Testing this week: 2012 Chevy Sonic LTZ 1.4T

[BigAls87Z28]

I know some of you guys wanted a chance to see this car or were interested in it. Post up questions here if you are looking for answers about the car.

[r0nin89]

My main concern. Hows the leg and head room. Im 6'5"...

[edpontiac91]

I know some of you guys wanted a chance to see this car or were interested in it. Post up questions here if you are looking for answers about the car.

I've also had the chance to drive these cars for several hours and was very impressed with the quality and ride. The model I had was the LTZ. I might also be able to give some feedback if that helps.

[NJ Torque]

Blindspots?

[LS1ow]

on a more serious note i really do like this car. and is the Z-spec really gunna happen? or is it just a concept?

and i feel the sonic is very Evo like...

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Vonh3YR9NHY/TSt2x6J7ikI/AAAAAAAAAWs/_GoCgz4ygnA/s1600/Chevy-Sonic-Z-Spec-050.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VfYgx0iGtEY/R_JZmZol5iI/AAAAAAAAANU/y2V3xT03v2w/s400/evo%2BX%2Bblack.jpg

[edpontiac91]

I went out to Harrisburg, PA and the on board average mile per gal. was 43.5. Really impressive highway mileage:shock:.

[BigAls87Z28]

http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f63/sema-2011-chevrolet-small-cars-go-big-106487/

Yes, there will be some dealer-installed options. We are waiting to see a true RS spec Sonic soon. With Ford and Fiat pushing out hotter versions of their cars, Chevy could put together a killer car quickly.

[BullittSVT]

I love these cars, it has soul. Life is also cooler in a turbo!

Isnt the 1.4t a six speed manual? I'd really like a DD sonic Sooo bad

[BigAls87Z28]

For now, the only trans for the 1.4T is the 6spd manual. Six speed auto will come later.

[LTb1ow]

What is its 1/4 time, and can it tow

[r0nin89]

I really hope we see this car in AWD. Chevy is really lacking in that aspect...

[BigAls87Z28]

No AWD, though the chassis is capable of it. There will some small SUV's built off this same platform, and they will have AWD.

As far as size, I fit pretty well at 6'1, 255lbs, but I like smaller cars. My friend is 6'8, 360lbs, and there was no way in hell that he was going to be able to push the clutch in, not to mention zero rear seat room.

Visibility is fantastic in this car, with no blind spots that I could find yet. You never feel as if you have lost a car somewhere. Side mirrors are pretty big for a car of this size.

1/4 mile time, I have no idea, and I figure that towing would be around the 1k mark.

[LS1ow]

apply 4cyl turbo, 6 speed and AWD and have chevy sign me to launch our own gymkhana vids!

i can drift rather well, adam can vouch

[r0nin89]

No AWD, though the chassis is capable of it. There will some small SUV's built off this same platform, and they will have AWD.

As far as size, I fit pretty well at 6'1, 255lbs, but I like smaller cars. My friend is 6'8, 360lbs, and there was no way in hell that he was going to be able to push the clutch in, not to mention zero rear seat room.

Visibility is fantastic in this car, with no blind spots that I could find yet. You never feel as if you have lost a car somewhere. Side mirrors are pretty big for a car of this size.

1/4 mile time, I have no idea, and I figure that towing would be around the 1k mark.

Lets hope they get smart and port the awd system over. Is chevy the only company that has no AWD cars now?

[LTb1ow]

Lets hope they get smart and port the awd system over. Is chevy the only company that has no AWD cars now?

TBSS is AWD

[sweetbmxrider]

TBSS is AWD

That is neither a car nor still in production :nod:

[BigAls87Z28]

Lets hope they get smart and port the awd system over. Is chevy the only company that has no AWD cars now?

Correct, they have zero AWD cars. Neither does Honda, Toyota, and Nissan.
Not all AWD systems are created equal. Putting AWD on this car would not make it anymore super awesomer at handling. It would just make it heavier.

[LTb1ow]

What is the highest boost level PCM can read/make?

[91chevywt]

How would a 4'10" senior citizen like this car as an automatic? Is it easy to get in and get out? Being that you're a taller person would said shorter person have different blind spots? How heavy is the steering wheel on low speed turns, like a parking lot situation? Will maintenance be simple/cheap being that it would be done mostly at the dealership?

[BigAls87Z28]

There is a lot of greenhouse in the hatchback, so it's hard to find a blindspot. But, everyone is different and at 16 inches shorter, I don't know what kind of a world that is.
The EPS is fine at low speeds, and tightens up around highway speeds. That's the beauty of the system. Getting in an out are fine, I don't feel as if I drop into the car.
Not sure on the maintenance part, haven't had it up in the air, but there are no timing belts to worry about, the 1.4t engine is a popular engine for Chevy and will be more popular in the future. It is an external filter, not an internal cartridge.

