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03/08/2012 05:00 AM

The Car Coach: The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic

The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is an all-new subcompact, available in both sedan and four-door-hatchback configurations. Lauren Fix, the Car Coach, takes a closer look.

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Make/ Model – 2012 Chevy Sonic
MPG – 26 city/35 hwy mpg.
Engine – 1.8L 4-cyl. Ecotec
or 1.4L 4-cyl. Ecotec turbo engine
Transmissions -
Automatic or manual transmission
Price – starts at $13,865

Standard/ Options:
•Bluetooth
•iPod input
•Satellite radio
•10 standard air bags
•Side/Curtain Airbags
•Stability Control
•Traction Control
•OnStar with six months of Turn-by-Turn navigation.
•MyChevrolet mobile application with OnStar MyLink vehicle connectivity.
Optional:
•Remote start, heated front seats and sunroof

The 2012 Chevy Sonic is built in the U.S.A. This entry-level subcompact drives more like a comfortable compact car. The styling is part of GM’s new look. The 2012 Chevy Sonic is a quiet and well laid-out subcompact car with combined conventional styling both in and out.

The interior has a unique instrument panel featuring a large, round analog tachometer and an asymmetrical LCD readout that incorporates a large digital speedometer.

I was truly surprised at the suspension tuning. The compact Sonic had good ride quality, was comfortable, and had tight handling. The car was fun to drive and remained flat in corners. The 1.4-liter turbo model has a tad more torque and was more fun to drive.

Competes with:
•Ford Fiesta
•Honda Fit
•Mazda Mazda2
•Toyota Yaris
•Hyundai Accent
•Nissan Versa
•Kia Rio
•Scion iQ

Likes:
•Class-leading horsepower and torque
•High fuel economy
•Spacious cabin
•Good handling
•Low price
•Best-in-class safety scores

Dislikes:
•Limited trunk space
•No luxurious amenities

The new 2012 Chevy Sonic is a completely new, global small car that is fun to drive and looks great too.