2014 Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback

PREVIEW

For 2014, the Chevy Sonic gets a few meaningful additions, including a rearview camera and lane departure and forward collision warning systems.

When it comes to the subcompact 2014 Chevrolet Sonic, a bit of memory loss will serve you well. This American-built small sedan and hatchback are every bit as appealing as anything from the import brands that have dominated this segment for years. In fact, the Sonic is good enough to make you forget all of the small Chevy models (like the seriously subpar Aveo) that came before it.

Offered as a four-door sedan or four-door hatchback, the Chevy Sonic feels more refined and substantial than many other subcompact offerings. An optional 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers strong acceleration and very good fuel economy. The well-tuned suspension provides steady handling without a noticeable sacrifice in ride comfort -- call it a junior-size Volkswagen Golf and you won't be far off. And with its firmer suspension and slick six-speed manual gearbox, the sportier Sonic RS model can be downright fun to drive.

Inside, the interior offers comfortable accommodations, with a backseat that's more adult-friendly than you might expect in a car this size. The Sonic can be equipped with a wide array of options, too, including an up-to-date touchscreen electronics interface and, for 2014, new lane departure and collision warning systems that bolster the car's already impressive safety credentials.

Of course, the 2014 Chevy Sonic isn't the only appealing subcompact on the market. We also like the Ford Fiesta for its refined road manners and the Hyundai Accent (and related Kia Rio) for its strong value. The Honda Fit hatchback remains a strong candidate if you regularly haul bulky items due to its unmatched interior flexibility. Even in this group, though, the 2014 Chevy Sonic stands out for its impressive combination of performance, safety and value.

FEATURES

The 2014 Chevrolet Sonic is offered in sedan and four-door hatchback body styles, both of which can seat five passengers. The sedan and hatchback can be had in LS, LT and LTZ trim levels, while the hatch adds a fourth sport-tuned model dubbed the RS.

Standard equipment on the LS includes 15-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, integrated blind-spot mirrors, keyless entry, air-conditioning, cloth upholstery, a height-adjustable driver seat, 60/40-split rear seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a trip computer, Bluetooth phone connectivity, OnStar emergency communications and a four-speaker stereo with an auxiliary audio input jack and steering wheel controls.

The LT adds 15-inch alloy wheels, heated power mirrors, upgraded cloth upholstery, cruise control, power windows, remote ignition (automatic transmission only) and a six-speaker audio system (optional on the LS) that includes a CD player, Bluetooth audio connectivity, satellite radio and an iPod/USB audio interface. The hatchback also gets a rear cargo shelf. The Wheels and Foglamp option package adds 16-inch alloys and foglights, while the LT Promotional package bundles foglights, a sunroof and Chevrolet's MyLink touchscreen audio system.

Moving up to the top-of-the-line LTZ gets you 17-inch alloy wheels, foglights, chrome exterior trim, leatherette (premium vinyl) upholstery, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a rearview camera and the Chevrolet MyLink system (optional on the LS and LT) that deletes the CD player and adds a 7-inch touchscreen interface and smartphone app integration.

The RS gets all of the LTZ equipment and comes standard with the turbocharged 1.4-liter engine, four-wheel disc brakes, a sport-tuned suspension, unique 17-inch wheels, sportier exterior trim, leather and simulated-suede upholstery and a sport steering wheel.

The sunroof is also optional for the LTZ and RS. These two trim levels are also available with the Advanced Safety package, which includes forward collision and lane departure warning systems.

INTERIOR

The interior of the 2014 Chevy Sonic is attractive enough, though extensive use of hard plastics takes away from the overall effect. It earns extra points in the comfort category, however, as even tall drivers will be able to find a workable driving position. Smaller adults will find the rear seats just as accommodating, with decent amounts of head- and legroom.