[LS1ow]

Correct, they have zero AWD cars. Neither does Honda, Toyota, and Nissan.

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/nissanskylinegtr_abg_10_optb.jpg

[88WS-6]

That weird Honda Accord crosstour is AWD...

[LS1ow]

also multipul acuras i believe. which are hondas. lol

[BigAls87Z28]

Acura is an Acura, not a Honda. Buick, Cadillac and GMC offer AWD, but that doesn't make Chevy have one.

GTR is a division in and of itself. Crosstour is a crossover.

[LS1ow]

Acura is an Acura, not a Honda. Buick, Cadillac and GMC offer AWD, but that doesn't make Chevy have one.

GTR is a division in and of itself. Crosstour is a crossover.

acura is to honda as GMC is to chevy thou?

and a GTR is still a nissan lol



and oh btw... i didnt know you had kids....

[BigAls87Z28]

acura is to honda as GMC is to chevy thou?

and a GTR is still a nissan lol



and oh btw... i didnt know you had kids....

No on all counts, sans GTR. I guess that counts. Replace Nissan with Hyundai and Kia.
AWD doesn't make or break the company.


GMC makes all trucks, so that would disqualify the whole car AWD thing.
Buick would be your best best. Buick has 1 AWD sedan.

[BonzoHansen]

AWD is overrated for a DD unless you live in the great white north. extra weight, more things to break, reduced mileage. if AWD is a deal breaker for a $15,000 car you're in trouble.

[r0nin89]

AWD is overrated for a DD unless you live in the great white north. extra weight, more things to break, reduced mileage. if AWD is a deal breaker for a $15,000 car you're in trouble.

:-?

Considering moving to the great white north. Therefor AWD begins to become more of a concern for the GF...

It has nothing to do with it being a $15,000 car. It has to do with me wanting to by a Chevy and this car fitting in the arena of possibly competing with other AWD cars out there.

[88WS-6]

AWD is overrated for a DD unless you live in the great white north. extra weight, more things to break, reduced mileage. if AWD is a deal breaker for a $15,000 car you're in trouble.

5k clutch dump + AWD = better than FWD

But I get what you're saying about the DD part. So in a car like say the Ford Fusion, which is FWD standard AWD optioned, if you get AWD is it FWD with a second drive unit to the rear wheels or rear wheel drive with a drive unit to the front wheels (like an SUV)?

I'm assuming FWD with a unit for the back since the motor would still be over the front axle...

[BigAls87Z28]

5k clutch dump + AWD = better than FWD

But I get what you're saying about the DD part. So in a car like say the Ford Fusion, which is FWD standard AWD optioned, if you get AWD is it FWD with a second drive unit to the rear wheels or rear wheel drive with a drive unit to the front wheels (like an SUV)?

I'm assuming FWD with a unit for the back since the motor would still be over the front axle...

AWD system only activates when it's slipping.

[WildBillyT]

5k clutch dump + AWD = better than FWD

But I get what you're saying about the DD part. So in a car like say the Ford Fusion, which is FWD standard AWD optioned, if you get AWD is it FWD with a second drive unit to the rear wheels or rear wheel drive with a drive unit to the front wheels (like an SUV)?

I'm assuming FWD with a unit for the back since the motor would still be over the front axle...

Actually, when I am looking I am specifically NOT looking for an AWD Fusion.

And it's not better than FWD when it kicks parts out from under the rockers.

[qwikz28]

I'm curious about highway noise and seat quality. Don't forget to include that in the review.

[88WS-6]

Actually, when I am looking I am specifically NOT looking for an AWD Fusion.

And it's not better than FWD when it kicks parts out from under the rockers.

True, no one likes that. And to ammend my previous statement:
5k clutch dump + true rear-wheel-main-drive AWD = :mrgreen:

If they made the Sonic with an AWD option it would drive like a FWD car anyway. That's no fun. AWD WRXs, Evos and G37s are a different story... They drive like RWD but with more grip and a nasty launch.

I would have liked to have seen the Sonic as an RWD hatch with available AWD 6 speed. That I would buy.

[Blacdout96]

Toyota Venza is available with AWD.

[sweetbmxrider]

On a scale of 1 to Pah!, where would you rate this 2012 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ 1.4T?

[LTb1ow]

On a scale of 1 to Pah!, where would you rate this 2012 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ 1.4T?

Would like to know as well.

[LS1ow]

AWD system only activates when it's slipping.

i hope your not talking about all awd systems lol


and whats the deal with your children?

[Tru2Chevy]

i hope your not talking about all awd systems lol

No, he's talking about the Fusion's setup.

- Justin

[LTb1ow]

Can you powershift into 4x4?

[BigAls87Z28]

Toyota Venza is available with AWD.

