aside.
Remarkably,
the Sonic is, well, super.
There
are two engines offered, and they’re both quite good.
Base models get a 1.8-liter double-overhead-cam engine
mated to a six-speed automatic transmission or a
five-speed manual. Upper trim levels get a turbocharged
1.4-liter four-cylinder mated exclusively to a six-speed
manual. Both engines are rated at 138-horsepower, but
the turbo mill is rated 148 pound-feet of torque; the
1.8 only has 125.
The
smaller motor also enjoys higher fuel economy ratings:
29 mpg city, 40 highway. By contrast, the 1.8 comes in
at 25 city, 35 highway.
Both
powerplants come from the larger Chevrolet Cruze, which
weighs several hundred pounds more.
The
1.8 lacks some of the joie de vivre of the turbo model,
but still turns a respectable performance.
The
car’s conventional suspension set-up is typical of the
class: an independent front suspension, a torsion-beam
axle out back and front disc, rear drum brakes.
But
this little Sonic makes the most of what’s available.
The steering is precise and quick; body lean is well
managed. This little automotive hedgehog loves being
thrown into the thick of things. Tackle a corner with
gusto; the Sonic will relish the chance more than any
small Chevy is living memory.
It’s
enhanced by a solid chassis, good build quality and a
long list of safety gear: Chevy includes 10 air bags,
anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution
and brake assist.
You
can also equip it with some upscale options, such as
remote start, heated front seats and perforated
leatherette seating surfaces.
And
did I mention its good looks? Oh yeah, I did.
If
Chevrolet had engineered its small cars as well as it
has the Sonic, it wouldn’t have needed a bailout.
The
Sonic is every bit as good as its overseas competitors
and a must-drive for anyone considering a small,
fuel-efficient car.
———
2012
CHEVROLET SONIC:
—Engine:
1.8-liter DOHC four-cylinder
—Wheelbase:
99.4 inches
—Length:
159 inches
—Weight:
2,684 pounds
—Cargo
space: 19-30.7 cubic feet
—EPA
rating (city/highway): 25/35 mpg
—Fuel
consumption: 29.5 mpg
—Fuel
type: Regular
—Base
price, base model: $14,635 (including destination
charge)
—As
tested: $18,580