Gauges and controls are well laid out and easy to operate. Among the Sonic's more intriguing features is the available MyLink system, which replaces the traditional stereo head unit with a customizable 7-inch touchscreen interface and voice controls that are designed to integrate with the driver's smartphone via Bluetooth. This arrangement makes it possible to use radio apps such as Pandora and Stitcher, as well as add navigation capabilities via an inexpensive app known as BringGo. Still, like a lot of similar systems, it's not compatible with all smartphones, and the screen sometimes fails to register touch inputs, which can be frustrating.

When it comes to good old-fashioned cargo capacity, the sedan's 14-cubic-foot trunk is among the largest in the segment and can be expanded further by way of the standard 60/40-split-folding rear seatbacks. The Sonic hatchback offers 19 cubic feet with the rear seats up, but just 30.9 cubic feet with them folded down -- that's significantly less capacity than you get in the Honda Fit and Hyundai Accent.

UNDER THE HOOD

The standard engine on most 2014 Chevy Sonic models is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder that produces 138 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission, which includes a hill holder feature, is standard, and a six-speed automatic is available as an option. EPA fuel economy estimates are 30 mpg combined (26 city/35 highway) with the manual and 28 mpg combined (25 city/35 highway) with the automatic. Both sets are below average for the subcompact segment.

A turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder is optional for the LT and LTZ. Though its 138-hp output is the same as the base engine, it feels more potent, thanks to its 148 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, while a six-speed automatic transmission is optional.

In Autoexpress performance testing, a Sonic LTZ hatchback with the turbo engine and manual transmission went from zero to 60 in 8.8 seconds, a quick time for a car in the segment. EPA fuel economy estimates are also better than those of the base engine at 33 combined (29 city/40 highway) with the manual and 31 combined (27 city/37 highway) with the automatic. However, during a yearlong Autoexpress test of a Sonic with the turbo engine, we found it difficult to match those fuel economy estimates in real-world driving.

The Sonic RS comes standard with the turbocharged engine. It also has the same six-speed transmission choices as the LT and the LTZ, though the gearing is slightly different to provide quicker acceleration. As a result, though, fuel economy drops to 30 mpg combined (27 city/34 highway) with the manual and 28 combined (25 city/33 highway) with the auto.

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2013 Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback

PREVIEW

The Chevy Sonic gets a number of worthwhile additions for 2013. All models get standard Bluetooth phone connectivity and blind-spot mirrors, along with the option of the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system that includes a touchscreen, Bluetooth streaming audio, a navigation app and additional smartphone-compatible services. A new performance-inspired RS model is also added to the roster.

The 2013 Chevrolet Sonic looks awfully good on paper. It's efficient and powerful, well stocked with features and a top performer in crash tests thanks in part to a Costco-load of standard airbags. Heck, it's even built right here in the United States. Usually, there would be a "but" coming right about now. However, the Sonic not only looks good on paper but it looks good in person, too, and is one of the more rewarding subcompact cars to drive. This is a car that both the right and left halves of your brain can endorse.

Like most subcompacts, the Chevy Sonic is available as a sedan or four-door hatchback; both offer sharp styling, solid build quality and a substantial driving feel that's usually the signature of German cars. The Sonic also boasts comfort, convenience and high-tech features that you normally wouldn't expect at this price point. Even the base Sonic comes with Bluetooth, automatic headlights and OnStar, while the top-dog LTZ gets niceties like heated front seats. For 2013, the Sonic can also be equipped with Chevy's new MyLink system that adds several smartphone app-based services to the car's other infotainment features and controls them all with a touchscreen interface.

Another new addition for 2013 is the Sonic RS, a performance-tuned model available as a hatchback only. It comes standard with the powerful yet surprisingly fuel-efficient turbocharged four-cylinder already available on the LT and LTZ trim levels, then adds a sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes and sportier styling flourishes. The regular Sonic turbo is already impressively fun to drive and the RS only takes it to another level that we quite simply don't expect from subcompact hatchbacks built in this country.

