After eight years without a major redesign, we’re pretty sure no one will sob and wave their handkerchief when they’ll see Chevy’s Aveo leave its retirement party. Problematic build quality, lacklustre fuel economy and an arguable lack of competitiveness sealed the car’s fate way back in 2004, despite constant yet insignificant improvements.
But all that will soon be a thing of the past, as Chevrolet will introduce a totally new subcompact that shares nothing with the imported-from-Korea Aveo. The 2012 Sonic, available in 5-door hatchback and 4-door sedan body styles, will be built in Michigan.
It also shares powertrains with the compact Cruze sedan. That means base versions of the Sonic will be equipped with a 16-valve, 1.8-litre inline-4 that will develop 135 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. Uplevel versions, however, will get the turbocharged 1.4-litre four that will produce 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque.
The base engine will offer a standard 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 6-speed automatic, while the turbo mill should also be paired with a 6-speed manual. With the latter powertrain, we expect both a performance model as well as a fuel-economy champ like the Cruze Eco model.
Depending on trim, 15-, 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels will be offered. The Sonic will also benefit from electric-assist power steering, although suspension and brake characteristics will continue to mimic the Aveo’s, with a torsion bar and drums at the rear. However, GM claims that—are you sitting down?—the Sonic’s suspension has been tuned by Corvette engineers.
Seriously, the car will offer standard ABS brakes and electronic stability control, up to 10 airbags and available OnStar. From a safety standpoint, the Sonic will be well-equipped.
Although final specs and equipment hasn’t yet been released, GM has confirmed the availability of several nifty comfort and convenience features, like heated front seats, a remote starter, satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity and a power sunroof.
The new car does bear some resemblance to the Aveo, however the Sonic is meaner-looking, with its exposed quad headlight lenses and taillights, its wedge profile and—in the case of the 5-door model—its concealed rear-door handles. The interior also gets a more exciting look, with trendy silver-painted trim, a digital speedometer and a more dynamic switchgear layout. The upper portions of the dashboard and door panels are available in two colour choices.
As for cargo space, the sedan’s trunk offers a class-leading capacity of 397 litres, while the hatchback includes between 539 and 869 litres of volume.
Although the subcompact segment has dramatically changed in the past couple of years, the Chevrolet Sonic looks promising. Its rivals include, among others, the Honda Fit, the Ford Fiesta and the redesigned-for-2012 Hyundai Accent, admittedly a tough crowd to compete with.
The Sonic will start its production this fall, and should trickle into showrooms before Christmas. No word on pricing yet, but we expect the new car to start at around $13,000 before tax, freight and delivery charges.
