Review: 2012 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ: A great American hot hatch

Chances are you already know that small cars are one of the fastest growing automotive segments in the U.S. It could also be said that today’s small car offerings are the best the U.S. has ever had. Even the domestic automakers, who have historically been eclipsed by the Japanese makes, are beginning to offer some world-class subcompact and compact cars. Of the “big three” American automakers, Chevrolet hasn’t exactly been known for offering the class-leading small cars. Think Vega. Chevette. Cavalier. Aveo. None of them were class leaders, nor did they set the bar with remarkable powertrains, performance, interiors, styling, or economy.

Then there was the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic turbo.

My Chevrolet Aveo5 rental

Whenever I travel, I almost always opt for the subcompact. Shocking, I know. However, usually this can be an upgrade in disguise. See, most of the times I've reserved the Aveo (or other lowest-end rental car), the rental companies don't have them, and I end up with something else. I ended up with an Audi A4 Quattro once. Another time I got a Chevrolet Equinox. One other time I got a Nissan Altima. Only one other time did I actually get the Aveo, and it was a sedan model.

Well, here in Wisconsin, I actually got the Aveo. It happens to be an Aveo5, which I was OK with. I wasn't much a fan of the Aveo sedan, so this was something new and different. I think it actually looks pretty decent, too. Since the weather here is akin to a Brazilian rainforest at the moment, I was glad to see it had air conditioning. And since people in Wisconsin judge distances in hours, I was glad to see it had cruise control.

Aside from those features, the Aveo is certainly not at the top of the subcompact list. This model is loaded: four-speed auto, several speaker stereo, power windows/locks, and fake woodgrain interior. Truth be told, the interior looks pretty good. There are, however, buzzes and rattles, especially when the stereo is on. You can factor in the regular rental car abuse, too, which likely doesn't help the matter. The automatic transmission won't help the 1.6-liter engine win any speed contests, and handling is OK, but bigger bumps/cracks produce a loud thud from the rear torsion bar axle. Fortunately for my large suitcase, the rear seat folds down. Unfortunately, it doesn't fold flat. I'm better off just throwing it in the backseat, and putting my backpack in the far rear.

My trusty (thus far) Aveo5 is fine as a rental car. In fact, it should yield pretty decent fuel economy, since I've had the cruise set at 70 MPH on the Interstates; 60 MPH on the highways. I'll refuel tomorrow and really see. Gas is about $3.75 here.

So would I buy a new Aveo5? No. Pretty soon nobody will be able to buy one, since it's being replaced by the U.S.-built Sonic (the Aveo is Korean made, and built on GM Daewoo architecture). However, for the time being, so long as the AC keeps cooling, the cruise control keeps cruising, and the stereo continues to hum, I'll be fine with it until Monday.

Autoblog drives the Chevrolet Sonic

The guys over at Autoblog got the chance to drive the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic, the sucessor to the Aveo. The overall impression was quite good. With Aveo sales already doing pretty well, I can only assume that the Soinc, which is supposed to be a much better car, will sell even better. The Sonic may also give an option to those looking to buy a domestic nameplate subcompact vehicle, but who don't want a Ford or a Fiat.

SOURCE
2012 Chevrolet Sonic (Autoblog)

Chevrolet shows off the new Aveo

Chevrolet decided to pull the curtains off the redesigned Aveo before the upcoming Paris Motor Show. GM says the new Aveo will go on sale in 2011 in the U.S. and Canada. So what can us North Americans expect?

Well, GM isn't saying quite yet. However, what we do know is that the Aveo in Europe will be available with a six-speed automatic or five- or six-speed manual mated to 1.2 liter engines making between 70 and 86 hp; or a 1.4-liter unit making 100 hp; ora 1.6-liter mill cranking out 115 hp. Europe will, of course, also get diesel versions. I'd say the U.S. will likely get the 1.6-liter engine.

