Replacing its dated Aveo, the Chevrolet Sonic will go on sale later this year beginning at $14,495 including a mandatory destination charge.
Still set to be known outside of North America as the Aveo, the small car gains a new badge in this market in an effort to differentiate it from its rather pedestrian predecessor.
Available in both four-door sedan and five-door hatchback configurations, the Sonic can be ordered in three different trim levels – base LS, midlevel LT and upscale LTZ. Surprisingly well-equipped even in base configuration, the Sonic is designed to give entry-level buyers a more premium vehicle than they might expect. It’s a recipe that has been successful so far for the larger Chevrolet Cruze compact sedan and GM is optimistic that it will work on a smaller subcompact.
LS models come standard with 15-inch alloy wheels, 10 airbags, stability control, OnStar, air conditioning, power locks, keyless entry and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel. Sedans list from $14,495, while hatchbacks start at $15,395.
For $15,695 (sedan) or $16,495 (hatchback), buyers can step up to the LT, which adds a six speaker audio system with a CD player and three months’ worth of XM Satellite Radio, power windows, heated power side mirrors, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB adapter, steering wheel radio controls, heated front seats, cruise control, fog lamps and 17-inch alloy wheels.
GM hasn’t priced or detailed the range-topping LTZ trim level.
What makes a Sonic?
Chevrolet has been sure to tout its upcoming Sonic model in hatchback trim, starting with the reveal of the sport-minded Aveo RS concept, but little had been said about a sedan variant until its debut earlier this year at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit..
The North American version of the Sonic will come standard with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine backed by either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic. Putting out 138 horsepower and 125 lb-ft. of torque, it bests both the Ford Fiesta and Honda Fit for grunt. A 138 horsepower 1.4-liter turbocharged engine will also be on offer for $700 on LT and LTZ models, and although its horsepower rating is identical to the smaller engine, it will offer a broader and higher torque curve offering 148 lb-ft. at just 1,850 rpm. With the 1.4-liter, buyers have the choice of a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox. Given the Sonic weighs about 500 pounds less than the Chevrolet Cruze, it should offer above average performance.
A higher-performance model based on the Aveo RS show car is still likely to debut in the future.
Inside, the Sonic gains a much more upmarket interior than before, including more premium materials and a much sportier design. Its instrument cluster is said to have been inspired by motorcycles.
Both Sonic models will be built for North American buyers at the automaker’s Orion Township, Michigan, assembly plant, which makes the Sonic the only subcompact built on United States soil.
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