Are Automakers Abandoning the B-Segment?

2018 Chevrolet Sonic

For the last few months, gas prices have been fairly low, certainly under $3 a gallon in most places. And when fuel prices are down and the economy is up, people often forego the small cars and opt for trucks, SUVs, and big sedans. We get it: You’ve got money in your pocket and are willing to spend.

But keep in mind, it wasn’t that long ago that fuel prices were over $4 a gallon, the economy was climbing out of the ooze, and people were buying small cars. They were better on fuel, cheaper to purchase, and less expensive to operate. But American car buyers have short memories and auto manufacturers would much rather reap the big profits of big cars and trucks. I get it -- it’s a business. I also understand that large cars and trucks are a status symbol. No one looks at you like a baller in a Mitsubishi Mirage. Ask me how I know. Ask me if I care.

Chevrolet to Reveal 'Important New Addition' to Small-Vehicle Lineup

Chevrolet announced yesterday that it'll be showcasing an "important new addition" to its lineup at the 2014 New York International Auto Show, held April 18–27. This announcement was combined with the news it'll be debuting a new Cruze and Corvette variant.

Generally, we usually have at least some ideas about what the secret vehicle is going to be. Take, for instance, the Cruze. There have been pics of a revamped Cruze floating around for a couple of weeks. Some spy shots, some speculation, etc. Ditto that with the Corvette, as some people are hoping for a shooting brake version. But with this vague small car announcement, there has been very little in the way guesses. Honestly, that's kind of fun.

So what could GM have up its sleeves? Here are my guesses:

Opel Adam 

Although GM has a popular A-segment car with its SPARK, it doesn't have a vehicle to compete directly with the Fiat 500 or MINI Cooper. The Opel Adam could be just the answer. There has been speculation about it coming to the U.S. before and being sold as the Buick Adam. Maybe it'd be the Chevy.

Sonic SS

Chevrolet's Sonic is a fun little hatchback, especially with the 1.4-liter turbo engine. However, there isn't a "hot" version of it other than the RS, which is mainly an appearance/handling package. A Sonic SS or Z-Spec or whatever, would go toe-to-toe with Ford's pocket-rocket Fiesta ST and Fiat's scrappy 500 Abarth. Make it 180 hp, give it a limited-slip, and there you have it.

Revised or Performance Spark?

This one is admittedly a long shot, but perhaps Chevy will hint at either a revised Spark or even a performance-oriented iteration. It's unlikely, however, since the Spark only recently debuted in the U.S. as a 2013 model and because any performance small Chevy is likely to be in the Sonic lineup.

130R Production

This is the Chevrolet 130R concept from late 2012. It's a small, rear-drive sports car. With the return of affordable rear-drive vehicles, such as the Scion FR-S, Subaru BR-Z, and Kia Stinger (still a concept), maybe GM is going to pop up and say the 130R is headed for dealer lots. I think it'd be awesome.

It does exist: 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS

From time to time, an automaker will release trim level or option package that is really rare. So rare you think it might not even exist. Heck, maybe it doesn't exist. For example the Kia Soul Eco. You can build one on Kia's website, but I don't think I've ever actually seen one or know anyone that has. A quick craiglist search  for one yielded zero results. That's just one example. The Chevy Sonic RS was one that I had never actually seen in the wild until last week. Okay, so it wasn't really the wild, more like seeing it in captivity.

There was a Sonic RS at the Portland International Auto Show last week. It was a very nice shade of charcoal and had a noticeably different fascia and unique dark colored wheels. Things that might not be so obvious are the lower ride height and the shortened ratios for improved performance. I think it looks sharp. This one was an automatic, but it's also available with a six-speed manual.

We love the Sonic with the 1.4-liter turbocharged powerplant, and hope to get some seat time with an RS in the future. Furthermore, it's good to know this trim level actually does exist.

Our favorite small cars of 2012

Today is the last official day of 2012, and that got me to do some reflecting. What were some of our favorite 2012 model year cars we got to drive this year. Here are our top three:

I think my favorite new '12 model year small car would have to be the Chevrolet Sonic. Chevy really hit a home run with the scrappy turbocharged subcompact. With a willing chassis, powerful yet frugal 1.4-liter turbo, and surprisingly good interior, the Sonic really left its mark on us. It would be high on my list of replacements if we replace our 2007 Toyota Yaris someday. And what a surprise: I never thought I'd singing the praise of a Chevrolet subcompact. Well played, Chevy.

Photo by Curtis Reesor

Another favorite, and perhaps I'm a bit biased, was the '12 Toyota Yaris SE. With a faster steering ratio, different suspension tuning, a sportier interior, and some exterior upgrades, the Yaris SE was a lot of fun to fling into the corners, and still turned out 36 MPG. Not nearly as fast in a straight line as the above-mentioned Sonic turbo, it also weighs a good deal leas. The engine was a carry over from the last Yaris, but it's a simple, proven mill. 

Nearly every automotive outlet has sung the praises of the Scion FR-S and Subaru BR-Z, and so did we. Rear-drive sports cars are generally a lot of fun, but this one showed that Toyota/Scion could offer an affordable rear-driver that had scads of personality and was damn good, too. Although not the most powerful sports car on the market, its combination of balance, quick wits, fair pricing, and great looks make the FR-S a standout for '12.

And while there were several other great cars we drove this year, including the Fiat 500 Abarth, the Scion iQ, and the Hyundai Veloster Turbo, the above three were really the ones I could see spending my own personal cash to purchase. Be sure to check out all of our reviews from 2012 and earlier, too.

SEMA Show 2012: Assessing the small car quotient

It's only seven days until the SEMA Show—the world's largest bastion of customized automobiles in the world. It's the who's who of the automotive aftermarket. This will be my seventh consecutive year at the show, and just as excited as I ever was.

