Production of the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic begins

The Chevrolet Sonic made its debut as the Chevrolet Aveo RS Concept with a far more aggressive look than the production Aveo at that time. Some features from the Aveo RS Concept like the 19” sport wheels didn’t make it through to production but the sharp new front end should help the Sonic stand apart from the bland competitors in the segment. This new subcompact offers styling that GM expects will be more popular than the cute and cuddly Aveo it replaces and while the preproduction models have been running around the Detroit area for at least a few weeks, August 1st marked the launch of Chevy Sonic production at Orion Township Assembly.

In addition to the sharpened exterior, the bigger news for the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is the pair of new engines. While the Aveo was only available with a balmy naturally aspirated 4-cylinder making 108 horsepower and 105lb-ft of torque, the Chevy Sonic will share engines with the popular Chevy Cruze. This begins with a standard naturally aspirated 1.8L mill making 138 horsepower and 125lb-ft of torque mated to a 5-speed manual transmission for the entry level Sonic LS – with a starting price of $14,495 for the sedan and $15,395 for the 5-door hatchback. If you want an automatic transmission, that will tack on an additional $1,070 and if you want the torque-ier 1.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder which comes with a standard 6-speed manual transmission - that will set you back $700. It should be pointed out that the turbo 1.4L engine option is only available on the LT and LTZ models, which carry a base price of $15,695 (sedan) and $16,495 (hatchback) for the LT and $17,295 (sedan)/ $17,995 (hatchback) for the range topping Sonic LTZ.

Considering the success seen by the Chevrolet Cruze and the fact that the new Chevy Sonic is sharing the Cruze’s drivetrains, it will be interesting to see if there is a Sonic Eco in the near future with similar engine and body technology to help this new subcompact to offer incredible fuel economy numbers.

Other GM News:
The 308hp 2012 Cadillac SRX priced at $36,060
The 2011 Chevrolet Volt comes to the Carolinas
The 302hp 2012 Chevy Impala to yield 30mpg
GM building next generation Silverado, Sierra in the USA
New rumors on the 2012 Camaro ZL1 horsepower surface

Source: Automotive News