2012 Sonic Sedan and Hatch

[Drew Dowdell]

Chevrolet Debuts the 2012 Sonic Sedan and Hatch

2012 Chevrolet Sonic Hatch and Sedan Media Gallery

Be sure to watch the live reveal of the 2012 Sonic here on CheersandGears.com on January 10th at 6:15 eastern time.

• Small car with aggressive, youthful design in five-door and sedan models
• Available Ecotec 1.4L turbo with an estimated 138 hp (103 kW)
• Engineered for agile, athletic ride and handling
• Smart connectivity features including MyChevrolet smart phone app
• Only small car built in America

DETROIT – Chevrolet displayed the all-new 2012 Sonic at the North American International Auto Show. Its youthful, aggressive design is backed by turbocharged performance and agile ride and handling, combining to deliver an efficient, fun-to-drive small car.

The Sonic is offered in two body styles: a stylish four-door sedan and a sporty five-door. Each delivers class-leading rear-seat roominess and cargo space. A variety of connectivity features enhance the driving experience.

"The all-new Chevrolet Sonic blends the practicality of a small car with the passion for driving that Chevrolet vehicles like the Corvette are known for," said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. "Its combination of great design, fun driving experience and the latest connectivity features create a serious competitor with a fun spirit."

Production of the Sonic begins later in 2011 at the General Motors Orion Assembly Center in Michigan, which received a $545-million investment in upgrades and retooling, and will help restore approximately 1,000 jobs in the metropolitan Detroit area.

"Chevrolet is the only company building a small car in the United States," said Perry. "We believe the Sonic will bring substance to the segment, with progressive styling, performance and value that will change perceptions of what a small car can be in America."

Sonic's highlights include:

• Available efficient Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine rated at an estimated 138 horsepower (103 kW) – 18 horsepower (14 kW) more than Ford Fiesta – that delivers competitive fuel economy. It's the same engine used in the Chevrolet Cruze in a smaller, lighter package for a greater feeling of performance
• Standard Ecotec 1.8L engine paired with five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions
• Ecotec 1.4L turbo available with a six-speed manual transmission
• Ride and handling tuned by Chevy Corvette engineers; standard electronic power steering and StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover sensing
• Sedan model offers segment-best trunk capacity that is greater than most compact cars; hatchback and sedan offer better rear-seat roominess than Ford Fiesta. With a rear seat that folds nearly flat, the Sonic hatchback has greater cargo capacity than Fiesta
• Connectivity includes OnStar with six months of Turn-by-Turn navigation. Available features include XM Satellite Radio, USB and Bluetooth functionality and MyChevrolet mobile application with OnStar MyLink vehicle connectivity
• Remote start, heated front seats and sunroof, all rarities in the segment
• Comprehensive safety features include 10 standard air bags, antilock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist and OnStar with Automatic Crash Response.

Progressive exterior design

From every angle, Sonic sedan and five-door models convey strength, stability and refinement. A wide, planted stance, with wheels-at-the-corners proportions, conveys performance. Progressive, raked body lines suggest movement even when the car is stationary.

Aggressive cues, including fender flares and motorcycle-inspired round headlamps, are blended with global design cues – a dual-element grille and round taillamps – for a design instantly recognizable as Chevrolet. The leading edge of the hood forms a character line above the headlamps, which flows in a sleek side profile characterized by uninterrupted body side lines, a high beltline and low roofline. The side mirrors carry the same shape as the car and seemingly disappear into the profile.

The sedan and five-door models are distinctively different. The five-door carries a tight, two-box shape with aggressive, diving feature lines, while the sedan's "notchback" profile has a more upscale and mature presence. At first glance, the five-door model looks like a three-door hatch because the rear door handles are discreetly located in the "C"-pillar area. The rear of the five-door continues with unconventional details, including exposed, motorcycle-inspired rear taillamps.

Details that reinforce Sonic's quality and attention to detail include chrome grille surrounds and matte black honeycomb grille inserts on all models, while a range of large wheel sizes, including 17-inch alloy wheels, reinforces its sporty demeanor.

Inspired interior

Sonic's cabin complements the motorcycle-inspired exterior with a detailed instrument cluster featuring a large, round analog tachometer set within an asymmetrical LCD readout, with a large digital speedometer display.

Additional interior highlights include:

• The mid-instrument panel surface is available in two colors (dark titanium and brick) and flows seamlessly into the upper doors, with premium low-glass finishes
• The automatic shift knob has a "cobra head" design," while the manual shifter has a chrome-finished knob
• Tubular outboard climate outlets protrude from the instrument panel surface.

