2012 Chevrolet Sonic

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It’s nice to start out right on top.  That’s what Chevrolet did with their subcompact Sonic, a new nameplate for the 2012 model year that continues to expand the range of the brand.  Chevy reported 3,833 Sonic sales for October- buyers that in theory are flocking to the brand’s new, partly smaller image.  Sonic replaces the similarly small Aveo and is built in America to take on the popular Ford Fiesta and Honda Fit.

Here’s a look at what you need to know about the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. You can configure a Sonic of your own on CarWoo!

2012 Chevrolet Sonic Trims and Features

The Chevrolet Sonic comes in sedan ($13,735) or 4-door hatchback (from $14,635) form and given the price range the subcompact does cut back on some finer features, though critics love the utilization of space throughout.  Both models are offered in LS, LT, and LZ trim levels.  Starting with Sonic LS, standard features include 15” aluminum wheels, keyless entry, A/C, AM/FM stereo with 4 speakers, front bucket seats, and OnStar with available Sirius satellite radio.  LT Sonics add full power accessories, a CD/MP3 player with 6 speakers, and the available turbocharged 1.4 liter engine, 16” alloy wheels, and Bluetooth.  Top LZ Sonics get everything on LT trims plus 17” alloys, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, foglamps, leatherette seats with front heating, and standard Bluetooth.  A sunroof is also available for the LZ Sonic.

2012 Chevrolet Sonic Performance

The standard engine for Sonic is a 1.8 liter inline-4 capable of 138 horsepower and 125 lb.-ft. of torque.  Optional for trims is a turbocharged 1.4 liter inline-4 that produces the same 138 horsepower but gains 23 pounds of torque for a total of 148 lb.-ft.  The 1.8 liter engines are fitted with 5-speed manual transmissions with a 6-speed automatic option; the 1.4 liter turbos come with 6-speed manuals.

2012 Chevrolet Sonic Fuel Economy

Sonics equipped with the 1.8 liter engines achieve an EPA estimated 26/35/29 (city/highway/combined) MPG when manually driven; numbers drop slightly to 25/35/28 with autos.  The turbocharged Sonics will get 29/40/33.

chevrolet-sonic2012 Chevrolet Sonic Interior

Being a brand new model, it’s tough to find too much fault with Sonic’s well laid out practical interior; critics point out just a few cheap plastics.  The subcompact Sonic seats 5 with either model, and thankfully, those in the know say space doesn’t inhibit much.  In & out access is painless and the backseat dimensions- 38.7”/38.1” sedan/hatchback headroom, 34.6” legroom, and 51.6” of hip room- are actually OK for adult-sized passengers.  Needless to say, front row passengers shouldn’t complain.

Luggage space for Sonic sedans is 14 cubic feet of trunk space; Sonic hatchback gets 30.7 cubic feet with the 60/40 split-fold rear seats down, or 19 cubic feet seats up.

2012 Chevrolet Sonic Safety

Stability control, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, and 10 airbags- including side curtain, front and rear side impact, and driver knee bags- are all standard for Sonic.  These features help make 2012 Sonic an IIHS Top Safety Pick; governmental crash test results have not yet been given.

Bottom Line

Buyers will be hard pressed to find a brand new, quality vehicle for the price and build of a Sonic.  If you’re shopping for a subcompact, or just need a commuter and don’t mind the petite size and sacrifice of some niceties, 2012 Sonic should be at the top of your list because, well, it’s at the top of most critics’ lists and practicality shines bright with this one. Buy a Sonic today on CarWoo!