Available in sedan and hatchback, the Sonic will be powered by a standard 1.8-liter engine making 135 hp and 123 ft./lbs. of torque. The bigger news is the availability of the 1.4-liter Ecotec turbo engine. Although this mill cranks out 138 hp—only three more horsepower than the normally aspirated 1.8 liter—it generates 148 ft./lbs. of torque. Both engines will be 16-valve, DOHC units. In fact, these are the same engines found in the larger Chevrolet Cruze. The 1.8 will be available with either a five-speed manual or six-speed auto; the 1.4 liter will get the six-speed manual. FYI, both engines will run on 87 octane; no premium fuel needed. Mileage figures haven't been released.
On the inside, the Sonic looks very nice—head, neck, and shoulders above the current Aveo. Sonics will have digital speedos, analog tachs, "tubular" outboard climate outlets, and other modern-like goodies.Overall, I'm really looking forward to this one. And who would've thought Chevrolet would have the "hot turbo hatch" offering in the U.S.? Oh and by the way, this one will be made in the U.S., not Korea.
4 comments:
I'm interested in seeing what kind of automatic this is carrying and what they decide to price it at. The dual-clutch Powershift (it's a shame it doesn't have paddle shifters) on the Fiesta sounds pretty nice although I haven't driven one yet.
I wonder if 4 wheel disc brakes will be an option at all. I realized that companies have to keep costs down, but I want to see more subcompacts with discs all around.
In the pictures the transmission is a 6 speed. Why would they do that if their only releasing it as a 5 speed?
^^^
The 1.4 turbo will get the six-speed manual. the 1.8 liter N/A engine will get the five-speed manual. The six-speed auto will be available with the 1.8 N/A engine, too (N/A = normally aspirated).
I like it! I think the aggressive exterior will make buying a small car easier for guys. ;)
Post a Comment