NAIAS 2011: 2012 Chevrolet Sonic
Even when there were approximately 67 better options Chevrolet still managed to sell a lot of Aveos. So GM Brass should be feeling pretty confident about the Sonic’s future now that Chevy’s new compact class entrant can take on any competitor without excuse.
The powertrain options include a 1.8-liter I4 and 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. Buyers can even choose the high-tech 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that just debuted in the Chevrolet Cruze and pair it with manual or automatic 6-speed transmissions. Engineers say they have one of the stiffest platforms in the segment now allowing for far sportier suspension tuning, which Chevrolet claims Corvette engineers helped finalize.
Sporty wheel and tire combinations up to 17″ are available and 10 airbags come standard. Onstar, USB audio input, Bluetooth, heated seats and remote start are all available in this former econobox. To be completely honest, we’re a bit surprised at how far “upscale” the Aveo’s replacement turned out to be. The only thing we’re worried about is pricing. A huge reason the Aveo moved off lots was its rock bottom price. GM was proud to announce the Aveo will be the only compact car built in America by any manufacturer, but didn’t mention their pricing intentions.
Photos by Jason Muxlow
Are you guys as suprised as I am regarding the powertrain options? I was expecting the 1.6L or some other 100-115hp variant.
Very, very surprised. I can’t wait to see where pricing lands with this. The biggest ding the critics seem to be leveling at the Cruze is that it gets pricy at the high end. Hopefully the Sonic won’t end up with the same problem.
I’d assume that they’d position the 1.8L to get the majority of the sales, while the 1.4T is there to get their halo mpg figures that they can advertise. Also, I think we’re seeing the first fingerprints of Dan Akerson. One of his first initiatives was to pare down the number of total engines and the 1.6L was (fortunately for us) the first victim.