2012 Chevrolet Sonic LS

• 1.8L four-cylinder engine with automatic transmission
• 26 city/35 highway MPG
• 15-inch alloy wheels
• MP3 player, air condition, four-way manual adjustable driver seat, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, 60/40-split rear seat, trip computer, OnStar, four-speaker AM/FM stereo system, auxiliary audio jack
• Stability Control, Traction Control, Side/Curtain Airbags

2012 Chevrolet Sonic LT

•  1.8L four-cylinder engine with automatic transmission
• 26 city/35 highway MPG
• 15-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, remote vehicle starter system
• MP3 player, air condition, four-way manual adjustable driver seat, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, 60/40-split rear seat, trip computer, OnStar, six-speaker sound system, auxiliary audio jack
• Stability Control, Traction Control, Side/Curtain Airbags

2012 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ

•  1.8L four-cylinder engine with automatic transmission
• 26 city/35 highway MPG
• 17-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, remote vehicle starter system
•  MP3 player, air condition, four-way manual adjustable driver seat, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, 60/40-split rear seat, trip computer, OnStar, six-speaker sound system, auxiliary audio jack, Connectivity Plus Cruise package – cruise control, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, an iPod/USB audio interface and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, heated front seats, leatherette premium vinyl upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Stability Control, Traction Control, Side/Curtain Airbags.

The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic provides generous in-cabin storage and room for passengers. It is available is several fun colors and has great fuel economy.

http://vancouverbcsonic.com/

This car is sprightly, the cabin is roomy and modern, the seats are comfortable and supportive for an econobox, and even the so-called “motorcycle-inspired” headlamps look good. The rear seating area has room for six-foot grown-ups like me and the cargo area behind is a useful boxy shape capable of hauling home a Costco shopping spree worth hundreds. Chevy has even put the most modern connectivity features into the Sonic.

Yes, the Sonic emerged as something of a jaw-dropper. In a crowded segment filled with the likes of good little cars like the Ford Fiesta, Mazda2, Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio, Chevy’s fuel-sipping city zipper is far more car than I expected. And while it’s early to be making pronouncements about long-term quality, there’s reason to think the reliability and durability story will prove to be a good one.

Indeed, the Chevrolet brand finished above average in the latest J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study – and came in just a shade below average in the long-term J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study. True, there have been two Transport Canada recalls – one for a loose windshield washer hose, the other having to do with a handful of cars that might have been missing brake pads from the factory – but the Sonic surely seems at least as well built as its rivals.

Surprised as me? Well, the Sonic is probably a mystery for many. Chevy in Canada has unloaded plenty of marketing on the Cruze compact sedan. Not so much has been dumped into creating a Sonic buzz. Yet there’s plenty to say about the Sonic and its broad lineup.

Chevy offers it in two body styles, four-door sedan and four-door hatchback. Pricing begins at just less than $15,000 and ranges up to the $20,000-plus LTZ hatch. The line is offered with two engine choices, both rated at 138 horsepower. One is a 1.4-litre four-cylinder with a turbocharger, the other is a non-turbo 1.8-litre four. The transmission array: a five-speed manual, six-speed automatic and six-speed manual.

GM builds the Sonic not in Mexico or Brazil or South Korea or Poland or wherever, but instead at the company’s Orion Assembly Centre near Detroit. The plant, says GM, received $545-million (U.S.) in upgrades to do so. The obvious question is, why? Ford, for instance, assembles the Fiesta in Mexico, where costs are lower than the United States and Canada.

The politics and economics of car assembly aside, I was taken by the wide, planted look of the Sonic. The designers wisely pushed the wheels to the corners and it’s a look that works to make the car look solid and purposeful. An added design flourish: the hatchback’s rear door handles are located – no, almost hidden – in the C-pillar area. The effect is a camouflaged four-door, one that looks very coupe-like. My tester had big 17-inch aluminum wheels wearing relatively fat P205/50R17 rubber. What’s a word to sum it all up? Youthful?