The interior includes storage compartments in the center stack and doors. The rear seats fold flat for carrying larger items. Front bucket seats are standard and heated front seats are available.

Cruze-based powertrains

Chevrolet Sonic models are powered by efficient, power-dense, small-displacement engines, including the Ecotec 1.4L turbo and the Ecotec 1.8L – the same engines used in the new Chevrolet Cruze. Three transmissions are available: a five-speed manual and six-speed automatic with the 1.8L and a six-speed manual with the 1.4L turbo.

The Ecotec 1.4L turbo's power ratings are estimated at 138 horsepower (103 kW) and 148 lb.-ft. of torque (200 Nm) between 1,850 rpm and 4,900 rpm. The wide rpm range for the maximum torque – a specific trait of turbocharged engines – helps the engine deliver a better driving experience and performance. Premium design elements give the engine world-class smoothness and durability. Features include:

• Low-mass hollow-frame cast iron block
• Dual overhead camshafts with variable valve timing
• Chain-driven cams
• Roller-finger camshaft followers
• Piston-cooling oil jets and integrated oil cooler
• Variable-flow oil pump
• Electronically controlled thermostat.

The 1.4L's turbocharger is integrated within the exhaust manifold, for reduced weight and greater packaging flexibility in small vehicles. A reinforced crankshaft and stronger connecting rods deliver additional strength to support the engine's pressurized power and torque over a wide rpm band.

The naturally aspirated Ecotec 1.8L engine has many of the same features of the Ecotec 1.4L turbo. It is a compact and durable four-cylinder engine designed for low maintenance, low emissions and fuel efficiency. Its two-stage variable intake manifold allows approximately 90 percent of peak torque to be available from 2,400 rpm to 6,500 rpm. It is estimated at 135 horsepower (101 kW), along with 123 lb.-ft. of torque (167 Nm) at 3,800 rpm.

Engineered for agile, athletic ride and handling

The Sonic brings agility and a fun-to-drive feel that is rare in the segment. Engineers who also work on the Corvette tuned the Sonic's confident ride and handling, giving it a more direct and athletic feel, while balancing the vehicle for the broad range of driving conditions in North America.

All models feature a MacPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and stabilizer bar, and a semi-independent, torsion beam axle-mount compound link-type rear suspension – featuring a robust, tubular V-shape beam – with gas-charged shocks. The front and rear tracks are identical at 59.4 inches (1,509 mm), for well-planted stability and excellent balance.

Electronic power steering is standard and features a wear compensator that continually adjusts the system interaction with the steering gear to ensure precise steering action over the life of the system.

Sonic's body structure is designed to be one of the stiffest in the segment. Its rigidity enabled engineers to tune the ride and handling more precisely. Sonic's unique "flat top frame" cradle, for example, assures optimal stiffness in the front chassis portion of the vehicle. The rear axle is essentially a straight axle without contour for packaging restraints and reduced noise, vibration and harshness.

A range of wheel sizes is available, including 17-inch wheels and sport tires. Power-assisted front disc and rear drum brakes are standard, along with a four-channel antilock braking system. The four-sensor system – one at each wheel – incorporates electronic brake force distribution, which balances braking performance based on such factors as road conditions and the weight of passengers and/or cargo.

About Chevrolet

Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 3.5 million vehicles in more than 130 countries. In the U.S., the Chevrolet portfolio includes: iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs, such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers, such as Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers "gas-friendly" solutions, such as Chevrolet Cruze Eco with an EPA-estimated 42 miles per gallon highway, and the Chevrolet Volt offering 35 miles of electric driving and an additional 344 miles of extended gasoline range, according to EPA estimates. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models, fuel solutions and OnStar availability can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

2012 CHEVY SONIC PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

Overview

<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="222"> Models:

</td> <td valign="top" width="318"> Sonic 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="222"> Body style / driveline:

</td> <td valign="top" width="318"> 4-door or 5-door, front engine, front-wheel drive, 5 passengers

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="222"> Construction:

</td> <td valign="top" width="318"> unitized body/frame

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="222"> EPA vehicle class:

</td> <td valign="top" width="318"> subcompact

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="222"> Manufacturing location:

</td> <td valign="top" width="318"> Orion Township, Mich.

