Chevy readies Sonic boom

You might have noticed the sudden flurry of small-car launches announced by many of the world's automakers.

You might have also noticed the steadily rising pump prices attributed to certain oil-producing-nation strife. This volatility is bad news for drivers of big, thirsty vehicles, but it's the perfect storm for General Motors, which will this fall launch the all-new Sonic series of subcompacts.

The Sonic replaces the Korea-built Aveo that has served as the automaker's entry model since the 2004 model year. Like the Aveo, the Sonic will be offered in both sedan and miniwagon formats. However, unlike the Aveo, the Sonic will be constructed at GM's Orion, Mich., plant that was recently refitted to the tune of more than $500 million.

As such there's obviously a lot more North American flavor built into the Sonic's design that now features a stubbier-looking nose with a more prominent grille and fancier headlight pods. In back, the sedan appears somewhat similar to the outgoing Aveo sedan, while the stylish hatchback does a good job at hiding the rear-door latches adjacent to the roof pillar. As well, the liftgate's shape is one of the more stunning examples of this genre, with curved glass plus a set of really fancy taillamps that were apparently inspired by motorcycle headlights.

The impressive design characteristics also extend to the interior, where the dashboard and control panel exude an up-level quality rarely seen in the econo-car class. An analog tachometer dominates the driver's field of vision, flanked by a rectangular screen displaying a digital speedometer, odometer and fuel gauge. Up-level models will offer two-tone dash and door-panel trim.

Overall, both Sonic body styles are larger than their outgoing Aveo counterparts by nearly 3.5 inches in overall length and more than 3 inches between the front and rear wheels. In the subcompact class, these increases are significant and point to added front and rear passenger space.

More is also definitely better as far as performance is concerned. While the Aveo's standard 108-horsepower four-cylinder engine typifies those found in this class, the Sonic roars to life with a 135-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder, or optional 138-horsepower turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder. Although their horsepower ratings are similar, the turbocharged engine makes 148 pound-feet of torque at a lower engine speed than the 1.8 with its 125 pound-feet. This translates into more seat-of-the-pants acceleration at part throttle.

The 1.8 comes with a five-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic, while the turbo 1.4 is matched to a six-speed manual gearbox.

Since both powerplants also see service in the larger and heavier Chevrolet Cruze sedan, you can expect the little Sonic to be a lively performer along with delivering respectable fuel economy.

As for road manners, Chevy says that the extra-rigid body structure, wide stance and suspension components were tuned by the automaker's Corvette engineering team and should help provide a competent and perhaps even a sporty driving experience.

Base Sonics will likely arrive as relatively stripped-down price leaders, but will include front- and rear-seat side-impact air bags, side-curtain air bags plus knee cushions for the driver and passenger. There's a total of 10, which is at least four air bags more than the rest of the "sub" pack.

Up for grabs is a variety of premium content, such as leather-covered seats (heated in front), power sunroof, MyChevrolet hands-free phone, text and audio connectivity and larger (up to 17 inches from 15) wheels.

The Sonic's late-2011 arrival will be followed by an even smaller small car called the Spark, further bolstering Chevy's focus on the svelte end of the passenger-car scale.

Prices will likely begin at about $14,000 (including delivery charges), possibly slightly more for the hatchback version. That should make for a super-Sonic buy in a class where automakers appear to be spending a lot more care and attention to detail than they were when gas was cheap and bigger was better.

That's good news for buyers who are tired of fuel-price volatility and, up to now, had no real options.