Inside, well, the design has a “Transformers” look about it – almost mechanical, rather than soft or, for want of a better word, “feminine.” The instrument cluster is dominated by a fat, round analogue tachometer matched by an equally prominent digital speed readout. Chevy gives you two instrument panel colour choices, dark titanium or brick. Again, none of this is traditionally feminine. The tubular vents follow on that mechanical theme, too. The front bucket seats are better, more supportive than most of the competition and the rear seats fold almost flat.

My turbo tester proved quick and engaging. The 138 hp makes the Sonic a horsepower leader, too. The Fiesta, for instance, has just 120 hp, the Fit 117 and the Mazda2 is rated at 100 hp. Kia’s Rio and Hyundai’s Accent, however, both come in at 138 and feel very strong.

The Sonic churns up the power in a tidy way, with little evident lag before the turbo boost is in play in a serious way. I liked that. No complaints about the six-speed auto-shifter, either.

More surprising and in a good way are the Sonic’s road responses. I didn’t expect much from suspension and steering – MacPherson struts up front, a twist beam axle in the rear – yet the Sonic proved stable and responsive, and the electric power steering did not feel numb at all. GM equips the car with electronic stability control, which is good for an entry-level ride.

The Sonic is not a pure bargain in a segment loaded with discounted rides, but it’s a fine new entry. Be prepared to be surprised, as I was.

Tech specs

2012 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ

Type: Small four-door hatchback

Base price: $20,995 ($1,495 freight)

Engine: 1.4-litre four-cylinder, turbocharged

Horsepower/torque: 138 hp/148 lb-ft

Transmission: Six-speed automatic (1,375 option)

Drive: Front-wheel

Fuel economy (litres/100 km): 7.3 city/5.1 highway; regular gas

Alternatives: Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent, Toyota Yaris, Mazda2, Ford Fiesta, Kia Rio, Mazda2

http://goo.gl/2l9i7

Chevrolet is beginning to put the finishing touches on the new 2013 Sonic RS Hatchback. This new model Sonic is sported up with all kinds of new additions!

The RS package will give you the turbocharged engine while lowering and stiffening the suspension. This RS version Sonic will also feature performance-tuned dampers and unique sport exhaust which will give you incredibly controlled performance. All of this performance is wrapped up in a RS exclusive body kit that includes a new grille, rear spoiler, rocker moldings and rear fascia.

The RS package not only adds eye pleasing detail to the outside, but the interior gets suped up as well! The RS Chevy Sonic will feature the Chevy MyLink system as well as heated, leather-apointed front bucket seats with sueded microfiber inserts. The steering wheel is leather-wrapped with a flat-bottom for a sporty look and feel.

The 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS will be in Bossier City in the fall of 2012. The price of the Sonic RS will start at $20,995.

http://goo.gl/WP0d6

VancouverBCSonic

http://vancouverbcsonic.com/

The 2013 Sonic is available in sedan and hatchback body styles and in LS, LT or LTZ trims; these trims will be available this summer.

All Sonic models get standard Bluetooth connectivity and steering-wheel-mounted controls for 2013; previously, they were options on the LT trim and unavailable on the LS trim. All models also get new integrated blind-spot mirrors, which is something we’ve seen on the Ford Fiesta.

The LT trim now comes with Bluetooth audio streaming, a USB port and cruise control standard. The LT with an automatic transmission also gets remote start standard, too. The LTZ trim gets a standard rear spoiler. There’s also a premium six-speaker audio system that’s standard on LT and LTZ trims and optional on the LS trim.

Chevrolet MyLink is now available on the Sonic and accompanied by a 7-inch touch-screen. The system comes standard on the LTZ and is optional on LT and LS trims. The MyLink system will have an available navigation application, providing an affordable turn-by-turn direction option for owners who also have smartphone connectivity.

The updated 2013 Chevrolet Sonic goes on sale this summer.