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="222"> Key competitors:

</td> <td valign="top" width="318"> Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris

</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>

Engines

<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="169">

</td> <td valign="top" width="180"> 1.8L DOHC I-4

</td> <td valign="top" width="192"> 1.4L turbocharged DOHC I-4

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="169"> Displacement (cu. in. / cc):

</td> <td valign="top" width="180"> 110 / 1796

</td> <td valign="top" width="192"> 83.2 / 1364

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="169"> Bore and stroke (in. / mm):

</td> <td valign="top" width="180"> 3.17 x 3.47 / 80.5 x 88.2

</td> <td valign="top" width="192"> 2.85 x 3.25 / 72.5 x 82.6

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="169"> Block material:

</td> <td valign="top" width="180"> cast iron

</td> <td valign="top" width="192"> cast iron

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="169"> Cylinder head material:

</td> <td valign="top" width="180"> cast aluminum

</td> <td valign="top" width="192"> cast aluminum

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="169"> Valvetrain:

</td> <td valign="top" width="180"> overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, double continuously cam phaser intake and exhaust (DCVCP)

</td> <td valign="top" width="192"> overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, double continuously cam phaser intake and exhaust (DCVCP)

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="169"> Ignition system:

</td> <td valign="top" width="180"> individual coil on plug

</td> <td valign="top" width="192"> individual coil on plug

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="169"> Fuel delivery:

</td> <td valign="top" width="180"> sequential multi-port fuel injectors with electronic throttle control

</td> <td valign="top" width="192"> sequential multi-port fuel injectors with electronic throttle control

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="169"> Compression ratio:

</td> <td valign="top" width="180"> 10.5:1

</td> <td valign="top" width="192"> 9.5:1

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="169"> Horsepower

(hp / kW @ rpm):

</td> <td valign="top" width="180"> 135 / 101 @ 6300 (est.)

</td> <td valign="top" width="192"> 138 / 103 @ 4900 (est.)

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="169"> Torque

(lb.-ft. / Nm @ rpm):

</td> <td valign="top" width="180"> 125 / 168 @ 3800 (est.)

</td> <td valign="top" width="192"> 148 / 200 @ 1850 (est.)

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="169"> Recommended fuel:

</td> <td valign="top" width="180"> regular unleaded

</td> <td valign="top" width="192"> regular unleaded

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="169"> Max engine speed (rpm):

</td> <td valign="top" width="180"> 6500

</td> <td valign="top" width="192"> 6500

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="169"> Emissions controls:

</td> <td valign="top" width="180"> close-coupled catalytic converters; Quick-Sync 58x ignition system; returnless fuel rail; fast light-off O2 sensor

</td> <td valign="top" width="192"> close-coupled and underfloor catalytic converters; Quick-Sync 58x ignition system; returnless fuel rail; fast light-off O2 sensor

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="169"> Est. fuel economy

(city / hwy):

</td> <td valign="top" width="180"> TBD

</td> <td valign="top" width="192"> TBD

</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>

Transmissions

<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="133">

</td> <td valign="top" width="132"> M32 6-speed manual (1.4L turbo)

</td> <td valign="top" width="132"> Hydra-Matic 6T30 6-speed automatic (1.8L)

</td> <td valign="top" width="144"> M26 5-speed manual (1.8L)

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="133">Gear ratios (:1)

</td> <td valign="top" width="132">

</td> <td valign="top" width="132">

</td> <td valign="top" width="144">

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="133">First:

</td> <td valign="top" width="132">3.82

</td> <td valign="top" width="132">4.45

</td> <td valign="top" width="144">3.72

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="133">Second:

</td> <td valign="top" width="132">2.05

</td> <td valign="top" width="132">2.91

</td> <td valign="top" width="144">1.96

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="133">Third:

</td> <td valign="top" width="132">1.30

</td> <td valign="top" width="132">1.89

</td> <td valign="top" width="144">1.32

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="133">Fourth:

</td> <td valign="top" width="132">0.96

</td> <td valign="top" width="132">1.44

</td> <td valign="top" width="144">0.94

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="133">Fifth:

</td> <td valign="top" width="132">0.74

</td> <td valign="top" width="132">1.00

</td> <td valign="top" width="144">0.75

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="133">Sixth:

</td> <td valign="top" width="132">0.61

</td> <td valign="top" width="132">0.74

</td> <td valign="top" width="144">--

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="133">Reverse:

</td> <td valign="top" width="132">3.54

</td> <td valign="top" width="132">2.87

</td> <td valign="top" width="144">3.30

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="133">Final drive:

</td> <td valign="top" width="132">3.65

</td> <td valign="top" width="132">3.47

</td> <td valign="top" width="144">3.94

</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>

Chassis/Suspension

<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="228"> Front:

</td> <td valign="top" width="312"> MacPherson struts with offset coil springs and stabilizer bar

