Vehicle: 2012 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ Turbo
Price as tested: CDN$21990
Performance: The Aveo has came across as one of the worse cars I have ever driven, its so nasty to drive which I can put it on the same list as original Kia Sportage and Dodge Nitro. GM has promised lots of good things about the Sonic, a subcompact which Chervolet has high hopes.
While the base 1.8 liter DOHC 16-valve motor has 135hp and 125 lb/ft of torque, which is more than enough for a subcompact. Its the 1.4 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder which is the engine of choice. It has 3 more horses and, more importantly, 23 lb/ft more torque than the 1.8 liter motor. Since both are based on the form of Ecotec engine architecture, the level of refinement and smoothness have been well-proven in Sonic’s bigger brother. The form of a small turbocharged engine provides desired result, when it comes to performance and economy. On the one hand, it doesn’t have the annoying turbo lag one associates with small 4-cylinder turbocharged engines. On the other hand, it delivers exceptional fuel economy even when pushed it to the max. During the day of our test drive, it averages 5 liters per 100km, which is nothing short of amazing. Along with an efficient powertrain comes a well-ratioed 6-speed manumatic gearbox. While the low 1st and 2nd gears are short enough for peppy acceleration, along with eliminating turbo lag. 3rd and 4th are always keeping the engine in its sweetspots. 5th and 6th have made for a comfortable highway cruising overdrive gears. That’s even if our loaded LT has to carry around 2800 lb.
Handling: If you still have distaste about how nasty the Aveo drove, you can completely forget about it. The Sonic is everything but when it comes to dynamic equation. It began with a stiff and rigid chassis, which serves as a great foundation for suspension components to hang its heads. The nasty chassis flex of the Aveo has gone for some rigid chassis refinement. When pushed the Sonic through the twisties, it exhibits terminal understeer while body rolls have been well-mannered. It all have done while providing some driving feel and feedback, which you won’t find in its predecessor. The amount of feel and feedback through the electric power steering has translated into driving fun. This translates into a dynamic package which is, finally, the equal of the Fiesta and Mazda2. Suspension is both sporty and comfortably compliant, while absorbing all the bumps and roughness with ease. On the other hand, GM’s excellent Stabiliztrak provides helping hands, when it comes to eliminating understeer, when pushed the Sonic to the max. Dynamically speaking, Sonic is able to put smiles on driver’s face which its something its predecessor can only be dreamed of. It has really shown how top notch engineering is able to translate a poorly executed car into an exceptional car. Sonic is the prime example.
Brakes: While Aveo’s brake pedal is infamous for being numb and spongy, Sonic’s braking performance continues to impress. While its still relying on front discs and rear drums, with standard ABS on our LT Turbo variant. The stopping distance is short while pedal always feels firm and solid. The pedal actually have some lives to its travel, which is something you have never heard of in the Aveo. ABS doesn’t step in unnecessarily is an added bonus.
Interior: Fold the rear seats completely flat, the Sonic has 30.7 cubin inch of luggage space. When they are in the upright position, it has 19 cubin inch. The hatch opening is wide and squared, which has made the luggage area rather spacious consider its physical dimensions. Add to the fact that it comes with a privacy cover and rear washer wiper, it pretty much wraps up the whole versatile equation. There are also some party tricks which have spoken for Chevrolet’s attention-to-details in Sonic’s interior refinement. You can extend the cargo space by flipping the cargo floor lowered into the bottom, as well as hiding the privacy cover behind the rear seats instead of removing it.
Both the use of materials, fit-and-finish and design have made a huge leap forward over its predecessor. The velour seats feel well-foamed and comfortable. All the HVAC and stereo are placed ergonomically on the center console. However, I am not fond of its digital instrumentation gauges. The row of warning lights surrounding the digital instrumentation gauges just look plain gaudy.
There are enough space for 2 adults at the back of the Sonic, however, just don’t try to put the 3rd one in the middle.
Conclusion: After driven the Sonic, its no wonder Chevrolet decided to ditch the Aveo nameplate. That’s because the Sonic is as far apart from the Aveo as possible. The Sonic not only has a competitive powertrain, it handles like a diggin with a sharp-looking exterior. It is finally a match for any top-tiers in the subcompact segment.
Competitions:
Mazda2
Ford Fiesta
Honda Fit
Hyundai Accent
Kia Rio
Toyota Yaris
OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2012 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ Turbo
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Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 4/5
Overall rating: 4/5