Venza is an SUV. Disqualified

On a scale of 1 to Pah!, where would you rate this 2012 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ 1.4T?
Would like to know as well.

Well, it's not a 1, so its Pah!

i hope your not talking about all awd systems lol


and whats the deal with your children?

No, not AWD systems, because not all AWD systems are created equal, and not all AWD systems from the same automaker are the same either.

Systems like quattro, SH-AWD, x-Drive, and Cadillac's semi-Haldex system are pretty cool. Most AWD systems used in your average car are average.

What children are you talking about? I assume this is a set up....

Can you powershift into 4x4?

Twice...used one already. Was gunna save it the 2nd one for pics with Pal, but Pal said nahnah, going to the First State.

[BigAls87Z28]

I'm curious about highway noise and seat quality. Don't forget to include that in the review.

Holy ****, a legit question.

Highway noise is pretty calm, but depends on the grade of pavement. Wind noise is very low, you have to be traveling pretty fast to hear it, thanks to a helping hand from Buick.
The noise you hear in the cabin is from the tires. On some rougher roads, it can be odd. Thing is, usually when I hear lots of road noise, I expect a ****** ride, but in fact this car does a pretty good job of absorbing impacts. I suspect that some of the road noise is amplified by the hatchback cabin.

[LS1ow]

No, not AWD systems, because not all AWD systems are created equal, and not all AWD systems from the same automaker are the same either.

Systems like quattro, SH-AWD, x-Drive, and Cadillac's semi-Haldex system are pretty cool. Most AWD systems used in your average car are average.

What children are you talking about? I assume this is a set up....



ahhh ok. i love the quattro in my audi. its amazing for terrorizing snow covered areas.

and since i do not have your #, plz get adam to forward you the photo of you and your children

[Blacdout96]

Venza is an SUV. Disqualified






It's a Crossover, based on the Camry chassis.

[qwikz28]

I'm debating going to the dealer tomorrow and taking one for a joy ride. Looks like a really fun car. Since my Saturn in 05, the only car I've test driven from the dealer was my mom's Audi. Might be fun...

[Blacdout96]

I do like it as well, but if I was serious about getting one, I'll wait to see:
A. any problems they may develop since it's a first year run.
B. See if they come out with that awesome looking sport model (black/orange one)

I will say that GM is heading in the right direction, keeping both compact economical cars, yet not leaving, or compensating the sports car catagory. Reminds me of Honda/Toyota in the mid 90's.

[BigAls87Z28]

It's a Crossover, based on the Camry chassis.

There are a lot of Camry-based vehicles that are not cars. Highlander and RX also are based on Camry.
Pilot, Ridgeline, and Odyssey are all loosely based on the American Accord platform.



I'm debating going to the dealer tomorrow and taking one for a joy ride. Looks like a really fun car. Since my Saturn in 05, the only car I've test driven from the dealer was my mom's Audi. Might be fun...

It is a fantastic driving car, but if you want to wait a year or so, wait for the MyLink system because it is that good.

[69BirdX]

I was just about to ask you about this car. If I were to pick between two cars right now. It would be this or the focus. My question is what ate the wheel options. Is chevy gonna gave an upgrade for mags. Ford has a good selection for the focus

[BigAls87Z28]

I was just about to ask you about this car. If I were to pick between two cars right now. It would be this or the focus. My question is what ate the wheel options. Is chevy gonna gave an upgrade for mags. Ford has a good selection for the focus


Wheels start at 15, go up to 17 inch, all standard alloy.

Focus is a bigger car. Sonic is in Fiesta's class. I would say that the Sonic is much more fun to drive than Focus, but Focus's interior is a lot better, mostly due to the higher cost. Feature list on Focus is massive, and you can build that sucker right to 30k.

[69BirdX]

So far I like the feature list alot better on the focus. But this sonic has me curious. Any ideas on how it'll handle in the snow?

[BigAls87Z28]

So far I like the feature list alot better on the focus. But this sonic has me curious. Any ideas on how it'll handle in the snow?

The car is built and tested to be sold around the world, so I assume it should be more then ok. Nothing a set of snow tires wouldn't get you through.

[69BirdX]

Just curious. Anything is better then a trans am. I'll prob be looking at one of these and the focus by the new year to dd. I def want something small and the sonic looks bad ass compared to the fiesta

[BigAls87Z28]

Fiesta is also a great car to drive, but doesn't have the power of Sonic, nor the capacity. Fiesta has a lot of form over function with that car, and that tight shape eats a lot of rear space in the hatch area, especially with cars like the Fit who offer much more room.
Sonic offers similar room to Fit, but again the 1.4T is the most powerful engine in the segment, and it shows. Hatchback's weight is under 2700lbs with manual trans.

[donnj]

it even does a Flip well...........http://youtu.be/_LleYanG7_Q