VancouverBCSonic

http://vancouverbcsonic.com/

The Chevrolet Spark and Chevrolet Sonic will be the first GM vehicles to get this latest infotainment feature. The two vehicles are already available with MyLink, an infotainment system that integrates with the driver’s smartphone. MyLink leverages the handset’s Internet connection to access a handful of navigation and entertainment mobile applications, such as Pandora, Stitcher, and GoGoLink, and uses Bluetooth connectivity to make and receive hands-free phone calls.

Like most other infotainment systems on the market, MyLink is voice-activated, but responds to only 50 or 60 commands (Ford Sync is the exception with 10,000 voice commands). However, with the upcoming Eyes Free integration, using MyLink could get a lot more intuitive for iPhone 4S users. Even better would be if GM let consumers skip purchasing MyLink all together and just rely entirely on their smartphone for telematics services, but don’t count on that being an option any time soon.

No dates for an official announcement were given, but consumers can expect to hear more about it within the next 12 months, says GM Authority’s source.

Click here to buy this car now.

VancouverBCSonic

http://vancouverbcsonic.com

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-57456579-48/apples-eyes-free-coming-to-chevy-spark-sonic/

Introduced only a short time ago, the Sonic has already impressed legions of customers. Sales of this small car have been rising steadily, and the Chevrolet Sonic is already among the leaders in the subcompact segment. The vehicle boasts an EPA-estimated 40 highway miles per gallon and the ability to take you over 480 miles on a single tank of gas. The Sonic also gives drivers class-leading acceleration with the 1.4L Turbo engine and six-speed manual transmission, as well as the most torque in class.

When designing the Sonic, Chevrolet kept every detail in mind. This is especially true for driver and passenger safety. The Sonic is the first and only car in its class with 10 standard air bags, a feature which helped the Sonic earn its spot among the 2011 Top Safety Pics of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

In addition to being safe and fuel efficient, the Sonic is also just plain fun to drive. Its fine-tuned and responsive handling make driving the Sonic second nature, and the car’s comfortable ride means you’ll be more than ready for those long trips. With a modern, attractive exterior that does little to betray the Sonic’s small price tag, Chevy has designed this car to appeal to, well, everyone. The Sonic is available in a sedan or hatchback model, and both are worth bragging about.

The Sporty hatchback, for example, offers a huge amount of cargo space, especially for such a small vehicle. The 60/40 split folding rear seats enable you to configure your space just right, for a total of up to 30.7 cubic feet of cargo room. That’s plenty of room for you to pack all you’ll need for a camping trip in the woods, a city vacation, or wherever else life takes you.

The edgy sedan also impresses. A classic sedan with a more aggressive appeal, the Sonic sedan offers the same amenities as the hatchback – a comfortable ride, responsive handling, more standard airbags than any other car in its class, incredible gas mileage, and all the technology features you need to simplify your modern life.

In all, the Chevrolet Sonic is a great car. It’s ultra-affordable price tag is unexpected for such a well-designed and reliable vehicle, but we, for one, certainly aren’t complaining!

http://www.autosalesyorkpa.com/chevrolet-sonic-will-be-your-new-favorite/

As gas prices rise, penny-pinching commuters are undoubtedly going to be taking a hard look at their fuel consumption. But even those who just want a roomy and fun runabout, regardless of fuel costs, will find the Sonic an engaging car to drive.

Cute, spunky and fun, the Sonic is everything drivers want in a subcompact car plus it’s quiet, roomy and has impressive build quality.

The Sonic, with room for four adults inside a spacious five-door hatchback, is a car I’d buy in a heartbeat. An instrument panel that looks as if it was taken from a sportbike – large digital speedometer and fuel gauge beside an analog tachometer – gives the Sonic an interior edge that I doubt drivers will see in any other car in this class. Or maybe anywhere period.

A digital speedometer makes a lot of sense in any car – being highly visible with little need to take eyes off the road is a good thing. A driver can make do with the analog tach, which really isn’t necessary in most cars, especially ones equipped with a six-speed automatic like the tester.