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="228"> Rear:

</td> <td valign="top" width="312"> semi-independent torsion beam axle with coil springs

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="228"> Steering type:

</td> <td valign="top" width="312"> column-mounted electric power steering

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="228"> Steering ratio:

</td> <td valign="top" width="312"> 14:1

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="228"> Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock:

</td> <td valign="top" width="312"> 2.8 (15- and 16-inch wheels)

2.7 (17-inch wheels)

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="228"> Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft / m):

</td> <td valign="top" width="312"> 34.5 / 10.5 (15- and 16-inch wheels)

36.1 / 11 (17-inch wheels)

</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>

Brakes

<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="228"> Type:

</td> <td valign="top" width="312"> ventilated front disc and rear drum, with standard ABS

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="228"> Rotor diameter x thickness (in / mm):

</td> <td valign="top" width="312"> 10.8 / 276

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="228"> Drum diameter x width (in / mm):

</td> <td valign="top" width="312"> 9 / 230

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="228"> Total swept area (sq in / sq cm):

</td> <td valign="top" width="312"> TBD

</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>

Wheels/Tires

<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="192"> Wheel size and type:

</td> <td valign="top" width="348"> 15-inch alloy

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="192">

</td> <td valign="top" width="348"> 16-inch alloy

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="192">

</td> <td valign="top" width="348"> 17-inch alloy

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="192"> Tires:

</td> <td valign="top" width="348"> P195/65R15 ALS

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="192">

</td> <td valign="top" width="348"> P205/55R16 ALS

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="192">

</td> <td valign="top" width="348"> P205/50R17 ALS

</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>

Dimensions

Exterior

<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="192">

</td> <td valign="top"> sedan

</td> <td colspan="2" valign="top"> five-door

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="192"> Wheelbase (in / mm):

</td> <td valign="top" width="168"> 99.4 / 2525

</td> <td valign="top" width="180"> 99.4 / 2525

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="192"> Overall length (in / mm):

</td> <td valign="top" width="168"> 173.1 / 4399

</td> <td valign="top" width="180"> 159 / 4039

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="192"> Overall width (in / mm):

</td> <td valign="top" width="168"> 68.3 / 1735

</td> <td valign="top" width="180"> 68.3 / 1735

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="192"> Overall height (in / mm):

</td> <td valign="top" width="168"> 59.7 / 1517

</td> <td valign="top" width="180"> 59.7 / 1517

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="192"> Track (in / mm):

</td> <td valign="top" width="168"> front: 59.4 / 1509

rear: 59.4 / 1509

</td> <td valign="top" width="180"> front: 59.4 / 1509

rear: 59.4 / 1509

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="192"> Curb weight (lb / kg):

</td> <td valign="top" width="168"> TBD

</td> <td valign="top" width="180"> TBD

</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>

Interior

<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="179">

</td> <td valign="top" width="181"> sedan

</td> <td valign="top" width="180"> five-door

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="179"> Seating capacity (front / rear):

</td> <td valign="top" width="181"> 2 / 3

</td> <td valign="top" width="180"> 2 / 3

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="179"> Headroom (in / mm):

</td> <td valign="top" width="181"> front: 38.7 / 982 (w/o sunroof)

front: 37.6 / 956 (w/ sunroof)

rear: 37.8 / 961 (w/o sunroof)

rear: 37.8 / 961 (w/ sunroof)

</td> <td valign="top" width="180"> front: 38.7 / 982 (w/o sunroof)

front: 37.6 / 956 (w/ sunroof)

rear: 38.1 / 968 (w/o sunroof)

rear: 38.1 / 968 (w/ sunroof)

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="179"> Legroom (in / mm):

</td> <td valign="top" width="181"> front: 41.8 / 1062

rear: 34.6 / 881

</td> <td valign="top" width="180"> front: 41.8 / 1062

rear: 34.6 / 881

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="179"> Shoulder room (in / mm):

</td> <td valign="top" width="181"> front: 53.4 / 1358

rear: 53 / 1347

</td> <td valign="top" width="180"> front: 53.4 / 1358

rear: 53 / 1347

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="179"> Hip room (in / mm):

</td> <td valign="top" width="181"> front: 51.4 / 1306

rear: 51.6 / 1310

</td> <td valign="top" width="180"> front: 51.4 / 1306

rear: 51.6 / 1310

</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>

Capacities

<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="192">

</td> <td valign="top" width="168"> sedan

</td> <td valign="top" width="180"> five-door

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="192"> EPA interior volume (cu ft / L):

