For the longest time, the Toyota Vios and the Honda City dominated the compact sedan segment like how Ryu and Ken dominated the Street Fighter game series. But now, it seems Chevrolet has finally launched the Sonic Sedan to counter these cars.
Also known as Aveo in some parts of the world, the Sonic was globally launched a couple of years ago but it wasn't until recently when Singapore got her hands on the car. Meant to replace the second generation Aveo here, the compact sedan from Chevy is a good example of a well-rounded budget car that doesn't compromise on looks, driveability and fuel economy.
Also known as Aveo in some parts of the world, the Sonic was globally launched a couple of years ago but it wasn't until recently when Singapore got her hands on the car. Meant to replace the second generation Aveo here, the compact sedan from Chevy is a good example of a well-rounded budget car that doesn't compromise on looks, driveability and fuel economy.
Exterior
Unlike the Vios and the City, the Sonic still has a playful image, which helps in attracting the younger crowd who are interested in looking for a car. But by no means does the car appear childish in any way.
Standing at 4,399mm long, 1,735mm wide and 1,517mm tall, this car looks as muscular as Guile, with an antagonistic frowning fascia and a pair of circular headlamps that will scare off pesky taxis to the centre lane when drivers see you storming down behind them on the first lane.
Personal preference on looks aside, we cannot deny the fact that the Chevrolet Sonic has excelled in superseding efforts from the car it replaces. Admittedly, while buyers of this segment won't place design as their top priority, first impression is vital in catching a buyer's attention and the Sonic doesn't fail in this aspect.
Interior
Also lively is the cabin, where the first thing you'll notice is the two-tone design that succeeds in uplifting an otherwise boring black drab that is often found in other cars in this class.
The second thing you'll see is the ice-blue motorcycle-inspired instrument cluster that sports a digital speedo and the usual analogue tacho that are bound to become the topic of the night when young drivers sit around and boast about their rides.
Also lively is the cabin, where the first thing you'll notice is the two-tone design that succeeds in uplifting an otherwise boring black drab that is often found in other cars in this class.
The second thing you'll see is the ice-blue motorcycle-inspired instrument cluster that sports a digital speedo and the usual analogue tacho that are bound to become the topic of the night when young drivers sit around and boast about their rides.
The last thing you'll come to realise is the car's spacious nature. Thanks to a generous wheelbase of 2,525mm, the car will fit three Asian adults with ease at the back, even though it loses by a mere bit to cars like the Nissan Almera and the Toyota Vios.
What it does have over the said competitors is its new touchscreen Navtrak Plus, which sports a unique feature that mirrors your smartphone's screen via Wi-Fi, allowing your front passenger to watch a YouTube video or utilise any other applications on the smartphone via the in-dash display.
What it does have over the said competitors is its new touchscreen Navtrak Plus, which sports a unique feature that mirrors your smartphone's screen via Wi-Fi, allowing your front passenger to watch a YouTube video or utilise any other applications on the smartphone via the in-dash display.
Drivetrain
Powering the Sonic is a 1.4-litre 'boom' that generates 100bhp and 130Nm of torque. While the car's figures are humble, the overall driving experience is enhanced thanks to the smooth shifting six-speed automatic gearbox that the engine is paired with.
Pedal to the metal, the car will go from standstill to 100km/h in 12.9 seconds, which is a second longer than the Vios but a second faster than the Nissan Almera.
When driven according to legal speed limits on highways, the Chevy has no problems keeping up with the pack or overtaking slower moving vehicles. The engine does sound a little strained when climbing the rev range but the car does a good job in soaking up bumps and ruts when potting around town.
Powering the Sonic is a 1.4-litre 'boom' that generates 100bhp and 130Nm of torque. While the car's figures are humble, the overall driving experience is enhanced thanks to the smooth shifting six-speed automatic gearbox that the engine is paired with.
Pedal to the metal, the car will go from standstill to 100km/h in 12.9 seconds, which is a second longer than the Vios but a second faster than the Nissan Almera.
When driven according to legal speed limits on highways, the Chevy has no problems keeping up with the pack or overtaking slower moving vehicles. The engine does sound a little strained when climbing the rev range but the car does a good job in soaking up bumps and ruts when potting around town.
The only complain we have with the car is the awkward positioning of the manual override function, which are buttons on the side of the gear lever.
Conclusion
The Chevy Sonic is a good choice for 'game players' who are in the market for a compact sedan but are looking for an alternative choice rather than selecting the usual Ryu and Ken characters. After all, the Sonic does surpass our expectations…
Conclusion
The Chevy Sonic is a good choice for 'game players' who are in the market for a compact sedan but are looking for an alternative choice rather than selecting the usual Ryu and Ken characters. After all, the Sonic does surpass our expectations…