This brilliant orange LT Sonic, with black racing stripe down the hood and aftermarket wheels at all four corners, is a head-turner. But it isn’t just style without substance. Under the hood of the Sonic is a robust 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine cranking out a decent 136 horsepower. Fuel economy is rated at 8.3 litres per 100 kilometres city and 5.5 l/100 km highway.

Topline LTZ models get a turbocharged version of that engine which produces two more horsepower.

The tester, with a price of $22,945, has more features than one might expect in an entry-level car, including power sunroof, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, Bluetooth, XM Satellite radio and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel.

The tester has power everything, a height-adjustable driver’s seat and a nicely padded armrest for the driver.

The Sonic’s cabin is airy with oodles of headroom even with the sunroof. Lots of seat travel means even the gangliest of drivers will get a comfortable spot behind the wheel.

The rear split folding bench is surprisingly spacious for two adults who won’t be rubbing shoulders even though the Sonic is not a big car.

With the front seats in a reasonable position, normal adults should be comfortable here for journeys of moderate length.

Any trip can be taken quickly because that little four-cylinder engine really gets this lightweight car motivated. At higher speeds, drivers will notice a controlled ride that is not impacted by wind. And interior noise is highly commendable, especially for a subcompact.

Chevrolet, while making the Sonic affordable, did not make it cheap.

The LT is the middle level in the Sonic stable with only the LTZ offering more content.

For those who aren’t sold on hatchbacks, the Sonic is also available as a four-door sedan.

This car has the capability of making long-distance runs while also offering buyers a fuel efficient urban runabout with decent cargo capacity.

With antilock brakes, traction control, stability control and OnStar, the Sonic offers genuine security. And this car feels substantial – doors close with a solid thunk and interior materials have a quality feel. There is also a distinct absence of cheap shiny plastic.

With the Sonic, Chevrolet is giving buyers another reason to turn back to the bowtie division of General Motors. This is a car that will appeal to the young, the thrifty, the economical and buyers who just want to have inexpensive fun.

This is a fantastic little car.

http://thechronicleherald.ca/wheelsnews/83871-chevrolet-making-a-sonic-boom-in-marketplace-with-inexpensive-runabout

2012 Chevrolet Sonic.

General Motors, the US based car maker, has announced that Siri will be integrated into the software in its Chevrolet Spark and Sonic cars from 2013.

Siri on iPhone interacts with the cars’ Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system – thereby working in “Eyes Free mode” as the driver need not look at the iPhone screen.

The press release mentions car owners need to have a “compatible iPhone running iOS 6”. There is nothing mentioned if iPad can be used.

How does it work ?

- The driver first pairs the iPhone with the car’s MyLink system viaSiri Bluetooth.

- Pressing the voice activation button on the steering wheel starts and ends Siri on the iPhone (instead of long pressing the home button on the iPhone).

What all can Siri do in Eyes Free mode ?

In this mode, Siri can make hands free calls ; compose and send messages; schedule appointments; play songs.

However, Siri cannot answer questions involving browsing web pages etc.

So, what can we expect next ?

With Chevrolet starting the integration of Siri into its cars, it is quite likely that all the other car makers too soon start integrating with iOS, Android and Windows devices.

In the future it might as well be possible that the car infotainment systems use the same OS as those in smart phones like iOS or Android. Renault, the French vehicle maker, is coming with an infotainment system, known as R-Link, based on Google’sAndroid operating system (OS).

So, when the OS in a car’s system is same as the car owner’s smartphone it is quite easy to have a seamless integration between the car and the smartphone.

http://vancouverbcsonic.com

A kick flip – a 360-degree rotation in mid-air – is a common stunt on a skateboard. Not so much in a vehicle. But Dyrdek, host of MTV’s Fantasy Factory and Ridiculousness, and the Chevy Sonic are up for trying ‘firsts.’