</td> <td valign="top" width="168"> TBD

</td> <td valign="top" width="180"> TBD

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="192"> Cargo volume (cu ft / L):

</td> <td valign="top" width="168"> 14 / 397

</td> <td valign="top" width="180"> 19 / 539 (behind rear seats)

30.7 / 869 (seats folded)

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="192"> EPA passenger vol. (cu ft / L):

</td> <td valign="top" width="168"> 90.4 / 2560

</td> <td valign="top" width="180"> 90.6 / 2565

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="192"> Fuel tank (gal / L):

</td> <td valign="top" width="168"> 12.1 / 45.8

</td> <td valign="top" width="180"> 12.1 / 45.8

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="192"> Engine oil (qt / L):

</td> <td valign="top" width="168"> TBD

</td> <td valign="top" width="180"> TBD

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="192"> Cooling system (qt / L):

</td> <td valign="top" width="168"> TBD

</td> <td valign="top" width="180"> TBD

</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>

Note: Information shown is current at time of publication.

[loki]

assuming it's lighter than the cruze by a few 100 lbs? shoudl get a few MPG higher, right?

[pow]

The sedan looks like something SAIC-GM would make for the Chinese market. The hatch isn't bad... a huge improvement over the current Aveo.

[Drew Dowdell]

I got the full media gallery up guys, the link is at the top of the article.

[balthazar]

Are those 100% production car shots, or is 'snipping' to come?

They're not bad stylistically.

[Drew Dowdell]

We'll get lots more shots for you tomorrow and tuesday. For now... must sleep.

click banners

[regfootball]

I am very much digging this!

why does it have one more inch rear leg room than the Cruze?

------edit, my bad, I meant to say cobalt-------

blu, here is the spiritual successor to the simple Cobalt. interior dimensions even are very cobalt like.

I know its a little bit cheesy, but this really is genius for a couple reasons.

one, by using the cruze powertrains it helps amortize the investment of building the car here. this car would be built in korea otherwise. the benefit is we get the cruze powertrains in what should be a lighter package.

two, this is very much on the order of possessing enough attitude to move chevy beyond the Aveo in this class and now I assume this is why the name had to be changed.

I guess now its a dillemma for me. I was going to try to cash in on my GM card top off and loyalty bonus and maybe look at a cruze this month but perhaps I should wait and see how this little sonic turns out.

'my daughter will have a large cherry slush, i would like a RT44 diet dr. pepper, and tots for the son.'

that turbo in a lighter package with the 17's and a six speed could be quite funky.....

i still think the hatch got watered down in the rear.......

Edited January 10, 2011 by regfootball

[ZL-1]

I really like the hatch, the sedan less so.

[regfootball]

6 more cu ft. passenger volume than the fiesta.

[!!!TED!!!]

Im liking this. I just don't want to hear "Audi/Mitsubishi-copy" front end.

This is a proper Chevrolet front end (though this car is too narrow for it, and it seems a bit busy). Anyone saying Audi/Mitsu-rip off needs to google "1972 Impala" or "1978 Camaro".

Im not too fond of the instrument cluster though. Actual full guages would of been more my cup of tea.

[!!!TED!!!]

Oh, and man those headlights! I can't believe they pulled those off when everyone is going the trick-LED-route-flush-mounted gigantic contorted lenses style!

[ZL-1]

I really like the hatch, the sedan less so.

Quick note: something's not right with the hatch's trunk size: 539L capacity is more than an Astra wagon (500L).

[Croc]

Looks good. Interior materials quality is my big variable.

[ocnblu]

Not shabby beyond redemption. Looks like you can get the turbo with the manual, a welcome return to sanity.

[Intrepidation]

Besides the massive tail lights I quite like the sedan.

[NOS2006]

What is the point of having two motors that are so close in size and power? Does the 1.4T really deliver that much better fuel economy than the 1.8L?

Aside from that, I like it, and love the look of the interior. Is that an extra storage compartment on the passenger side of the dash, just above the glove compartment? It looks like there's a handle there, so the airbag would pop out of the top of the dash.

Only gripe as of right now is that the sedan looks really strange to me, almost foreign. The 5-door looks good though, and I like how they hid the doorhandles on the rear doors.

[regfootball]

I've been comparing the Cobalt and the chevy sonic dimensionally. They are extremely close on a lot of them. Here is what is apparent to me after comparing the numbers and going back an looking at the sedan profile. I would love to see the sedan chopped with just pushing the rear wheels back 3 or 4 inches.

The turbo is actually a performance option here on the sonic

What is the point of having two motors that are so close in size and power? Does the 1.4T really deliver that much better fuel economy than the 1.8L?