GM touts the fact that the Aveo remains close to the Aveo RS concept from earlier. Whether or not the Aveo will be available with the RS concept's turbocharged engine has yet to be seen.

I think the new Aveo looks very good; certainly a step up from the previous generations. In fact, I love the back end. I wonder if the large wheels/tires will be available? To me, they make the car. Let's hope they're at least an option.

A visual: How Cash For Clunkers jumpstarted Chevy Aveo sales

Ah the venerable Chevrolet Aveo. It's been on sale in the U.S. since 2003, when few automakers were offering a subcompact. Darin Cosgrove, admin at AveoForum.com, sent me this graphic illustrating the big-ol' spike in Aveo sales during last year's Cash For Clunkers program. The Aveo had the second largest spike in subcompact sales (+159%) during this time, and helped the Aveo become the sixth best-selling subcompact in the U.S. in 2009, with 38,516 units sold.

Since then, the Aveo has continued to sell well for Chevy, possibly spurred on by the renewed interest in buying American (athough the vehicle is manufactured in South Korea). As of June,1 2010, the Aveo had sold a respectable 14,749 units. And, with a redesign on the way, the Aveo should continue strong into the next decade.

LINK
AveoForum.com

2012 Chevrolet Aveo photos

Here are photos of the 2012 Chevrolet Aveo sedan. Well, it looks pretty darn good. A few thoughts:

• Will the production version really sit that low? (Note the absence of hugongus fender gap)
• When can we expect the turbocharged RS to bow?
• This look almost too nice to be called "Aveo." How much will people be willing to pay for an optioned-out new Aveo? (Perhaps a name change should've been in order?)
• Will this Aveo be a true competitor in the b-segment? (Rumor has it the car will still be on a Daewoo platform)


SOURCE
Autoblog via Kicking Tires

VIDEO: Non-computer-generated Chevy Aveo RS also looks good

Below we have the computer-rendered Chevrolet Aveo RS. However, this is the real deal. No sound, but you do get a good idea of what the real concept car looks like.

VIDEO: Chevy Aveo RS looks, sounds great for a computer-generated car

Micro Image member "thebarber" posted a link to this Chevrolet Aveo RS video. Yes, the entire thing is computer rendered (or at least appears to be), but it does give a decent virtual look at the car.

I hold my stance that his is a good-looking vehicle, and really look forward to seeing it in production.

Nostalgic Subcompact: Daewoo Lanos

The first Daewoo car in the U.S. was the 1988 Pontiac LeMans, which was sold until 1993. Six years later, Daewoo decided to enter the U.S. market under its own name. There were three vehicles sold: The Nubira (sedan and wagon), the Leganza sedan, and the subcompact Lanos hatchback and sedan.

The little Lanos was powered by a 1.6-liter DOHC engine making 106 hp through either a five-speed manual or a four-speed auto. Most automotive journalists said the Lanos was slow and unrefined, and drove like a car that was already several years old. However, handling was better than average. Fuel economy was 22 city, 32 highway. Daewoos also got roadside assistance. There were a few different models throughout the years including S, SE, SX, then later, Sport trims. Options included ABS, A/C, power windows, tachometer, alloy wheels, and more. Overall, the vehicle was not well liked by the automotive press.

When gussied up with Sport trim, the Lanos didn't look too bad, in my opinion; I actually kind of liked it. You could get attractive five-spoke alloys, a sporty front end, rear spoiler, and even red leather seats and trim. Super Street magazine did a feature on a supercharged Lanos from Australia, and titled it the "Howler from Down Under." It had 17" wheels, lowering springs, and a host of other upgrades. However, the Lanos never got much of the tuner treatment in the U.S.

Compton, CA-based Daewoo Motors America initially went with a nontraditional method of roping in buyers. Instead of an extensive dealership network, the company recruited college students to promote the vehicles. However, eventually, dealerships started to pop up, and Daewoo dropped the student promoters. In 2000, Daewoo declared itself "the fastest growing car company in America," with a sales increase of 123% over 1999 sales (source). In 2001, Daewoo sold 15,619 Lanos models (source).

