2012 CHEVROLET SNOIC: HIGH GAS PRICES PUSH CHEVY TO FOCUS ON SMALL

By Malcolm Gunn, Wheelbase Media - You might have noticed recently the steadily rising pump prices attributed to certain oil-producing-nation strife. This volatility is bad news for drivers of big, thirsty vehicles, but it's the perfect storm for General Motors, which will this fall launch the all-new Sonic series of sub-compacts.

The Sonic replaces the Korea-built Aveo that has served as the automaker's entry model since the 2004 model year. Like the Aveo, the Sonic will be offered in both sedan and mini-wagon formats. However, unlike the Aveo, the Sonic will be constructed at GM's Orion, Michigan plant that was recently refitted to the tune of more than $500 million.

The Sonic's design now features a stubbier-looking nose with a more prominent grille and fancier headlight pods. In back, the sedan appears somewhat similar to the outgoing Aveo sedan, while the stylish hatchback does a good job at hiding the rear door latches adjacent to the roof pillar. As well, the liftgate's shape is one of the more stunning examples of this genre, with curved glass plus a set of really fancy taillamps that were apparently inspired by motorcycle headlights.

Inside, the dashboard and control panel exude an up-level quality rarely seen in the econo-car class. An analog tachometer dominates the driver's field of vision, flanked by a rectangular screen displaying a digital speedometer, odometer and fuel guage. Up-level models will offer two-tone dash and door-panel trim.

Overall, both Sonic body styles are larger than their outgoing Aveo counterparts by nearly 3.5 inches in overall length and more than three inches between the front and rear wheels. In the sub-compact class, these increases are significant and point to added front and rear passenger space.

While the Aveo's standard 108-horsepower four-cylinder engine typifies those found in this class, the Sonic roars to life with a 135-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder, or optional 138-horsepower turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder.

The 1.8 comes with a five-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic, while the turbo 1.4 is matched to a six-speed manual gearbox.

Base Sonics will likely arrive as relatively stripped-down price leaders, but will include front- and rear-seat side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags plus knee cushions for the driver and passenger. There's a total of 10, which is at least four airbags more than the rest of the "sub" pack.

The Sonic's late-2011 arrival will be followed by an even smaller small car called the Spark, further bolstering Chevy's focus on the svelte end of the passenger-car scale.

Prices will likely begin at about $14,000 US (including delivery charges), possibly slightly more for the hatchback version. That should make for a super-Sonic buy in a class where automakers appear to be spending a lot more care and attention to detail than they were when gas was cheap and bigger was better.