The Chevrolet Sonic is all-new for 2012. The new subcompact comes loaded with personality, and is available in enough configurations to suit most buyers.

For starters, buyers can choose between a 5-door hatchback or 4-door sedan, with LS, LT and LTZ trims available. Two engines power the lineup: a naturally aspirated 1.8L 4-cylinder is standard and produces 138 hp and 125 ft-lb of torque, while a turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder available on LT and LTZ trims puts out the same number of horses, but a healthy 148 ft-lb of torque. Both engines come from the larger Chevy Cruze, and in the smaller, lighter Sonic, they are downright sprightly. The 1.8L comes paired to a 5-speed manual, while the 1.4L sends its power through a 6-speed manual. A 6-speed automatic is optional for both engines.

The Sonic benefits from an incredibly stiff steel chassis, with MacPherson struts up front and a torsion-beam axle in the rear. Stability control and traction control are standard, but can be switched off.

Standard amenities include 15-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, power locks and keyless entry, as well as a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. LS trim adds heated side mirrors and special exterior appointments, while LTZ trim includes 17-inch wheels, fog lamps, perforated leatherette seating surfaces with heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with stereo controls, cruise control and Bluetooth hands-free connectivity.

Many of the features of the LTZ are options in the Connectivity Plus Cruise Package and are available on LT-equipped Sonics. Optional on LTZ cars is a power sunroof.

Standard safety features include ten airbags, StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover sensor and traction control, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution and panic assist, OnStar and hill start assist.
The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is a front-wheel-drive 5-door hatchback or 4-door sedan in the growing subcompact segment. This successor to the Aveo benefits from GM's all-new global small vehicle architecture and comes powered by either a 1.8L 4-cylinder churning out 138 hp, or a 1.4L turbocharged four with the same amount of power, but an impressive 148 ft-lb of torque. They are the same engines available in the larger Chevrolet Cruze; the 1.8 is mated to either a 5-speed manual or 6-speed auto, while the 1.4 is paired with either a 6-speed manual or the 6-speed auto.

The Sonic is expected to return fuel economy numbers around 30 mpg city and 40 mpg highway, and pricing starts at $13,735.
Aggressive styling; fuel efficiency; available turbocharged engine; sedan or hatchback design to suit several needs; nimble handling
The subcompact segment seems to get larger by the year, and the 2012 Sonic faces stiff competition from established players like the Ford Fiesta and Honda Fit. With its nimble chassis and turbocharged 1.4L engine--the only turbo in its class--the Sonic offers a spirited driving experience its rivals can't match. Sedan or hatchback body styles also give it the edge, and with a low entry price and plenty of convenience options just a click away, the Sonic stands out as a real bargain for shoppers on a budget.