Aside from that, I like it, and love the look of the interior. Is that an extra storage compartment on the passenger side of the dash, just above the glove compartment? It looks like there's a handle there, so the airbag would pop out of the top of the dash.

Only gripe as of right now is that the sedan looks really strange to me, almost foreign. The 5-door looks good though, and I like how they hid the doorhandles on the rear doors.

[NOS2006]

3 HP and 23 ft-lbs (albeit at lower RPMs) is a significant enough upgrade in performance to warrant this choice in powertrain? You can get more power (though slightly less torque) than that if Chevy were to throw a performance intake and exhaust on the 1.8L or give it a slightly different tune and call it an RS.

[Intrepidation]

The sedan has very tidy proportions. I wish the next Malibu had such a short front overhang.

[CSpec]

Besides the massive tail lights I quite like the sedan.

Me too! Usually Americanized sedans of small hatches look ridiculous (see Fiesta and Versa as good examples), but I think this one actually looks pretty good.

[regfootball]

3 HP and 23 ft-lbs (albeit at lower RPMs) is a significant enough upgrade in performance to warrant this choice in powertrain? You can get more power (though slightly less torque) than that if Chevy were to throw a performance intake and exhaust on the 1.8L or give it a slightly different tune and call it an RS.

the cruze is noticeably faster with the turbo option. The turbo on the sonic will give it a competitive advantage over the slow fiesta and fit.

Also again, using the turbo in the aveo as a business decision allows gm to amortize the engineering and manufacturing costs and jobs across more model lines and make the business case work better. Otherwise they may be shipping the powertrain from china.

Ford does similar with their ecoboost v6. Put it in several models to make the business case for it.

Edited January 10, 2011 by regfootball

[NOS2006]

I'd have to drive both to see for myself. I drove Drew's 1.4T Cruze rental yesterday and it didn't seem too quick at all, although there were 4 guys in the car. I couldn't imagine driving the 1.8L if it's noticeably slower quite honestly.

I'm interesting in driving both the 1.8 and 1.4T Sonic 5-doors though.

[Northstar]

The interior looks pretty good and I actually like the exterior on the sedan decently well. The front isn't great but the rest is fine. I'm interested in seeing how expensive this is compared to the Cruze. Could be a much better value and perhaps exactly what Chevy needs. The Cruze will be too much car for some looking for simply transportation (and too much money).

[daves87rs]

I like it....Curious to see the different trim levels though.

[regfootball]

Versa and sentra to sonic and cruze, same analogy. Yaris/corolla. Accent/elantra.

Edited January 10, 2011 by regfootball

[regfootball]

I'd have to drive both to see for myself. I drove Drew's 1.4T Cruze rental yesterday and it didn't seem too quick at all, although there were 4 guys in the car. I couldn't imagine driving the 1.8L if it's noticeably slower quite honestly.

I'm interesting in driving both the 1.8 and 1.4T Sonic 5-doors though.

3800-4000 pounds on a tiny 1.4 litre motor with a lethargic and indecisive tranny will feel slow.

The sonic will be 2700 or so pounds, with one person on board and a stick shift, it will be quite zippy I bet.

[Z-06]

Hatch is not bad in person.

[Drew Dowdell]

3800-4000 pounds on a tiny 1.4 litre motor with a lethargic and indecisive tranny will feel slow.

BV, Z-06, NOS.... want to chime in on Reg's transmission comment?

[hyperv6]

This car will do much better than many here expect.

The one that will sell well will be the sedan. It represents what most buyers are looking for. The interior is killer in the two tone. It look like a much more expensive cars. The color play on the inside in this class is something few other do or do well.

The Turbo engine will make this a little more fun. Also GM noting that the car was tuned by their peroformance people. Sounds as if the GMPD people may have worked on the standard suspension and not just a future RS or SS. IF they have it tuned as well as my SS it should be a very good handling car. GMPD has a good graps on how to set up a FWD.

The hatch will do ok but I just see more in this market going for the trunk.

This will be the suprise car of the year in sales for GM. I think now after seeing the final results the new name was a very good idea.

Is it a car for many here on this web site? No. But it is a car that many in todays car market will heartily embrace if they get the pricing right.

[NOS2006]

BV, Z-06, NOS.... want to chime in on Reg's transmission comment?

Incorrect to say the least.

Also, 138 HP in anything short of a motorcycle or go kart won't feel zippy. FWIW, the Impala is ~15.5 lbs/HP. At 2700 lbs, the 1.4T Sonic would be about ~19.6 lbs/HP. Hell, even a Cobalt LS is ~18.8 lbs/HP. Zippy?

