CHEVY SONIC: SMALLER CAR, BIGGER EFFORT

By Steph Willems, The EMC - The second half of GM's massive October dual launch is the smallest of Chevrolet's new offerings, the Sonic.

Built in America to replace the late, unlamented Aveo, the Sonic is offered as a four-door sedan or five-door hatch, with the choice of two engines and three transmissions.

This differs from the one-engine/two transmission combo offered by the Aveo, which was based on the Korean-built Suzuki Swift and was regarded as basic transportation at best.

The new Sonic shares no parts -- or personality -- with the old Aveo, a model GM is eager for consumers to forget.

As the division's entry-level model, the Sonic has the hefty responsibility of taking market share back from the many Japanese and Korean vehicles that have dominated the sub-compact market for years. With driving preferences turning to small, fuel-efficient vehicles due to high gas prices -- as well as renewed competition from Ford -- the choices are many for consumers and the stakes high for GM.

To do battle with the competing subcompacts, Chevy needed to focus not just on achieving a low starting price, but also on matching the fit and finish, comfort and drivability of the newer crop of subcompacts -- which include the Nissan Versa, Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent and Ford Fiesta.

In other words, reclaim the brand's competitiveness in the small car world.

The base LS form, the Sonic brings a 1.8-litre, 132-horsepower four-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission, with a sedan coming in at $15,855 after freight.

Basic amenities include ABS brakes, traction control, six airbags, and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel. Convenience options are many; among them a six-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift toggle located on the thumb side of the gearshift knob.

While base trim would most emulate the value of the previous Aveo and be competitive with the competitors, it is the higher trim levels that would excite driving enthusiasts. The LTZ with a 1.4-litre turbo four that produces the same horsepower at lower RPM's and considerably more torque.

A standard six-speed manual tranny adds to the fun, while 17-inch wheels increase the already nimble nature of the vehicle.

The Sonic's biggest styling signature is its quad, motorcycle-inspired headlights, which are offset from each other for an aggressive front end appearance. The word 'menacing' comes to mind.

This is bolstered by a similarly-themed gauge display, which consists of a round tachometer with attached digital speedometer/gauge layout set in a rectangular metallic housing.

Driving a five-door tester of the LT2 trim level with optional automatic gave a taste of what buyers of the volume model can expect.

Front seat comfort and legroom is substantial, helped by the telescoping wheel. The two-tone dash layout seen in larger Chevy models is continued in the Sonic, diving drivers more to look at than an expanse of black or grey plastic. It gives an upscale feel to the interior, as does the over/under dual glove compartments.

Rear legroom is as ample as a midsize car from the 90s; rear-seat passengers won't have to ask the front seat passenger to hug the dashboard to achieve necessary legroom. This driver fit with the front seat halfway back, and he stands 6'4".

In the five-door visibility is aided by long rear seat windows, making shoulder-checks easier.

Driving along, there was considerable road noise at highway speeds; however, in all types of driving the Sonic was agile thanks to precise steering feedback and capable brakes.

The 1.8-litre engine in our tester was no powerhouse, but the Sonic's lightweight, agility and the transmission's gearing allowed for aggressive launches and not much sluggishness on the highway. It was also able to cruise city streets with the engine barely above idle RPM, which accounts for the competitive gas mileage.

We were able to cruise as low as 46 km/h in 6th gear; the manual function allows for starts in 2nd gear as well.

While we were unable to test the LTZ model, there's little doubt the turbo/6-speed stick combo would make it a fun pocket rocket for driving enthusiasts.

Even the base engine and five-speed would likely make a lively vehicle for the cost-conscious car buyer.

While the Sonic can be as spartan or optioned-out as the owner wants, depending on their reason for purchasing, there will soon be a way for Sonic owners to personalize their vehicle with specialized paint schemes, graphics and accessory packages thanks to a partnership with 3M. Available through dealerships, the paint 'body wraps' are expected later this calendar year.

With the introduction of this vehicle, GM hopes all memories drivers might have of the old Aveo will be replaced by pleasant driving memories of being behind the wheel of a Sonic. The Sonic seems ready for the challenge.