But even as Daewoo—the second largest Korean conglomerate behind Hyundai—entered the U.S. market, the company was in a messy financial situation, and declared bankruptcy in 2000. (Daewoo's collapse remains the largest corporate failure in Korean history.) In 2002, General Motors bought a large part of Daewoo Motors, but not Daewoo Motors America, and thus DMA declared bankruptcy. This left the dealerships in limbo, and owners wondering what will happen with parts and service.

The Lanos was essentially succeeded by the introduction of the 2003 Chevrolet Aveo, which was (and still is) built by GM Daewoo in South Korea. American Suzuki was also saddled with GM Daewoo-built vehicles (Forenza, Reno, Verona) until 2008. And although the Aveo has gotten better over time, once again, there is only one Daewoo on the U.S. market, and it is again sold under a GM brand—just like the Pontiac LeMans.

Daewoo owners can still find parts by visiting www.daewoous.com.

Chevrolet Aveo RS to go into production in 2011

A number of outlets are reporting that the turbocharged Aveo RS is indeed going into production. Undoubtedly, many of the features will not transition from the concept to the production model (huge wheels, massive brakes, etc.). However, allegedly, Chevy is saying the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine (making apparently 138 hp and 148 ft./lbs. of torque) will make it into production as is.

Chevy is also saying the Aveo RS will slot between the lower-level Chevy Spark and the compact Chevy Cruze (which will also have the 1.4-turbo engine).

What I haven't seen or read is whether or not the Aveo RS will be a Korean-built Daewoo, of if this will be on a different platform built somewhere else. Regardless, this car could make things interesting, especially if priced right.

Spark, Beat, Aveo: Defining Chevrolet's upcoming subcompact

There appears to be some understandable confusion regarding the Chevrolet Aveo RS shown at Detroit yesterday, the allegedly forthcoming Chevrolet Spark, Chevrolet Beat, and so on. Let's try to make some sense of this ...


This is the upcoming Chevrolet Spark for the North American Market (click the name to go to the official Web site).



This is the currently available Chevrolet Beat, which is sold in India. It looks like a production version of the above-posted USDM Spark.


This is the currently available Chevrolet Spark, which is also sold in India. The Spark is a rebadged Daewoo Matiz.


This is the Aveo RS concept which debuted at the Detroit Auto Show yesterday.

Aveo RS: The return of the affordable subcompact hot hatch?

Since its debut in 2004, the Chevrolet Aveo has been best known for one thing: Being inexpensive. Although there are Aveo fans out there, most people think of the smallest Chevy as the lowest common denominator in the subcompact segment. That is likely about to change.

The 2011 Chevrolet Aveo RS concept debuted at the 2010 Detroit International Auto Show today, and if I do say so myself, it looks great. Riding on 19" wheels, the Aveo RS's stance looks mean, it's front and rear end treatments look sophisticated and aggressive, and it's interior looks great.

The goodness isn't just skin deep, either. Under the the hood lies the upcoming Chevrolet Cruze's turbocharged 1.4-liter engine making 138 hp and 148 ft./lbs. or torque mated to a manual (six speed?) gearbox. This would undoubtedly make the Aveo RS a hoot to drive. The car's underpinnings are apparently related to the Opel Corsa's—a car that I always hoped GM would bring to the States.

Keep in mind the Aveo RS is just a concept at this point, and there hasn't been any confirmation on this turbocharged hatch going into production. I would love it if, of all companies, GM brought back the affordable hot hatch to the market. I know what you're thinking: the MINI Cooper S is available. However, it starts at $22,300, which is still a good chunk of dough.

What gets me all giddy inside is the idea of more turbo hot hatches in the U.S. Again. Along with the MINI Cooper S and forthcoming Fiat 500 Abarth, you might have the Chevy Aveo RS, the Ford Fiest EcoBoost, the Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart, and potentially the VW Polo GTI. All that's a nice dream, I suppose. I guess I should just wait and see if the Aveo RS even makes it out of the gate.

