2012 Chevrolet Sonic

What's New for 2012

The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is all-new.

Introduction

General Motors' recovery looks just a bit brighter with the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic on the horizon. As a small economy car, the new Sonic will replace the outgoing Aveo.

Buyers will be able to choose between a sedan or four-door hatchback body style as well as two different four-cylinder engines that drive the front wheels. The base 1.8-liter will produce 135 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque, while a 1.4-liter turbocharged alternative will make 138 hp and 148 lb-ft. A five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission will be offered for the 1.8-liter engines, but the 1.4 turbo will only be available with a six-speed manual. Fuel economy numbers, unfortunately, weren't available at the time of this writing.

Power output puts the Sonic on top of the competition and its handling also has class-leading potential since the suspension has been tuned by the same engineers who worked their magic on the Corvette. Styling is likely to be a hit as well, with the hatchback getting an aggressive edge over the more sedate sedan. Inside, the cockpit is modern and fresh, with the large tachometer and offset digital readout attracting most of the attention.

Chevrolet is also quick to point out that the Sonic sedan is the most capacious in this class and the rear seats are roomier than the Ford Fiesta's. Options will likely include heated front seats, remote ignition and a sunroof.

So far, it looks as if the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic will put up a good fight against the Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, Mazda 2 and Toyota Yaris. Keep an eye out for complete buying advice and driving impressions as we get closer to the Sonic's fall 2011 on-sale date.