I am doing highway speeds in a tiny little 1.8-litre four-cylinder hatchback, but something just doesn't feel right.
Yes, I did remember to put underwear on this morning, so it is not that.
I have hammered through all six gears via the thumb shifter on the automatic gear lever and I am now cruising with the rest of the traffic on the highway, yet something still seems to be missing.
I count my fingers and toes and they are all in tact.
I can't quite put my finger on it for a while, but then it dawns on me.
The car is quiet.
Yeah, yeah, I know it's supposed to be quiet, but the word quiet and the phrase 1.8-litre four-cylinder hatchback don't usually go hand in hand.
Normally words like scream, wail, banshee, or even strangled cat have been used in association with engines this small and putting your foot to the floor, but not this time.
And that is exactly what is missing, all the noise.
The hot little hatchback that is the new Chevy Sonic is nice and quiet for something with an engine so small as this.
Over the years I have been in small hatchbacks that screamed like a banshee just before she takes you to the netherworld. Others have sounded more like the wail of a new baby wanting something that can't be satisfied. It wails for a few seconds then gasps as its lungs expend all their air (change gears), then it wails again until those lungs empty again (change gears) then wails again. Some even say they scream like a strangled cat, but let the records show I was only trying to untangle that cat from the rope it somehow managed to get tangled in.
But the Sonic is different. It doesn't wail, and thankfully so.
It does make some noise when you stomp on it, but it is not the type of noise that makes you reach for your bible or a pacifier dipped in malt whiskey.
And once you are at highway speeds it just lopes along at a measly 2,000 rpm, which enables it to get a generous 55 mpg.
And it's not as if there is nothing in it. It has power windows, doors, and mirrors, side and curtain air bags, a power moonroof, a rear spoiler, and other electronic gadgetry like traction control and electronic stability control that all add weight to the vehicle, which makes it harder to get really good gas mileage.
The Sonic may not have been endowed with monster horsepower, but the 138 it does have is plenty for peppy driving and highway cruising.
There is plenty of room for four adults and if you have some extra luggage there is a good amount of storage space under the floor in the back.
Chevy has managed to pack a lot into this little package and they have made it a fun and comfortable car in the process.
There is a lot of competition in this segment these days what with the crappy economy and all, so Chevy has to put its bailout money where its mouth is if it is to remain on its feet, and the Sonic is a definite check mark in the little square box.
The rear spoiler, whip antenna, 17-inch rims and fog lights offer a sporty look and the extras inside the Sonic make for a friendlier place to be on a long drive.
The CD player with AUX jack has a mute mode and there is also Bluetooth with voice activation, so you don't get a ticket for yapping on the phone.
There is keyless entry, remote start, stereo and cruise functions on the tilt/telescoping steering wheel. You get an alarm, an immobilizer, compass, ABS, tire pressure monitoring system, oil life monitoring system and battery rundown protection. There is also five-year roadside assistance and two glove boxes.
When you want to change lanes all you have to do is give the turn signal stalk a little touch and the signal blinks three times. There is no need to push the stalk all the way down. This way you never forget to turn it off.
Also, when starting the Sonic, just turn the key and let go. No need to hold it until the car starts. Once you turn the key the ignition kicks in and starts the car even if you let go of the key.
To be deemed a hot hatchback the Sonic would have to have more horsepower, which it will soon, when it's turbo-charged brother comes along.
But even though this version may not be classed as a hot hatchback, it sure is a cool one.
Chevy Sonic
Vehicle type: 5-door hatchback
Transmission 6-speed manumatic
Engine: 1.8-litre four cylinder
Horsepower:138 @ 6,000
Torque: 125 @ 4,000
Mileage: 8.3 l/100 km 34 mpg City 5.5 l/100km 51 mph hwy
Price: $22,335