[2QuickZ's]

That's not a bad looking little car! I think the "concept" version translated to production pretty well. I, much like others, don't really understand the benefit of having two engine offerings that are so close together in hp/tq ratings. I guess all we can hope for is a GMPP stage kit that will bump the turbo to at least 150 hp and 170 ft-lbs. I wonder if the drivetrain can handle that? That would give me a little more reason to look into one.

It still bothers me that GM likes to change the names of many of their vehicles with every redesigned version. Is it really necessary? Were the Cobalt and Aveo names really that tarnished?

[frogger]

I like how low it appears to ride. Not a wheel gap you can take shelter in if you're locked outside during a snowstorm.

[regfootball]

BV, Z-06, NOS.... want to chime in on Reg's transmission comment?

oh for crying out loud, is there no room in your life for poking any fun at anything? (SARCASM WAS PRESENT IN THAT COMMENT).

Live a little.

[hyperv6]

The Avero name was tarnished that much and this is a whole new name better.

I wonder how the public will embrace the small car that for once is made in America. This should really help sales in the state between the coast.

[regfootball]

Incorrect to say the least.

Also, 138 HP in anything short of a motorcycle or go kart won't feel zippy. FWIW, the Impala is ~15.5 lbs/HP. At 2700 lbs, the 1.4T Sonic would be about ~19.6 lbs/HP. Hell, even a Cobalt LS is ~18.8 lbs/HP. Zippy?

zippy. compared to a fit, or a fiesta.

not an Impala, FFS.

by the way the truth i have discovered on two separate cruze test drives is what has formulated my opinion of the subpar transmission response on the cruze. not regurgitating magazine articles. i don't pull an opinion like that out of my butt to be difficult, nor do i exaggerate it to make it a story line. Regardless of whether you all felt the trans performance (supposedly flashed) was good or not, I found that GM still needs to work on fixing that drivability issue. One that was not at all present on the competing Elantra I drove in comparison. Everyone to some degree will have varying results.

Edited January 11, 2011 by regfootball

[Northstar]

Incorrect to say the least.

Also, 138 HP in anything short of a motorcycle or go kart won't feel zippy. FWIW, the Impala is ~15.5 lbs/HP. At 2700 lbs, the 1.4T Sonic would be about ~19.6 lbs/HP. Hell, even a Cobalt LS is ~18.8 lbs/HP. Zippy?

I don't think the Impala is a good comparison. First of all, since it's on the antiquated W-Body it's lighter than modern, heavier platforms. The Regal weighs more and is significantly smaller and has a 4 cylinder. So it's old platform skews its power/weight ratio and also makes it's handling somewhat "mushy" or soft and therefore not as "zippy."

Our Civic feels plenty "zippy" around town because it is so light. It can zoom around corners pretty quickly is decently quick off the line.

[regfootball]

The Avero name was tarnished that much and this is a whole new name better.

I wonder how the public will embrace the small car that for once is made in America. This should really help sales in the state between the coast.

i think toyota shooting themselves in the foot has partially helped with that.

[daves87rs]

This car will do much better than many here expect.

The one that will sell well will be the sedan. It represents what most buyers are looking for. The interior is killer in the two tone. It look like a much more expensive cars. The color play on the inside in this class is something few other do or do well.

The Turbo engine will make this a little more fun. Also GM noting that the car was tuned by their peroformance people. Sounds as if the GMPD people may have worked on the standard suspension and not just a future RS or SS. IF they have it tuned as well as my SS it should be a very good handling car. GMPD has a good graps on how to set up a FWD.

The hatch will do ok but I just see more in this market going for the trunk.

This will be the suprise car of the year in sales for GM. I think now after seeing the final results the new name was a very good idea.

Is it a car for many here on this web site? No. But it is a car that many in todays car market will heartily embrace if they get the pricing right.

Question based on price....

[FUTURE_OF_GM]

I really want to like this but I can't...

The front is so busy that it ruins everything. I really hate the 'under bite' and black plastic in the grille. The headlights looks cheap from some angles (Remind me of the 90's Chevy W/Ts) and the fog lights and surrounds are generic and too big IMO.

I really want to LOVE the sedan but something about it reminds me too much of Korea or lower brand Japanese offerings and the nose REALLY looks too busy on it. Not to mention the wheels, in typical Chevrolet fashion, are almost attractive but hideously cheap and 2 dimensional in execution.

I'll hold out judgment for better pics, but so far not so good.