However, the concept is a real head turner, and gets my gears turning.


UPDATE: Join the lively discussion about the Aveo RS on the Micro Image forums.

SOURCE
Autoblog

Chevorlet to show turbocharged Aveo RS at Detroit

Image from Motor Trend

Autoblog is reporting that Chevrolet will be showing a turbocharged variant of the next-generation Aveo at the Detroit Auto Show. Although little details are available, it will likely be the 1.4-liter turbo engine that'll be in the forthcoming Cruze.

Autoblog is also reporting the new next-gen Aveo will be sportier and look better. Additionally, the vehicle will be built in the United States, not Korea.

Although the current Aveo isn't one of my favorite cars, I'm all for an improved version from the U.S. And, I will give Chevy major kudos if they actually release a turbocharged subcompact "hot hatch." It'd be the only one on the market, sans the MINI Cooper S. Kind of reminds me of the old Chevrolet Sprint Turbo—except this would truly be built by Chevrolet (not Suzuki).

SOURCE
Next-generation Chevrolet Aveo RS to debut at Cobo (Autoblog.com)

Subcompacts dominate "10 Cheapest Cars to Own" list

Most of us know that subcompacts and small cars are typically less expensive to own than larger vehicles. Many times they use less gas, and even have fewer repairs.

Today on Yahoo Finance, there's an article on The 10 Cheapest Cars to Own, according to part of an article called "Financially Fit" on Bankrate.com.

The list is made up of six subcompacts, and four compacts (in this order). To see total cost of ownership and cost per mile of each vehicle, check out the link to the article.

10. Hyundai Accent GS
9. Nissan Versa Base
8. Chevrolet Aveo5 LS
7. Suzuki SX4 Sedan
6. Pontiac G3
5. Mazda 3 iSport
4. Honda Fit
3. Pontiac Vibe
2. Toyota Yaris
1. Nissan Sentra

LINK
10 Cheapest Cars to Own (Yahoo Finance)

IIHS says small car bumpers are expensive to fix

The insurance-industry-funded Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) performed low-speed bumper collisions on seven vehicles including the Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, Smart ForTwo, MINI Cooper, and Chevrolet Aveo. Five of the seven cars received "poor" ratings; the Chevrolet garnered "marginal" rating, while the Smart got an "acceptable" rating.

So how expensive are these bumpers to fix? See the table below.

	Rating	Front full	Front corner	Rear full	Rear corner	WEIGHTED AVERAGE
Smart Fortwo	ACCEPTABLE	$1,480	$663	$631	$507	$899
Chevrolet Aveo	MARGINAL	$1,071	$1,437	$1,370	$612	$1,155
Mini Cooper	POOR	$2,291	$2,637	$929	$743	$1,637
Toyota Yaris	POOR	$1,688	$1,167	$3,345	$474	$1,951
Honda Fit	POOR	$1,124	$1,216	$3,648	$999	$1,960
Hyundai Accent	POOR	$3,476	$839	$2,057	$831	$2,123
Kia Rio	POOR	$3,701	$1,758	$3,148	$773	$2,705

The IIHS says, "Better bumpers don't have to be complicated. Auto manufacturers already know how to make good ones. Longer and taller reinforcement bars and energy-absorbing material are key to reducing damage in low-speed collisions."

I think they're thinking something more akin to the bumper on the Toyota van above.

For a complete lineup of photos and the full press release, click the links ... and don't hit anything on your way there. It'll be expensive.

LINKS
FULL PRESS RELEASE: Mini and microcar bumpers allow pricey damage (IIHS)
IIHS: Small Cars Are Big On Damage In Low-Speed Collisions (Jalopnik)

May 2009 subcompact sales

Unsurprisingly, like most vehicles, subcompact sales were down in May.

• The least percentage lost from this time last year was Hyundai's Accent (-15.3%). The Accent is the only subcompact vehicle to have a positive gain overall for the year.

