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Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback 1.4 LTZ (A) Review
02 Feb 2015|15,906 views
Sonic the Hedgehog is one of the most well-known and well-remembered video game character in the world, having sold more than 80 million copies of its popular game series. However, the same cannot be said for its identically named vehicle counterpart - the Chevrolet Sonic.
Introduced in Singapore as the Aveo back in 2006, it's hard not to forget the existence of the said car with some of the hot favourites in the compact segment such as the Honda Jazz, the Nissan Note, the Suzuki Swift and the Toyota Yaris.
More recently, things are starting to change a little for the brand with the bowtie and it wouldn't come as a surprise if the hatchback version of the Sonic that you see here becomes as popular as the aforementioned game.
Up close and Personal
The Sonic flirts with the line between conservative and bold, with a styling that wouldn't be considered 'exciting' or 'bland'. The compact hatchback looks edgier than many other cars in its segment, and it is absolutely worlds apart from its predecessor, the Aveo.
Being 360mm shorter as compared to its sedan brethren, there is a resemblance between Sonic the Hedgehog and 'Sonic the Hatchback', with an appearance that curls into a ball to attack its enemies.
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While both the sedan and the hatchback versions of the Sonic share the same cheerful styling, front doors and even wheelbase, they differ considerably behind the B-pillar. At the same time, the rear door handles of the Sonic Hatchback are hidden in a black trim panel - purportedly to give it more of a coupe look - a distinctive touch that will resonate well with younger buyers.
Inside the cabin, the twin cockpit design echoes other Chevrolet models but sports an edgier design including a 'motorcycle inspired' instrument cluster. It's simple and effective like the rest of the interior, which also offers a decent quality of materials and finishes.
Just like its sedan sibling, the hatchback boasts an airy and spacious cabin, thanks to the same wheelbase of 2,525mm. What is obviously not as roomy as the sedan though is the hatchback's cargo area of 290 litres, although it is considered a well-sized one in its class.
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The Drive
While Sonic the Hedgehog has the ability to run at supersonic speeds, the Sonic Hatchback we have here is only capable of getting from 0 to 100km/h in 12.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 175km/h.
The car feels a little heavy on the move perhaps due to its tame 1.4-litre ECOTEC engine, which has to be worked a little harder to muster some real power. But that said, the smooth gearshifts from its six-speed automatic transmission make it quite easy to manoeuvre around town.
Perhaps what this Sonic is really about is economy rather than performance because we managed 11.2km/L, which is pretty decent considering that we tried to drive it as though it was a hedgehog.
The only little gripe we have with the car is the lack of feedback from the heavy steering and its strong desire to self-centre.
Other than that, its reactions are sharp and the car handles well with well-checked grip and lean when you decide to chuck it around.
More importantly, the well-setup suspension gives the car a kind of firmness that is just right for soaking up bumps and ruts on broken tarmac - providing occupants with an enjoyable and comfortable ride.
Conclusion
Despite its little shortcomings, this compact hatchback is easy to drive and ideal for those who want to complete their journey with little fuss.
Costing some $109,999 (as of 23rd January 2014), the well-equipped, spacious and stylish supermini also has value for money as one of its trump cards. Coupled with a much catchier name, perhaps it will be easier to remember the Sonic now.
Sonic the Hedgehog is one of the most well-known and well-remembered video game character in the world, having sold more than 80 million copies of its popular game series. However, the same cannot be said for its identically named vehicle counterpart - the Chevrolet Sonic.
Introduced in Singapore as the Aveo back in 2006, it's hard not to forget the existence of the said car with some of the hot favourites in the compact segment such as the Honda Jazz, the Nissan Note, the Suzuki Swift and the Toyota Yaris.
More recently, things are starting to change a little for the brand with the bowtie and it wouldn't come as a surprise if the hatchback version of the Sonic that you see here becomes as popular as the aforementioned game.
Up close and Personal
The Sonic flirts with the line between conservative and bold, with a styling that wouldn't be considered 'exciting' or 'bland'. The compact hatchback looks edgier than many other cars in its segment, and it is absolutely worlds apart from its predecessor, the Aveo.
Being 360mm shorter as compared to its sedan brethren, there is a resemblance between Sonic the Hedgehog and 'Sonic the Hatchback', with an appearance that curls into a ball to attack its enemies.
While both the sedan and the hatchback versions of the Sonic share the same cheerful styling, front doors and even wheelbase, they differ considerably behind the B-pillar. At the same time, the rear door handles of the Sonic Hatchback are hidden in a black trim panel - purportedly to give it more of a coupe look - a distinctive touch that will resonate well with younger buyers.
Inside the cabin, the twin cockpit design echoes other Chevrolet models but sports an edgier design including a 'motorcycle inspired' instrument cluster. It's simple and effective like the rest of the interior, which also offers a decent quality of materials and finishes.
Just like its sedan sibling, the hatchback boasts an airy and spacious cabin, thanks to the same wheelbase of 2,525mm. What is obviously not as roomy as the sedan though is the hatchback's cargo area of 290 litres, although it is considered a well-sized one in its class.
The Drive
While Sonic the Hedgehog has the ability to run at supersonic speeds, the Sonic Hatchback we have here is only capable of getting from 0 to 100km/h in 12.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 175km/h.
The car feels a little heavy on the move perhaps due to its tame 1.4-litre ECOTEC engine, which has to be worked a little harder to muster some real power. But that said, the smooth gearshifts from its six-speed automatic transmission make it quite easy to manoeuvre around town.
Perhaps what this Sonic is really about is economy rather than performance because we managed 11.2km/L, which is pretty decent considering that we tried to drive it as though it was a hedgehog.
The only little gripe we have with the car is the lack of feedback from the heavy steering and its strong desire to self-centre.
While Sonic the Hedgehog has the ability to run at supersonic speeds, the Sonic Hatchback we have here is only capable of getting from 0 to 100km/h in 12.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 175km/h.
The car feels a little heavy on the move perhaps due to its tame 1.4-litre ECOTEC engine, which has to be worked a little harder to muster some real power. But that said, the smooth gearshifts from its six-speed automatic transmission make it quite easy to manoeuvre around town.
Perhaps what this Sonic is really about is economy rather than performance because we managed 11.2km/L, which is pretty decent considering that we tried to drive it as though it was a hedgehog.
The only little gripe we have with the car is the lack of feedback from the heavy steering and its strong desire to self-centre.
Other than that, its reactions are sharp and the car handles well with well-checked grip and lean when you decide to chuck it around.
More importantly, the well-setup suspension gives the car a kind of firmness that is just right for soaking up bumps and ruts on broken tarmac - providing occupants with an enjoyable and comfortable ride.
Conclusion
Despite its little shortcomings, this compact hatchback is easy to drive and ideal for those who want to complete their journey with little fuss.
Costing some $109,999 (as of 23rd January 2014), the well-equipped, spacious and stylish supermini also has value for money as one of its trump cards. Coupled with a much catchier name, perhaps it will be easier to remember the Sonic now.
Photos by Low Fai Ming
Car Information
Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback 1.4 LTZ (A)
CAT A|Petrol|15.4km/L
Horsepower
74kW (99 bhp)
Torque
130 Nm
Acceleration
12.9sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback
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