The 2014 Sonic comes in LS, LT, LTZ, and RS models.Ī new Dusk package is available for the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ sedan, with unique exterior features, a Jet Back/Mojave leather-appointed interior, 1.4-liter turbocharged engine and four-wheel disc brakes. Sonic comes in four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles, with a choice of four-cylinder engines. Even though fuel-efficiency isnt as much of an issue as it was a couple of years back, Sonic hatchbacks and sedans are still strong contenders.Ĭhevrolet Sonic is a subcompact offering refinement and sporty handling. Each body style avoids the boxy econocar look that has characterized many small cars.Ĭompetition is stronger today than it was when the first Sonics appeared, now led by such mini-dimensioned cars as Hondas recently redesigned Fit and the upgraded Ford Fiesta. Particularly well-proportioned, the hatchback has a sportier demeanor with its snipped-short rear and longer front overhangs. Hatchback and sedan body styles share wheelbase, front-end styling, and front doors but aft of the center pillar, theyre far different. Noise suppression is effective, and the turbo-engine models, at least, are quiet all-around. So are blind-spot warning mirrors.Įven the least-costly Sonic LS has air, keyless entry, and OnStar 4G LTE connectivity. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives it five stars, overall and on all tests except rollover (where it got four stars).
Last year, it was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. A 6-speed automatic is offered with either engine, and is standard on the LTZ.Īppealing to the eye and comfortable for the body, Sonic has earned good safety ratings.
Manual gearboxes are available: five speeds with the base engine, six for the turbo.
Optional for upper trim levels, the smaller, more efficient turbo delivers significantly quicker acceleration as well as greater fuel economy, plus a more agreeable, spirited driving experience. Beyond three new colors, the 2016 Sonic LTZ now comes standard with an automatic transmission, while the midlevel Sonic LT adds Chevrolet MyLink infotainment.īoth the base 1.8-liter four and the 1.4-liter turbo make 138 horsepower, but thats where the similarity ends. Choose the larger base engine, and the pleasure tends to fade away.Īfter five years on the market with little change, not much is new for 2016.
With a turbocharged four-cylinder beneath the hood, the Sonic is fun to drive and its economical to own. Introduced for 2010, the Chevrolet Sonic hatchback and sedan might swing either way, depending on the engine chosen. Subcompacts can be ordinary, or they can be fun. New for 2017 are available Rear Park Assist and Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning.
The Sonic comes standard with 10 airbags, blind-spot mirrors and rearview camera. Thats the test thats foiled a lot of cars, including bigger ones. The Sonic gets five stars from the NHTSA in crash tests, and the IIHS calls it a Top Safety Pick, with a top Good rating on both the moderate overlap and tougher small overlap frontal crash test. If you want a gearbox, you get a 5-speed manual with the 1.8 and 6-speed with the 1.4 turbo. Both engines make 138 horsepower, and each is available with a 6-speed automatic. The available 1.4-liter turbo is still quite affordable, and much better its smooth, refined, responsive, and gets better fuel mileage. It lowers the base price, but otherwise forget it. The base engine is a raspy 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder. Chevy sells a lot more Sonic hatchbacks than it does sedans. The problem is that sometimes it looks like three styles pasted together. The Sonic sedan has the same wheelbase as the hatch, but with conventional rear doors, a longer roof, and big trunk. Its short rear and longer front overhang give it sporty proportions. The Sonic hatchback is the more cohesive design, with its angled window line, hidden rear door handles, and truncated tail making it look like a coupe. The Sonic comes as five-door hatchback or four-door sedan. The Chevrolet Sonic is a refined and sporty subcompact that was introduced as a 2013 model to replace the plain and boring Aveo.
New features for the 2017 Sonic include a power drivers seat, heated steering wheel, heated cloth seats, and infotainment system with seven-inch screen that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, with 4G LTE connectivity and wife hotspot.
Also new wheel designs and four new colors: Orange Burst Metallic, Brimstone, Cajun Red Tintcoat, and Arctic Blue Metallic. The 2017 Chevrolet Sonic gets more safety equipment and features, but mostly styling thats more expressive, with a new hood, headlamps, LED daytime running lamps, and rear fascia.