Small hatchbacks are really big in Europe. We have had the odd few here but they haven't been nearly as popular as they are in Europe. Then again we haven't had, and still don't have the huge gas prices they have enjoyed had for years.
But over the last few years with gas prices a little higher and everyone concerned about the environment, cars have been getting smaller in a lot of cases, engines have been getting smaller, vehicles also get better gas mileage than they have in the past, but thankfully most of the manufacturers have realized that people in North America still like a little bit of power.
It is all well and good to think we are going to go down in a blaze of glory if, God forbid, the temperature increases by half a degree, and you want to be a good global citizen and do your part to save the planet by buying an economical vehicle.
But that same person also has a little devil on his shoulder prodding him in the ear with his little pointy trident telling him that he still needs more power.
But if you don't like conflict and just want a quiet life while you are not driving, the new Chevy Sonic turbo will have the little angel patting you on the head for getting 55 mpg on the highway while the beet red Beelzebub on the other side will be grinning from pointy horn to pointy horn because he knows Chevy has turbocharged the little
1.4-litre engine to produce 138 horsepower.
Now some of you may say that this is nothing power wise, but when you think that you could put the sonic in your back pocket and that is weighs next to nothing, the 138 horsepower becomes quite a hefty number.
The LTZ turbo comes decked out in pretty much everything you will need like, heated seats, power moonroof, windows doors and mirrors, Bluetooth hands free phone, satellite radio, OnStar, electronic stability control, ABS, traction control, AUX and USB jacks, two glove boxes, knee and curtain airbags, tire pressure monitoring system, wireless audio connectivity and nice big meaty 17-inch rims.
These big tires came in handy for me as I'm sure they will for you, because the Sonic just begs to be thrown around and loves being wound up at every opportunity.
The stubby little shifter is the perfect fit for quick gear changes and it feels like a nifty little hatchback should feel; tight, peppy, easy to handle in the corners and smooth on entry and exit.
The Sonic is a fun little car to drive.
I think a little hatchback like the sonic should always have decent power because every time you pull up to a light you know others are thinking, "Ahh, look at the cute little hatchback. It looks so adorable."
Who the hell wants to be in a car that is looked on as being adorable.
I know I don't. That is why all hatchbacks of this variety need power. They can make up for the cute comments with a blast off the line that will have other drivers regretting their choice of words.
Several quick gear changes later and the adorable people in the other cars can kiss your chrome-tipped exhaust pipe.
The interior of the Sonic is comfy and the rear seat passengers have more room that I thought they would have. The seats fold almost flat for extra storage and there is a bunch more storage room under the floor in the back.
The Sonic is a nice little car to drive, and what's even better is it is a nice little hatchback to drive. It is what a hatch should be. Comfy, peppy, easy to handle, good in the twisties, has room for four, if you are so inclined, and comes with a bunch of options while keeping the price at a reasonable level.
It is also nice to see Chevy has its head on its shoulders and thankfully a little red, horned creature on one of those shoulders so that people like me can feel good driving a little
hatchback.
SPEC SHEET
Vehicle
CHEVY SONIC
Vehicle type:
5-door
Transmission:
6-speed
Engine:
1.4-litre turbo
Horsepower:
138 @ 4,900
Torque:
148 @ 1,850
Mileage:
7.3 l/100 km
39 mpg City
5.1l/100 km
55 mpg Hwy
Price as tested:
$23,790