• The biggest loser was the Scion xD, down nearly 75% from this time last year.

• The biggest subcompact seller of the month was the Yaris with 10,130 vehicles sold.

• The least was the Pontiac G3 with only 282 units sold.

Overall, the Yaris is still the best-selling subcompact in the U.S. followed by the Nissan Versa, and the Hyundai Accent.

Make/Model	May '09 vs May '08	Year to date	Cars sold in '09 to date
Hyundai Accent	-15.3%	+16.5%	24,789
Toyota Yaris	-26.9%	-39.7%	33,335
MINI (all)	-27.0%	-20.8%	16,780
Honda Fit	-27.5%	-17.7%	24,137
Nissan Versa	-51.5%	-28.2%	26,396
Smart (all)	-56.6%	-15.8%	7,451
Kia Rio	-62.4%	-47.4%	9,274
Suzuki SX4	-71.0%	-34.0%	9,496
Chevrolet Aveo	-73.6%	-62.8%	9,669
Scion xD	-74.5%	-63.0%	4,795
Kia Soul	--	--	8,363
Nissan Cube	--	--	1,745
Pontiac G3	--	--	700

LINKS
Nissan USA May 2009 Sales
Toyota USA May 2009 Sales
American Honda May 2009 Sales
MINI USA May 2009 Sales
Smart USA May 2009 Sales
American Suzuki May 2009 Sales
GM May 2009 Sales
Hyundai Motor America May 2009 Sales
Kia Motors America May 2009 Sales

VIDEO: Rally racing Chevrolet Aveos

Well looky here: A bunch of South American racers rallying the Chevrolet Aveo! From what I understand, there are even people here in the U.S. running Aveos in rallycross. Heck, I'd run an Aveo rally car.

Chevrolet Aveo replacement on hold until 2011

According to Reuters, Chevrolet won't be offering a replacement for the Aveo until January,2011. The original replacement date was April, 2010. Of course, this is all due to GM's financial issues.

Sales of GM Daewoo products, the General Motor's South Korean arm, are down nearly 45% from this time last year. This is compared to an 11.8% drop from Hyundai (now the world's fifth largest automaker) and 14.5% drop from Kia.

Reuters also reports that Hyundai is trying to use this opprotunity to take a chunk out of GM Daewoo's market share.

Fully story in the link below.

LINK
Hyundai benefits from struggles of GM's South Korean unit

Most Dependable Subcompacts: JD Power releases 2009 Vehicle Dependability Study

JD Power and Associates has released its 2009 Vehicle Dependability Study. This is meant to show the number of problems experienced by the original owner of three-year-old vehicles (e.g. 2006 models).

As far as overall brands, Buick and Jaguar tied for first; Suzuki placed last. The study also broke down the top-three vehicles in each class. Here are the top three subcompacts:


1. Scion xA


2. Suzuki Aerio


3. Chevrolet Aveo


If the results are kind of odd to you in the subcompact category, keep in mind that in 2006 there weren't choices such as the Honda Fit, the Nissan Versa, or Toyota Yaris—those all appeared as 2007 models. However, the above-mentioned vehicles did beat out the '06 Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, MINI Cooper, and even Scion's own xB.

It's no surprise to see the Scion at the top of the list except that Scion was near the bottom of the overall list. But my guess is that Suzuki's low overall ranking has to do with the GM/Daewoo manufactured Reno, Verona, and Forenza, since it obviously has nothing to do with the top-ranking Aerio. Then again, the Chevrolet Aveo, which is a GM/Daewoo product, was No. 3 in the subcompact category. I'm confused.

The JD Power rankings have long been a bit of a sticky wicket since the study relies on owner-supplied "problems," and "problems" can range from a failed engine or transmission to a busted cup holder. "Problem" apparently isn't quantified too well.

