Chevrolet Goes Euro with the 2012 Sonic

Chevrolet hasn't had much in the way of luck with their compact cars, but the release of the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic might just be able to change that. In truth, American automakers have been behind the eight-ball on small cars since the fuel crisis in the 1970s. At that time, Detroit's big automakers swore up and down that big cars and big engines were the wave of the future. The EPA, of course, had other plans. Today, American automakers are starting to get the clue. With smaller cars like the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic being offered, it could just be possible that GM is turning itself around.

The 2012 Sonic is an unassuming car, intended to be economical transportation. In the past, GM had problems with reliability and safety in their small cars, particularly in the Cavalier and Aveo. While they were affordable, they were rife with problems that plagued both cars until they were eventually put to sleep. The 2012 Sonic is essentially a replacement for the Aveo, priced similarly at a base MSRP of $13,735, though GM marketers are quick to state that they don't want the Sonic to be considered a replacement for the Aveo. You'll be able to add some luxury amenities to the car, though, to personalize it to your own tastes.

The Sonic is available in two distinct configurations. You can choose either the five-door hatchback or a four-door sedan. The hatch definitely has more European styling influences, drawing from hatchbacks like the VW Golf and the Mazda 3, but the sedan is more tailored to American roads and sensibilities, looking rather like a miniature Chevrolet Cruze.

There are three different engine/transmission options for the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic, pairing either the 1.4 or 1.8 liter Ecotech engine with a five or six speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic. For safety, each version of the car comes with ten standard airbags, stability control systems and four-wheel anti-lock brakes.

Styling is led off with a choice of 15,16, and 17-inch wheels. Inside, standard power door locks combine with optional heated leatherette seats and a remote vehicle starter. Also optional is an AM/FM CD player with MP3 compatibility.

Will Chevrolet be able to gain a foothold on the small car market with their Sonic? Perhaps. It will take quite a push to unseat the Ford Fiesta in the world car market, though.

Chevrolet.com. 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. http://www.chevrolet.com/sonic-family/