Generally speaking, subcompact saloons are designed to be efficient, reliable and relatively spacious. Characteristics such as design and driveability aren’t very high on the priority list – after all, buyers in this segment typically see cars as nothing more than machines to get you from point A to point B.
But for younger buyers searching for a subcompact with more road presence and a keener drive, Chevrolet might just have what they’re looking for with its brand new Sonic.
Unlike contenders in this segment such as the Toyota Vios, which tries to look mature with its styling, the Sonic has a youthful design.
This Chevy has an aggressive snout and “fierce” headlights that are always ready to stare down other vehicles. The car’s rear, however, seems hastily designed, with the figure-eight tail-lamps looking rather dated.
More modern, on the other hand, is its cabin, which really “pops” due to the standard two-tone colour scheme. There are also turbine-like air-con vents on the extreme left and right of the dashboard, which have their opening/closing function niftily integrated. It’s too bad the centre vents were not given the same treatment, for the overall look would have been more unified.
Also unique in the subcompact segment is the car’s half-analogue, half-digital instrument cluster, which is sure to entertain boyracers. Our only issue with it is that it should have been better integrated into the dashboard.
The backseat, though, is beyond reproach, for legroom is adequate for occupants up to 1.75m tall and there’s plenty of foot space beneath the front seats as well. In addition, a trio of three-point seatbelts are provided for better safety (you won’t find a mere lap belt for the middle passenger).
Powering the car is a 1.4-litre motor with a modest 100bhp and 130Nm. Paired to a 6-speed automatic, Chevy states that the Sonic goes from rest to 100km/h in 12.9 seconds. While it’s certainly lackadaisical, the powerplant does have good pickup at low to moderate speeds, which makes it well suited to city driving.
The gearbox includes a manual override button, but this isn’t intuitive, as the button’s odd shape means you can’t feel whether you’re about to shift up or down. At any rate, the engine sounds wheezy when the tachometer needle passes the 4000rpm mark, so engaging this function isn’t rewarding.
What this vehicle does really well, however, is corners, and it’s arguably the best-handling subcompact in the segment. If you expected it to have a mushy ride, you’d be mistaken. The ride is well-tuned – push this saloon into a sweeping bend and you’d be surprised that there’s actually more grip than expected.
In fact, there’s only one thing about the Sonic’s handling we’d like changed: the drum brakes at the rear. A pair of disc brakes would improve stopping power considerably.
Another surprising characteristic is the car’s steering. Again, it’s easy to assume that this Chevy’s helm is overly light and devoid of any accuracy. But its steering is the exact opposite, for not only is there a nice weight to this automobile, it’s precise, too.
The Sonic’s reasonable price, road presence and good handling relative to its competitors mean subcompact buyers should give it due consideration. It may not be supersonic, but this youthful Chevy certainly exceeds expectations.
SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE 1398cc, 16-valves, inline-4
MAX POWER 100bhp at 6000rpm
MAX TORQUE 130Nm at 4000rpm
GEARBOX 6-speed automatic with manual select
0-100KM/H 12.9 seconds
TOP SPEED 175km/h
CONSUMPTION 15.6km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 152g/km
PRICE INCL. COE
$109,999 (after $5k CEVS rebate)