LINK
2009 Vehicle Dependability Study Results (JD Power)

New year, new subcompacts

During the 2009 calendar year, the U.S. will see a myriad of new subcompacts--both '09 models and 2010 models. Here are some highlights of what's to come and, in some cases, what's already here.

Kia Soul

Kia's latest forray into the small car world will be the Soul. With it's boxy, funky, and practical shape, Kia could have a winner on its hands. Powered by a 2.0-liter four cylinder, the Soul should provide a good mix of performance, economy, and practicality. Plus, the Soul will have a plethora of dealer options and accessories to personalize the vehicle.

Nissan Cube

Here to possibly snatch up previous 2004-2006 Scion xB buyers is Nisaan's Cube. Smaller than a second-gen xB, and certainly pumped full of funky styling, the Cube will certainly serve its niche. Like other tall-wagon-style vehicles, it will dish up the practicality in heaps, and should also prove a competent performer, thanks in part to its 122 hp 1.8 liter engine. Like Scion and Kia's Soul, the Cube will have tons of options and unique accessories to make sure you don't look like a square ... er ... do look like a square ... uh ... you get it.

Pontiac G3 and Chevrolet Aveo

For buyers looking to buy a subcompact GM vehicle, The General offers the redesigned Chevrolet Aveo and the new Pontiac G3, which is a badged-engineered Aveo. The Korean-built cousins are powered by a new Ecotec 1.6 liter 106 hp engine delivering up to 34 mpg on the highway. Other features include standard OnStar, standard side-impact airbags, and variable intermittent wipers. The G3 will start at $14,995; the Aveo5 at $12,625. An Aveo sedan is also available.

Toyota Yaris 5-door

Finally, the U.S. gets the five-door Yaris. The extra two doors mean it's easier for passengers to get in the back seat. There was a minor refresh to the front end, too. The Yaris five-door gets decent mileage; an EPA rating of 29/35 for the four-speed automatic, which, by the way, is the only choice of transmission if you want five doors. Although powered by a small 1.5 liter DOHC engine, the car only weighs about 2,300 lbs. Also new for '09 are standard side-impact airbags and a new "S" package for both 3- and 5-door liftbacks.

Honda Fit

The 2009 Honda Fit has been for sale already for a few months, but it is an '09 model. Powered by a 117 hp 1.5 liter VTEC engine, the Fit is a fine choice of subcompact. The all-new design is spacious, versatile, and attractive. Like the previous-generation Fit, it has nimble reflexes, great fuel economy (35 highway mpg), and a lot of standard features that many believe make it the king of subcompacts.

2010 Toyota iQ

What could be one of the most anticipated Toyota releases in a while, the Smart-fighting iQ will bring some competition to the micro car market. Debuting as soon as early 2009, the iQ will seat "3+1"people (three adults, and one child), possibly be powered by a 1.5 (via the Yaris) or 1.3 liter engine, and may come with ABS, skid control, and other driving aids. (Full details are not known yet.) There's even a possibility the vehicle could appear under the Scion brand. Stay tuned.

2010 Suzuki Swift ????

For a few years, there have been rumors that Suzuki will reintroduce the Suzuki Swift to the U.S. market. A far cry from the Suzuki Swift most Americans may (or may not) remember, the latest Swift has won over automotive journalists world wide. The car has been on sale in other parts of the world for a couple of years. The U.S. currently gets the Suzuki SX4, which rides on the Swift platform. I haven't heard any news lately on whether or not the vehicle will hit U.S. showrooms or not, however, I hope it does. More to come--hopefully.

2011 Ford Fiesta

The highly anticipated Ford Fiesta is a 2011 model, and unfortunately won't show up on U.S. soil until 2010. So anticipated, the '11 Fiesta has been dubbed Ford's "Best Hope For the Future" by Time magazine.

LINKS
www.KiaSoul.com
www.NissanCube.com
2009 Pontiac G3
2009 Chevrolet Aveo
2009 Toyota Yaris 5 Door
2009 Honda Fit
2011 Ford Fiesta