The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is one of the cars that Chevy is proud of. It was rated by some car reviewers as number 5 out of 33 affordable cars that they have analyzed and checked. It is a small car that serves as a great replacement for Chevrolet Aveo which gained a lot of bad feedback from Chevy fans.
This car was inspired by the cartoon character Sonic the Hedgehog. The characteristics of its inspiration can be seen with its overall design and performance. The company really takes their car creation to the next level with this car model.
Performance
In terms of the performance, most of Sonics’ users were impressed. The car can take either an Ecotec 1.4 litre four cylindered engine or an Ecotec 1.8 litre four cylindered engine. The 1.4 litre engine can give the car a 135 hp strength and 125 of torque, while the 1.8 litre engine can give the car a 138 hp strength and 148 of torque. Those engines could take either six speeds automatic or five speeds manual. The power of its engines and some of its extra optional features created a great hype to a lot of car shoppers.
Interior & Exterior
In terms of overall design, the Chevrolet Sonic gained high ratings from its users. The outside of the car takes a sporty type of look which what people loved about it. It has a rear handles which is integrated to its side pillars. This integration is what helps the car to avoid looking like bland Sedan and what makes it sportier than Scion cars.
On the other hand, the inside of the car maybe is far greater than its exterior. According to some reviewers, this part of Sonic outshines Ford Fiesta and Honda Fit. It has a logical control positioning, very comfortable leather seat, decent trunk space, and great extra interior features.
Safety & Reliability
Moreover, the safety and reliability that 2012 Chevrolet Sonic offers was also highly rated. It was ranked by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) as one of the “top safe vehicle” from all the cars that they have tested. It gets the highest possible scores that IIHS can give from rear, side, rollover, and frontal crash tests. Some of the features from the car that help the it to achieve those results are 10 airbags, electronic force distribution brake system, traction control, automatic crash response, and anti-lock brakes.
The Sonic Chevrolet offers shoppers with 2 options on their reliability warranty. It has a 3 year or 36,000 mile warranty and 5 years or 100,000 mile warranty. From those, the company gives users 24/7 road assistance and a transportation program.
The Competition
Compared to other cars, Chevrolet Sonic almost surpassed some of its competitors on road performance. The car has a better handling control on curves on the road than Honda Fit (MSRP $15,175; 27 city / 33 hwy) and Ford Fiesta (MSRP $15,500; 29 city / 38 hwy). The only area where it losses on those cars is on under-steering during turns. This means that the car goes a wider turn than what it’s the car’s driver intended to. The good thing is that this problem could easily be fixed with some adjustments, combined with the driver’s efforts on getting used to the car.
The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is a great choice for people who want to have a powerful and beautiful Chevrolet car model, in a reasonable price.
Overall Rating
71 out of 100
What others say:
“The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic makes good use of its very small dimensions, while comfortable seats and a tight, quiet cabin should make it easy to live with.”Car Connection
“A cut above the class norm. Sonic has sharp steering and great grip, especially the LTZ, on account of its larger wheels and tires. Body lean is noticeable in very fast cornering, but the car is otherwise well composed.”Consumer Guide
“The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic could be an intriguing choice for a small economy car thanks to edgy styling, impressive power and roomy interior.”Edmunds
“In sedan or 5-door hatchback configuration, the 2012 Chevy Sonic is the quietest and most composed subcompact car you can buy.”KBB
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Sedan | Base Price: $13,735.00 |
| Vehicle Type: Hatchback | Base Price: $14,635.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 12.2 gallons (46 liters) | MPG: 26 city / 35 hwy |
| Length: 173.1 in. (439 cm) | Width: 68.3 in. (173 cm) |
| Height: 59.7 in. (151 cm) | Wheel Base: 99.4 in. (252 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 14 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Length: 159 in. (403.8 cm) | Width: 68.3 in. (173 cm) |
| Height: 59.7 in. (151 cm) | Wheel Base: 99.4 in. (252 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 19 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 16-valve DOHC Inline-4 | Displacement: 1.8 Liter |
| Horsepower: 138 HP | Max RPM: 6300 RPM |
| Torque: 125 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm | Transmission: 5-Speed Manual |
| 0-60 mph: 8.9 seconds | 1/4 Mile: 16.8 seconds |
| Option:Sonic LT | MSRP: $14,935; MPG: 26 city / 35 hwy |
| Option:Sonic LTZ | MSRP: $16,535; MPG: 26 city / 35 hwy |
| Option:Sonic LT Hatchback | MSRP: $15,735; MPG: 26 city / 35 hwy |
| Option:Sonic LTZ Hatchback | MSRP: $17,235; MPG: 26 city / 35 hwy |
