The Sonic is Chevrolet's latest entry in the growing subcompact segment. Available in sedan and hatchback form, the Sonic represents a huge improvement over its predecessor, the Aveo, thanks to a refined cabin and surprisingly good driving dynamics.
The Sonic represents Chevrolet's first attempt at fielding a truly competitivesubcompact car after the Aveo struggled in the market, prompting the automaker to drop the name in the U.S. market and adopt "Sonic" for the latest subcompact car to wear the Chevy bowtie. So did Chevy reinvent the car enough to warrant the new name? Let's find out.
Powertrains from above
When it comes to the Sonic, the powertrains come from above - literally - as they were all borrowed directly from the C-segment Chevy Cruze. Despite being smaller and lighter, the less desirable aerodynamics typical in the subcompact class limit highway fuel economy to 40 miles per gallon with the optional 1.4-liter Turbo engine and six-speed manual.
When it comes to the Sonic, the powertrains come from above - literally - as they were all borrowed directly from the C-segment Chevy Cruze. Despite being smaller and lighter, the less desirable aerodynamics typical in the subcompact class limit highway fuel economy to 40 miles per gallon with the optional 1.4-liter Turbo engine and six-speed manual.
The aforementioned optional 1.4-liter, turbocharged engine comes at a $700 premium and boasts the same 138 horsepower as the base engine, but with a broader torque curve and a higher peak torque rating with 148 lb-ft. This engine comes mated either to a six-speed manual good for 29 city, 40 highway mpg, or an optional six-speed automatic transmission that lowers efficiency to 27/37 mpg.
The base engine is a 1.8-liter, naturally aspirated four-pot that is good for 138 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque. While the power ratings are similar to the optional engine, fuel economy suffers with a dip to 26 city, 35 highway for the five-speed manual or 25 city, 35 highway with the six-speed automatic.
Aside from offering engines pulled straight from a segment above, the Sonic also offers are features typically found in larger cars - such as 10 standard airbags, rollover sensing technology, hill-hold assist for manual transmissions and levels of interior quietness more reminiscent of a small luxury car than an economy car.
The Sonic Sedan differs from the Hatchback in design starting with the front doors and continuing all the way back - giving each vehicle a truly unique appearance beyond the front fascia.
New to the Sonic is an optional MyLink infotainment system, which offers voice control of certain entertainment functions and includes Bluetooth smartphone connectivity and streaming audio via Pandora radio and Stitcher SmartRadio. MyLink comes with a color touchscreen and can be outfitted with navigation.
The trim levels start with the base LS, followed by the LT and range-topping LTZ.
Sonic Sedan LS
The Hatchback LS comes standard with the 1.8-liter engine and a five-speed manual transmission, along with 15-inch alloy wheels, the most standard safety features in the segment (10 air bags, StabiliTrak, traction control, anti-lock brakes, collapsible pedals and power rear-door safety locks), OnStar with six months of free turn-by-turn navigation, air conditioning, power locks, keyless entry, Bluetooth connectivity and a tilt and telescoping steering wheel with Bluetooth controls.
The Hatchback LS comes standard with the 1.8-liter engine and a five-speed manual transmission, along with 15-inch alloy wheels, the most standard safety features in the segment (10 air bags, StabiliTrak, traction control, anti-lock brakes, collapsible pedals and power rear-door safety locks), OnStar with six months of free turn-by-turn navigation, air conditioning, power locks, keyless entry, Bluetooth connectivity and a tilt and telescoping steering wheel with Bluetooth controls.
Sonic Sedan LT
Stepping up to the LT will see the addition of a CD player with MP3 capability and six speakers, SiriusXM satellite radio, power windows with one-touch auto up/down on the driver side, premium cloth trim, rear floor mats and power-adjustable and heated exterior mirrors.
Stepping up to the LT will see the addition of a CD player with MP3 capability and six speakers, SiriusXM satellite radio, power windows with one-touch auto up/down on the driver side, premium cloth trim, rear floor mats and power-adjustable and heated exterior mirrors.
Wheels are also swapped from 15- to 16-inches and made of aluminum alloy.
An optional LT Connectivity and Cruise package adds cruise control, a USB port and second auxiliary jack, steering wheel audio controls and Bluetooth phone streaming.
Sonic Sedan LTZ
The range-topping LTZ takes all the aforementioned equipment and either adds to or replaces it with perforated leatherette seating surfaces, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, upgraded stereo with auxiliary input jack, a USB input, cruise control, remote start, steering wheel-mounted audio and phone controls, fog lamps and 17-inch alloy wheels. The LTZ also features MyLink as standard.
The range-topping LTZ takes all the aforementioned equipment and either adds to or replaces it with perforated leatherette seating surfaces, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, upgraded stereo with auxiliary input jack, a USB input, cruise control, remote start, steering wheel-mounted audio and phone controls, fog lamps and 17-inch alloy wheels. The LTZ also features MyLink as standard.
Key Competitors
The Sonic Sedan faces competition from a strong set of rivals in the subcompact segment, including the Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent and Toyota Yaris. Particularly price-conscious buyers can also consider the Nissan Versa.
The Sonic Sedan faces competition from a strong set of rivals in the subcompact segment, including the Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent and Toyota Yaris. Particularly price-conscious buyers can also consider the Nissan Versa.
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