I do like the interior a lot, though.

Edited January 11, 2011 by FUTURE_OF_GM

[ocnblu]

Hyper, last I saw, the Fiesta hatch is outselling the sedan.

The turbo engine has a good torque figure for this class, and with the manual, GM is at least showing they're trying to make a tiny car that is worth having for fun. I hope the Press Release hype matches the road test results.

[hyperv6]

i think toyota shooting themselves in the foot has partially helped with that.

Toyota opened the door that is for sure. Time to step through and take all that we can as this will not happen often. With the bad Economy the states away from Salt Water will take note and could make for a added boost. The people in the middle states often will buy American if they still can with many products.

Price is the key. If this car is as fun to drive as it looks like it could be it would sell. The Engine and Suspension sound as if it was done by the GMPD people and if it even is half as good as the Corbalt it should be a very fun to drive car. The interior look great too. I would pass on the Cleveland Browns stipe on the Concept they are showing. It just does not work well on this small of a car. Chrysler is doing the same to the Fiat too.

As for the Hatch it will sell better in this class than any other. But I would still expect it to be 50% or just a little less of all sales. The Sedan from the side gives me a VW vibe and that is not a bad thing. I think that will help draw people in.

It all comes down to price.

[daves87rs]

Toyota opened the door that is for sure. Time to step through and take all that we can as this will not happen often. With the bad Economy the states away from Salt Water will take note and could make for a added boost. The people in the middle states often will buy American if they still can with many products.

Price is the key. If this car is as fun to drive as it looks like it could be it would sell. The Engine and Suspension sound as if it was done by the GMPD people and if it even is half as good as the Corbalt it should be a very fun to drive car. The interior look great too. I would pass on the Cleveland Browns stipe on the Concept they are showing. It just does not work well on this small of a car. Chrysler is doing the same to the Fiat too.

As for the Hatch it will sell better in this class than any other. But I would still expect it to be 50% or just a little less of all sales. The Sedan from the side gives me a VW vibe and that is not a bad thing. I think that will help draw people in.

It all comes down to price.

Agreed. Which is why I'm curious to see the package set up on these. LS, LT1, LT2, LTZ are the trim levels. (I'm guessing). My gut tells me that these two cars are going to intertwine on price here. I would be very suprised to see the base price start under 14 here. (and it would still undercut the fiesta). My worry is that to get a decently packaged Sonic is going to put it in the Cruze LS range, thus making the Cruze look lke the better deal. (In talking about price point here guys)

If you can get a decently loaded Sonic for 14k, now you're talking....

[FUTURE_OF_GM]

At least the Z-Spec (aside from being absolutely hideous) has the GRILL that the car should have gotten.

[GMTruckGuy74]

It still bothers me that GM likes to change the names of many of their vehicles with every redesigned version. Is it really necessary? Were the Cobalt and Aveo names really that tarnished?

Hey Sonic...

Wanna drive your Sonic...

Over to Sonic - America's Drive-In for lunch?

Btw, I agree with you that GM needs to stop with renaming vehicles, and I'll add in while I can, using alphanumerics too.

[vonVeezelsnider]

Looks better than a Fiesta, and aside from the instrument pod (not a fan), I like it a lot. Hopefully the plastic won't be too cheap.

[GMFAN]

Both sedan and hatch look good and should be very competitive in their class.

Waiting to see what Sonic based CUV will look like. Hope they have a concept ready by New York. If not, probably will be shown at next LA show in the fall.

CUV based on this platform will most likely be my next new vehicle, either Chevy or Buick , depending on affordability.

[hyperv6]

Looks better than a Fiesta, and aside from the instrument pod (not a fan), I like it a lot. Hopefully the plastic won't be too cheap.

The dash will play well in this I Phone Generation. Just add a good sound system with a sub woofer and many will be happy. If they get the handling right this could be the next CRX. Since Honda has screwed that one up the title has been sitting there waiting for someone to take it.

[ZL-1]

Waiting to see what Sonic based CUV will look like.

If that Gamma-based Chevy CUV makes it to Europe I'll be very interested in it. Also because Ford, IIRC, is said to be developing it's own small CUV based on the Fiesta platform.

[ocnblu]

Would break out much more with 3-door availability. Only ones doing it are Accent and Yaris, both of which I see plenty of. Neither of those has any semblance of fun in their tiny circulatory systems.

Edited January 11, 2011 by ocnblu

[loki]

someone want to recolor the sonic...like sonic, 2 tone tan and blue? lol

oh, and either white wall tires, or white wheel arches?

Edited January 12, 2011 by loki