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21st
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Pros and Cons*
Pros
Great handling and visibility and attractive interior design make the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic a strong sub-compact contender.
Cons
Unproven reliability, small and uncomfortable rear seats, outdated 1.8-litre engine and numerous additional options are certainly not in its favour.
Price
Both hatchback and sedans start at $13,665 with automatic transmission versions starting at $15,965.
The LT model has a MSRP of $16,815 which increases to $18,315 with the automatic transmission option.
The turbocharged 1.4-litre LTZ model starts at $21,055.
The high-end RS model (only available as a 5-door) starts at $23,560.
Fuel Economy
City driving estimates for the 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine are an estimated 7.7/8.3 L/100 km for the manual and automatic versions, respectively. Highway estimates for both models are rated at 5.5 L/100 km.
The turbocharged version consumes between 7.3 L/100 km and 7.7 L/100 km city and between 5.1 L/100 km and 5.5 L/100 km highway, depending on manual or automatic transmission.
The RS version consumes an additional 1L/100km in both city and highway tests.
New and Improved
New RS hatchback version.
Exterior Styling
This modern sub-compact has a feisty character - witness the motorcycle-inspired headlights. It's available in either the 5-door hatchback version or as a sedan.
Drivetrain
A 1.8-litre 4-cylinder 136 hp and 125 lb-ft torque engine powers the base versions.
This front-wheel drive vehicle can be equipped with either standard equipment 5-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic transmissions.
The LTZ and RS models are powered by an Ecotec 1.4-litre turbocharged engine that produces 138 hp and 148 lb-ft torque. They are equipped with standard manual or optional automatic 6-speed transmissions.
Cargo Capacity
The sedan can load up to 422 litres in its trunk. The 5-door hatchback can hold 538 litres behind the rear seats and almost doubles to 1,351 litres of storage space with the rear seat reclined.
Safety
The Sonic is equipped with six standard airbags.
Comparable Models
Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, Mazda 2, Nissan Versa, Scion xD, Toyota Yaris
*References
Joubert Antoine, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.190
Duval Jacques, L'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.190
gm.ca
Pros
Great handling and visibility and attractive interior design make the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic a strong sub-compact contender.
Cons
Unproven reliability, small and uncomfortable rear seats, outdated 1.8-litre engine and numerous additional options are certainly not in its favour.
 |
Price
Both hatchback and sedans start at $13,665 with automatic transmission versions starting at $15,965.
The LT model has a MSRP of $16,815 which increases to $18,315 with the automatic transmission option.
The turbocharged 1.4-litre LTZ model starts at $21,055.
The high-end RS model (only available as a 5-door) starts at $23,560.
Fuel Economy
City driving estimates for the 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine are an estimated 7.7/8.3 L/100 km for the manual and automatic versions, respectively. Highway estimates for both models are rated at 5.5 L/100 km.
The turbocharged version consumes between 7.3 L/100 km and 7.7 L/100 km city and between 5.1 L/100 km and 5.5 L/100 km highway, depending on manual or automatic transmission.
The RS version consumes an additional 1L/100km in both city and highway tests.
New and Improved
New RS hatchback version.
Exterior Styling
This modern sub-compact has a feisty character - witness the motorcycle-inspired headlights. It's available in either the 5-door hatchback version or as a sedan.
Drivetrain
A 1.8-litre 4-cylinder 136 hp and 125 lb-ft torque engine powers the base versions.
This front-wheel drive vehicle can be equipped with either standard equipment 5-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic transmissions.
The LTZ and RS models are powered by an Ecotec 1.4-litre turbocharged engine that produces 138 hp and 148 lb-ft torque. They are equipped with standard manual or optional automatic 6-speed transmissions.
Cargo Capacity
The sedan can load up to 422 litres in its trunk. The 5-door hatchback can hold 538 litres behind the rear seats and almost doubles to 1,351 litres of storage space with the rear seat reclined.
Safety
The Sonic is equipped with six standard airbags.
Comparable Models
Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, Mazda 2, Nissan Versa, Scion xD, Toyota Yaris
 |
| Photo: Chevrolet |
*References
Joubert Antoine, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.190
Duval Jacques, L'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.190
gm.ca