Details on the 2012 Chevy Sonic emerge prior to launch

The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is poised to make its debut in Canada, and info on standard features and trim levels in the US has just surfaced on the web, giving Canadians an excellent idea of what’s in store for them this fall.

2012 Chevrolet Sonic Sedan2012 Chevy Sonic

Whether in its four-door sedan or five-door hatchback incarnation, the Sonic will be decked out in eight colours: Black, Cyber Grey Metallic, Blue Topaz Metallic, Crystal Red Tintcoat, Inferno Orange Metallic, Victory Red, Summit White and Silver Ice Metallic.

The base LS version will be motivated by the same 1.8-litre, four-cylinder mill responsible for the Cruze, generating 135 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed manual transmission will dispatch power to the front wheels.

Equipment includes 10 air bags, stability control, ABS, air conditioning, power doors and keyless entry.

With the LT model buyers will have the luxury of choosing between a 1.8-litre, four-cylinder engine and a 1.4-litre, turbocharged, four-cylinder number putting down 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. The later, more fuel-efficient choice will be coupled with a six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed autobox.

The LT adds power windows and an MP3-compatible sound system to the mix. Buyers will have to pay a little more to get a USB port, however, as well as 16-inch wheels and Bluetooth connectivity.

The Sonic LTZ will include all the standard and optional features of the LT, plus a remote starter and heated, artificial leather seats. It will also feature the beefiest wheels of the lot, i.e. 17 inches.

All we need to know now is the price, which should be in the ballpark of the Chevrolet Aveo, the model it will be replacing.

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