2012 Chevrolet Sonic

In the subcompact market, things like standard aluminum wheels are big news. Guess what? 2012 Chevrolet Sonic comes standard with aluminum wheels. Honestly, are we really so. But the biggest news, upcoming econobox Chevy is really fun to drive. This is a reversal of the previous Aveo, which is sold exclusively on the bargain-basement price. Sonic, on sale this autumn, aims to attract buyers of quality, features, and to use the phrase abused by German car manufacturers, driving pleasure.

A brief warning: Our exposure was limited to the conduct of pre-production prototypes in a configuration (1.4-liter turbo, gearbox five-door) on an improvised lines at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis, Indiana. In other words, we will not be able to give a final audit until we have more time in a production car finished. But so far, the worst thing about the name of Chevrolet Sonic subcompact news. There is not much wrong with the word itself, but for many other elements of popular culture (fast food drive-ins, the hedgehog video game, the basketball team in Seattle earlier) is easily mind that "American car affordable."

Moreover, it is much more than Sonic, especially turbocharged 1.4-liter engine, we sampled. Shared Cruze, the turbo four makes 138 hp and 148 Nm of torque, 18 hp and 26 Nm more than the Ford Fiesta, a competitor clear. And when coupled with a six-speed manual, 40 mpg highway Chevrolet promises fuel economy rating of Sonic the turbo. Other engine (also by Cruz) is a naturally aspirated 1.8-liter, 138 hp, making the same, but reduces the number 125 lb-ft. Sonic is a bit 'different gears and weighs about 400 pounds less than the Cruze, so we expect better acceleration and fuel economy across the board. (A recent comparison test, with an automatic 1.4T Posted Cruze 8.0 seconds 0-to-60 mph run.)

The Sonics turbo pulls well above 3,000 rpm, and there is significant lag at low revs, despite a maximum torque of 1850 rpm lower. Yet it is a strong, sweet engine. This is not the second coming of the Volkswagen GTI, but Sonic turbo adds serious fun in a segment that usually takes shows on the back burner. Chevrolet had a Honda Fit and Ford Fiesta at hand for comparison, and Chevrolet Sonic held up well. Lap times, walked all the drivers present nearly two seconds faster than Sonic the Fit next fastest, but some of them is surely due to the superior acceleration at high speed. Honda, which is geared shorter, feel better at low revs. And Ford has less body roll. But Sonic seems to be performing very well against the Fit and Fiesta and Mazda Chevrolet seconds direction is light and responsive on turn-in.

The treatment finally gives way to understeer (Honda can be tossed out more), but the extent Sonic is sensitive and behaves in a predictable way, even braking track. We would like to know a little 'lever, but it is acceptable for this price range.

Must be practical and affordable

Sonic is an economy car, which means sacrifices in comfort. The rear seats have an armrest and cupholders, but are sufficient living space, even behind a driving position lower down six. Both sedan and hatchback Sonic share 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 has headroom a little better in the rear seats. The cargo area in the five-door, but not as broad or clever as the Honda Fit has a removable false floor that creates a flat surface when the seats are 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, suggesting that it is a competitive segment. We want to say the starting price is about $ 14,000, and, as is the case with the Fiesta and Fit models higher height of cut (including turbo), ranging up to $ 19,000. To keep the Fiesta, we're guessing Sonic hatch command a premium of its attractive appearance, although I must say that the Sonic sedan manages to find something less than squat, a great result for this segment. The LS base set, with 2012 Chevrolet Sonic wheels, 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 seems to mark the return of small cars in America, not just a name. As part of GM's restructuring, Sonic will be built in Lake Orion, Michigan. The good news for Chevy, however, is that Sonic calls in the background as a coach and not as a piece of patriotism with flags.