The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic

The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic subcompact looks like a hit for Chevy this year. The combination of a low cost vehicle, a high miles per gallon rating and drivability make this little car a big hit!

Chevrolet is the definition of hit-or-miss. Models like the Corvette and Equinox lead their markets, while the Impala and Aveo languish behind competitors. For 2012, the Impala is left to scrap for itself, but the Aveo is gone. It has been replaced by the all-new 2012 Chevy Sonic, a compact sedan or hatchback that Chevy hopes will knock the socks off competitors such as the Ford Fiesta and Honda Fit. The impending question is, hit or miss?

The outgoing Aveo was infamous for its comatose performance. The new Sonic has been revived through a standard EcoTec 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine or a turbocharged EcoTec 1.4-liter four-cylinder garnering 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. Available transmissions are a new five-speed manual and six-speed automatic gearbox. While the Sonic may not burble as energetically as its digital namesake, it will be a vast improvement over the apathetic Aveo. Pundits speculate that the base powerplant will achieve an impressive 40 mpg on the highway.

Mention a Corvette, and hosts of drooling loyalists will gush over its heavenly handling. They should; the Corvette is an American icon and one of the best-handling sports cars available. Sonic owners will be proud to note that Corvette engineers stopped by to tune the Sonic’s suspension. With a MacPherson strut suspension in the front and a multi-link suspension with a torsion bar in the rear, the Sonic promises a strong and responsive driving experience. Vehicle IQ is augmented by standard StabiliTrack, electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist. Judging by the specifications, the Sonic will be an exciting and engaging vehicle to drive in the compact car segment.

The Aveo was also notorious for its copy-cat looks – not so the Sonic. Designers drew cues from the motorcycle world and crafted the Sonic with a forward-leaning body, sloped hood and aggressive LED headlights. Both the five-door hatchback and the four-door sedan are low-slung, with the tires pushed towards the corners for an alert, hunkered down appearance.

The interior blends fun with functionality. With class-leading cargo space in the sedan, fold-flat rear seats and laudable rear-seat roominess, the Sonic is eminently practical; with an analog tachometer set inside a digital LCD readout, a swooping dashboard and glassy surfaces finishes, the Sonic is exceedingly stylish. Notable feature highlights include ten airbags and OnStar, with optional heated front seats, sunroof and remote start.

The 2012 Sonic is a hit. Good work, Chevy.

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