Chevrolet introduces the Sonic

Chevrolet is presenting at the North American International Auto Show the substitute of the Aveo for the North American market. The all-new 2012 Sonic is a youthful small car that features a bold design which is combined with a turbocharged performance and agile ride and handling.The American brand will be offering the Sonic in two different body styles: a four-door sedan and a sporty five-door.

“The all-new Chevrolet Sonic blends the practicality of a small car with the passion for driving that Chevrolet vehicles like the Corvette are known for,” said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. “Its combination of great design, fun driving experience and the latest connectivity features create a serious competitor with a fun spirit.”

Starting in late 2011, the Sonic will be produced at the General Motors Orion Assembly Center in Michigan, a plant that was upgraded and retooled in an investment of $545 million. With the Sonic, Chevrolet becomes the only company building a small car in the United States.

From the outside both the sedan and five-door Sonic combine some aggressive cues, such as the fender flares and motorcycle-inspired round headlamps, with global Chevrolet features like the dual-element grille and round taillamps.

Still both models are distinctively different. The five-door features a tight, two-box shape with aggressive, diving feature lines, while the sedan profile has a more upscale and mature presence. Because of the rear door handles located in the “C”-pillar area, the five-door model seems like a three-door hatch.

The Chevrolet Sonic will powered by the same engines that are currently being used on the Chevrolet Cruze: the Ecotec 1.4L turbo and the Ecotec 1.8L. These engines are matted with three different transmissions: a five-speed manual and six-speed automatic with the 1.8L and a six-speed manual with the 1.4L turbo.

With an estimated power output of 138 horsepower, the Ecotec 1.4L turbo produces 200 Nm of torque between 1,850 rpm and 4,900 rpm. Thanks to its wide rpm range for the maximum torque the engine produces a better performance.

Although it shares many features of the Ecotec 1.4L turbo, the naturally aspirated Ecotec 1.8L engine has been developed for low maintenance, low emissions and fuel efficiency. It has a power output of 135 horsepower and maximum torque of 167 Nm at 3,800 rpm.