The Chevrolet Sonic offers a lot for
a little
There’s been a boom at the smallest end of
the market, with just about every automaker vying for the attention of the
B-segment-buying public.
2012
Chevrolet Sonic LTZ front
We’re talking about Honda Fits taking on
Ford Fiestas, Nissan Versas going head-to-head with Kia Rios, and Toyota
Yerises duking it out with fiat 500s and Hyundai Accents.
More important than the plethora of
choices, never before have we been blessed with such a wealth of quality at the
entry level, with comfort, convenience and safety features rivaling those of
vehicles at a much higher price point. And in most respects, we’ve found the
Chevrolet Sonic sits near the head of its class.
For starters, almost every owner we heard
from commented on the interior materials, calling them out as far better than
expected for a car with a sticker starting at less than $15,000. “I think it’s
the best car in its price range,” said one. “It looks like GM put a lot of
effort into the design and materials.” Echoed another, “Fit and finish are very
good, and the seat materials look to be made to last.”
The
seats are also a comfortable place to spend time
They also appreciate the car’s on-road
dynamics – as do we. Despite the Sonic’s light (and light-on-feel) electric
steering, it responds quickly to inputs, and the car displays a lot of grip
before the front end wants to wash out. The Sonic rides well over a variety of
road surfaces, too, and has a surefootedness to it that belies its
under-100-inch wheelbase and its econobox price tag.
We found the car performs just as well
under track conditions, particularly through the slalom, where, with the aid of
a set of decent Hankook Optimo tires, it maintains its composure while still
returning a top average speed of 42.1mph through the eight-cone, 490-foot
course. Likewise, around our 200-foot, narrow-radius skidpad, the sonic manages
a respectable 0.72g of lateral acceleration.
2012
Chevrolet Sonic LTZ side
Granted, while neither of those test
numbers is particularly wow-inducing, it’s the balance the car demonstrates
while performing that we find most encouraging.
In straight-line tests, the sonic turns in
better numbers, thanks in large part to our tester’s 138-hp, 1.4-liter
turbocharged four-cylinder engine. From a standstill, the Sonic hits 60 mph in
8.7sec, with the quarter-mile coming up in 16.7sec at 84.5mph.
Both of those bets times are achieved while
in full automatic mode. Braking distances are a mite less impressive, the small
car eating up 134.4 feet of tarmac before coming to a rest from 60mph.
This
car has proven to be a fine performer, offering high quality materials and
safety features that are above its class
Perhaps more notable, the car is relatively
quiet for its ilk, with reasonable noise levels at highway speeds. And counter
to our expectations, the seats are also a comfortable place to spend time, a
fact not overlooked by owners: “Even though I am 6’3”, I am very comfortable in
it,” said one. Another owner adds that her Sonic is “dog friendly – tell Subaru
they’ve got serious competition in this area.”
For those looking to out-fit a first-time
driver with a safe, easy-to-drive set of wheels, augment a family fleet with a
super-fuel-friendly car or simply keep car payments to a mini-mum, owners of
the Chevy Sonic we’ve heard from recommend the vehicle almost to a person.
“This car has proven to be a fine performer, offering high quality materials
and safety features that are above its class,” sums up one owner. After running
the car through our own paces, we’d have to concur.
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Technical specs
·
Price: $20,445
·
1.4-liter turbocharged l4, 138 hp @ 4,900rpm,
148 lb-ft @ 1,850rpm
·
Five-passenger hatchback; front-wheel drive,
six-speed automatic
·
0-60mph: 8.7sec, quarter-mile, 16.7sec @
84.5mph
·
60-0mph: 134.4ft
·
Curb weight: 2,776lb
·
Fuel tank: 12.2 gal
·
Cargo volume, 19.0 cu ft, EPA passenger
volume, 90.6 cu ft
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