The new generation of Chevrolet Aveo is a whole new model. It doesn’t share a single thing with the old one, not even the name! Officially unveiled at NAIAS, it is now called the Chevrolet Sonic and will become available as hatchback and sedan. The best feature of the new car is the cool and funky design.
The Sonic is the only small car built in USA and will be assembled at the General Motors Orion plant in Michigan, which received a $545-million investment in upgrades and retooling.
The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic will be powered by the same powertrains Chevy Cruze is using with great success, including the Ecotec 1.4L turbo and the Ecotec 1.8L. The Ecotec 1.4L turbo’s power ratings are estimated at 138 horsepower (103 kW) and 148 lb.-ft. of torque (200 Nm) between 1,850 rpm and 4,900 rpm. The 1.8 L engine is estimated at 135 horsepower (101 kW), along with 123 lb.-ft. of torque (167 Nm) at 3,800 rpm. Three transmissions are available: a five-speed manual and six-speed automatic with the 1.8L and a six-speed manual with the 1.4L turbo.
The exciting design of the car in both hatch and sedan models is very nice, but better than is the motorcycle-inspired interior with a large, round analog tachometer set within an asymmetrical LCD readout, with a large digital speedometer display. The mid-instrument panel surface is available in two colors (dark titanium and brick) and flows seamlessly into the upper doors, with premium low-glass finishes.
Other cool touches include the “cobra head” design for automatic gear knob, manual shifter has a chrome-finished knob, and tubular outboard climate outlets.
To back up its dynamic exterior and interior design, Chevrolet has fitted the Sonic with a range of equipments that result in a better driving experience. They include sport wheels up to 17-inch in size, Power-assisted front disc and rear drum brakes – four-channel ABS system is available. The four-sensor system – one at each wheel – incorporates electronic brake force distribution, which balances braking performance based on such factors as road conditions and the weight of passengers and/or cargo.
“Chevrolet is the only company building a small car in the United States,” said Perry. “We believe the Sonic will bring substance to the segment, with progressive styling, performance and value that will change perceptions of what a small car can be in America.”
Sonic’s highlights include:
* Available efficient Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine rated at an estimated 138horsepower (103 kW) – 18 horsepower (14 kW) more than Ford Fiesta – that delivers competitive fuel economy. It’s the same engine used in the Chevrolet Cruze in a smaller, lighter package for a greater feeling of performance
* Standard Ecotec 1.8L engine paired with five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions
* Ecotec 1.4L turbo available with a six-speed manual transmission
* Ride and handling tuned by Chevy Corvette engineers; standard electronic power steering and StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover sensing
* Sedan model offers segment-best trunk capacity that is greater than most compact cars; hatchback and sedan offer better rear-seat roominess than Ford Fiesta. With a rear seat that folds nearly flat, the Sonic hatchback has greater cargo capacity than Fiesta
* Connectivity includes OnStar with six months of Turn-by-Turn navigation. Available features include XM Satellite Radio, USB and Bluetooth functionality and MyChevrolet mobile application with OnStar MyLink vehicle connectivity
* Remote start, heated front seats and sunroof, all rarities in the segment
* Comprehensive safety features include 10 standard air bags, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist and OnStar with Automatic Crash Response.
