Chevrolet updates the Sonic hatchback

By Jason K. Ang August 27,2014

THE SONIC is one of the new generation of compact cars that delivers more power and features in a small footprint.

REAR doors with hidden door handles to give it the look of a coupe

The Chevrolet Sonic is one of the more distinctive subcompacts in the market.

 

Its styling elements include rear doors with hidden door handles to give it the look of a coupe while still maintaining the functionality of four full doors. Its naked headlights—individual lens elements without a cover—give it a meaner look on the outside.

 

Inside, the Sonic uses a motorcycle-inspired instrument binnacle behind the steering wheel. The instruments have a large rotary tachometer, a digital speedometer and a digital trip meter. Seating space is adequate for four. The new entertainment unit is pinched from the Trailblazer. The 7-inch touchscreen panel called MyLink includes Bluetooth connectivity so you can pipe phone calls and audio programs wirelessly to the head unit. Steering wheel controls allow convenient access to the audio unit functions.

 

A MEANER look with its naked headlights

The Sonic isn’t short on power, as it has a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 100 ps (98.63 hp) and 130 Nm. It’s paired with a five-speed manual, or in the case of our test unit, a six-speed automatic. The engine and transmission respond quickly, with smooth acceleration on tap. The six-speed snaps between gears promptly, allowing the car to keep up with traffic.

 

The Sonic uses wheels that fill out the corners well at 16”  x 6-inch wide for the top variant. The 205-section tires are generous for the Sonic’s curb weight. Other safety features include available daytime running lights, rain-sensing wipers, dual airbags and ABS brakes. Back-up sensors are helpful, even with the short 4039-millimeter exterior length. With MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam at the rear, the Sonic absorbs bumps and potholes while still delivering a connected-to-the-road feel.

 

With the top LTZ variant, the Sonic is one of the new generation of compact cars that delivers more power and features in a small footprint.

 

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