It was with this in my head that I travelled down to collect GM’s latest sub-compact offering, the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. Now perhaps they’d read my mind, or were simply out to impress an aging jaded journalist, but what they handed me were the keys to the 1.4L Turbo six-speed LTZ.
I have to admit to being reasonably impressed when I first saw it in the parking lot. The Sonic Turbo LTZ sits squarely on the floor and has more than a hint of sportiness. The aluminum wheels are pleasing to the eye, and even more so when I discovered that alloy wheels are standard fitment across the range.
The chiseled appearance of the front speaks volumes to the new wave of styling going into GM products today. The Sonic is leaps ahead of the old Aveo.
The same could be said for the interior. In fact, for a vehicle in this price range (from $14,495 to $20,995+), it’s pretty sharp. The motorcycle-inspired dashboard takes a little getting used to with its large rev counter and smaller digital speedo, but it works remarkably well and suits the vehicle.
Obviously, a DOHC 1.4L 138-hp motor is not going to set the world alight, turbo and 16 valve or not, but keep a watchful eye on that cool rev counter and hold the engine in its sweet spot, and this little car doesn’t disappoint. On the other hand, play Steady Betty on the gas pedal and change up through the six-speed box at the right times, and this little pup should provide pretty decent fuel economy (7.3/5.1 are the figures quoted, although I feel a decent gear-shifter could actually better these).
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