As impressive as the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic is, however, most of its competitors are also pretty good at appealing to both sides of the brain as well. The 2013 Ford Fiesta, 2013 Hyundai Accent and 2013 Kia Rio each offer a generous equipment list, a big-car driving feel and an efficient engine, plus a higher-quality cabin than the Chevy. The Honda Fit doesn't boast the style, refinement or available feature content of its rivals, but nothing can match its incredible interior versatility. Really, picking a subcompact has never been this difficult -- and that's a good thing. Even so, we think the 2013 Chevy Sonic stands tall as a top pick regardless of how you look at it.

FEATURES

The 2013 Chevrolet Sonic is a subcompact, five-passenger car available in four-door sedan and hatchback body styles. Both are available in LS, LT and LTZ trim levels, while the hatch adds a sport-tuned RS model.

Standard equipment on the Sonic LS includes 15-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, an integrated blind-spot mirror, power locks, keyless entry, air-conditioning, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, OnStar emergency communications, Bluetooth phone connectivity, a trip computer and a four-speaker sound system with an auxiliary audio jack and steering wheel controls.

The LT adds 15-inch alloy wheels, heated power mirrors, power windows, remote ignition (automatic transmission only), cruise control, upgraded cloth upholstery and a six-speaker sound system (optional on the LS) that adds a CD player, Bluetooth streaming audio, satellite radio and an iPod/USB audio interface. The hatchback also gets a rear cargo shelf. The Wheels and Foglamp package adds 16-inch alloys and (surprise!) foglamps.

The Sonic LTZ gets you 17-inch alloy wheels, foglamps, chrome exterior trim, heated front seats, leatherette (premium vinyl) upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and the Chevrolet MyLink system (optional on the LS and LT) that adds a touchscreen interface and connectivity to Pandora and Stitcher radio services via your smartphone. MyLink deletes the CD player. A navigation system app can be added as well (late availability).

The Sonic RS gets all the LTZ equipment and comes standard with the turbocharged engine, four-wheel disc brakes, a sport-tuned suspension, unique 17-inch wheels, sportier exterior trim, leather and faux-suede upholstery and a sport steering wheel. A sunroof is optional on the LTZ and RS.

INTERIOR

The Sonic's cabin isn't exactly the most handsome design in the segment, nor does its abundance of hard plastics stand up well next to the higher-quality materials found in some competitors. Nevertheless, the Sonic is nice enough for this segment and one of the most comfortable entries to boot. Even drivers taller than 6 feet will find a comfortable driving position, while passengers will find the backseat pretty generous.

Luggage capacity on the Sonic hatch is much the same as its rivals, with 19 cubic feet. Meanwhile, maximum cargo capacity with the second-row seat flipped down is 30.9 cubic feet, well behind that of rivals like the Fit and the Accent. The sedan's trunk accommodates 14 cubic feet of luggage, however, making it among the roomiest in this segment.

By and large, the comfort and convenience controls are logically clustered and clearly labeled, while feature content is very strong for a subcompact. In a sign of the times, power windows are not standard on the base trim but Bluetooth is. New for 2013 is the available MyLink system, which slots a touchscreen into the space normally reserved for the standard, smartly designed, stereo head unit. Besides providing a more advanced and customizable interface, MyLink utilizes the car's Bluetooth system to connect the car via the driver's smartphone to services like Pandora, Stitcher radio and a navigation system app.

UNDER THE HOOD

The 2013 Chevy Sonic comes standard with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 138 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and includes a hill-holder feature. A six-speed automatic transmission is optional. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 25 mpg city/35 mpg highway and 28 mpg combined with the automatic and 26/35/30 with the manual. These are acceptable ratings for a subcompact car.

Standard on the Sonic RS and optional on the LT and LTZ is a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder. It produces 138 hp as well, but provides a much bigger punch thanks to 148 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, while a six-speed automatic transmission is optional. In Autoexpress performance testing, a Sonic LTZ hatchback with the manual went from zero to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds, which makes it the quickest car in the class by a wide margin. Impressively, fuel economy estimates are better than those of the base engine at 27/37/31 with the automatic and 29/40/33 with the manual. In extensive Autoexpress fuel economy testing with the Sonic turbo, we've found that it's a little less efficient than these numbers suggest.

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