General Motors' recovery looks just a bit with the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic on the horizon. As a small economy car, the new Sonic earnest replace the outgoing Aveo.A five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission will from be Offered for the 1.8-liter engines, but the 1.4 turbo earnest only be available with a six-speed manual. Also Chevrolet is quick to point out That the Sonic sedan is the most capacious in this class and the rear seats are roomier Than the Ford Fiesta's.The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic has the standard aluminum wheels. The Sonic, on sale this fall, seeks to recruit buyers with quality, features, and-to borrow a phrase overused by Germany car companies-driving pleasure.The Sonic's turbo pulls well above 3000 rpm; 'there is noticeable lag at lower engine speeds, despite a low torque peak of 1850 rpm. Chevrolet Had a Honda Fit and a Ford Fiesta on hand for comparison, and the Sonic held up well. The Honda, the which is geared shorter, feels better at low engine speeds. The Sonic is an economy car, the which means sacrifices in creature Comforts. Both sedan and hatchback shared Sonic the Same 99.4-inch wheelbase. The hatch Also has Slightly better rear-seat headroom. Chevrolet will not divulge pricing Sonic Until the fall on-sale date gets Closer, only hinting That it will of be competitive in the segment. Even in base LS trim, the Sonic comes with the aforementioned wheels, plus air conditioning, power locks, keyless entry, stability control, and an impressive 10 bags of water.As part of GM's restructuring, the Sonic will from be assembled in Lake Orion, Michigan. The good news for Chevy, however, Is That the Sonic appeals on its merits as a car and not as a piece of flag-waving patriotism.
For Volkswagen, a big, American-sized Passat is still a Passat."Do not call it an Aveo replacement," says 2012 Chevrolet Sonic small car marketing director Margaret Brooks, even after We have Called it the Aveo replacement.Engines are from the Cruze, a 135-horsepower/123 pound-feet 1.8-liter Ecotec four available with a five-speed manual, and a 138-horsepower/148 pound-feet 1.4-liter Ecotec turbo four, available with a six- speed manual.