Cars with manual windows, mirrors, and locks

Today we say farewell to our 2012 Nissan Versa 1.6 S sedan review vehicle. This Spartan car proved to be good in many respects, although basic. No power windows, now power locks, no power mirrors, etc. Frankly, I didn’t know there were any cars left on the U.S. market without these three power items. This prompted me to see which other new vehicles are available without power features:

Chevrolet Sonic: Manual windows and mirrors (LS)

Chevrolet Spark: Manual windows and locks (LS)

Ford Fiesta: Manual windows and locks (S)

Honda Civic: Manual windows (DX)

Jeep Patriot: Manual windows and mirrors (Sport)

Kia Rio: Manual windows, mirrors, and locks (LX)

Kia Soul: Manual mirrors (Base)

Kia Forte: Manual windows, mirrors, and locks (LX)

Nissan Versa: Manual windows, mirrors, and locks (1.6 S)

Smart ForTwo: Manual windows and mirrors (Pure)

Toyota Yaris: Manual windows and mirrors (LE)

I think I hit almost all of them. Are there any 2012 or 2013 models that I missed? If so, let me know. Are you in a different country that the U.S.? Which cars don't have power locks, windows, or doors where you are?

Chevrolet promotes manual transmission use and the Sonic with "Stay Clutch" contest

Perhaps you've heard the news about manual transmission use on the increase. In Q1 of 2012, 6.5% of cars sold in the U.S. had stick shifts—the highest level since 2006. As a die-hard manual transmission fans, we at Subcompact Culture find this outstanding news.

In association with this news, Chevrolet has put together a contest, using its subcompact Sonic called "Stay Clutch." The prize is a driving lesson with celebrity driving instructors in Kansas City, as well as tickets to the 2012 State Farm Home Run Derby and MLB All-Star Game. Hey—anything to promote manual transmissions is OK by us. All drivers have to do to win is tell Chevy why they want to attend the driving school and drive stick with the pros.

We're big fans of the Sonic here at Subcompact Culture (check our our 2012 Sonic LTZ review), and love the fact GM is hoping to expose more drivers to the joys of rowing your own gears.  

SOURCE
Chevrolet Sonic Facebook Page 

Time magazine: Why small cars are big business

Time magazine's May 7, 2012 article, "The Faster Lane: Why small cars are suddenly big business," (subscription required for online version) is all about increasing fuel economy standards, and how smaller cars have become more popular. In this article they call out seven models—Subaru BRZ, Chevrolet Sonic, Fiat 500, Scion iQ, Ford C-Max, Toyota Prius C, and lastly, the Honda Fit EV.

The article calls out the city fuel economy ratings of all the models listed. This is, of course, only half of the story, and arguably, makes the cars' fuel economy ratings look, well, not so impressive. Twenty-six MPG on the Sonic? So what. That's for the 1.8-liter, too. Why not use the EPA fuel economy of the 1.4-liter turbo, which gets 29 city and 40 highway? Or perhaps list the 1.4-liter's combined 33 MPG rating rather than just the city rating of the not-as-frugal 1.8-liter mill.

There was one big typo: The article calls out the"Toyota Scion iQ" as an EV, which it is not. It's a gasoline-drinking 1.3-liter four banger, Time.

Finally, the article goes on to tout the upcoming Honda Fit EV's 123 MPG. What it doesn't go on to say is that its range is 73 miles (city/highway combined). Range is probably the most important point regarding an electric vehicle, and when you're talking about MPG (or at least the equivalent, since it, you know, doesn't use gas), you might want to mention that.

While it's great to get more ink about small cars out there, it doesn't help when the entire story isn't told, or when there are typos. But hey, wee all make typoes ...

Motor Trend compares five-door hatchbacks

Photo via MotorTrend.com

Motor Trend has done a small-car comparison in the April issue (and on its website) of a variety of the five-door subcompacts sold on the U.S. market.

The comparison included these 2012 vehicles:

- Suzuki SX4 SportBack
- Hyundai Accent SE
- Kia Rio
- Mazda2
- Chevrolet Sonic LTZ
- Toyota Yaris SE
- Honda Fit

I won't give away who won, you'll have to see the comparison yourself. Having driven all of these vehicles except the Accent, I believe the results are pretty much as I would've expected.

For whatever reason, MT wasn't able to get that great of mileage out of the Mazda2. I found this remarkable since I was able to extract an impressive 37 MPG out of my 2011 Mazda2 review subject. Huh.

SOURCE
Economy Five-Door Hatchback Comparison (Motor Trend)

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.

Chevrolet Spark: A mini car wearing a bow tie

I have to hand it to Chevrolet for taking some big risks in the small car arena. First, there's the new Sonic—a surprisingly good subcompact (keep an eye out for a review of the 2012 Sonic LTZ) with an available 1.4 turbo engine. Then there's the announcement that the Chevrolet Cruze will be available with a diesel engine. Now, Chevy debuted the Spark mini car at the LA Auto Show, and announced it will be sold on North American soil. A few years ago, the thought of a mini car wearing the Chevy bow tie would've been nearly unthinkable. But seeing the previously announced small car news, you could say Chevy is on a bona-fide small car kick.

In the driveway: 2012 Chevrolet Sonic 5DR LTZ

Just got the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ five door. And yes, this is the 1.4-liter turbo with the six-speed manual. I have been looking forward to this one for a while.

I have literally only driven it about a half mile, but I could tell a couple of things: It's powerful. The small turbo engine makes good power down low. Also, it seems to handle well. There's a nice sweeping curve I took and handling appears to be very good. Can't comment on much other than I love the way it looks and the interior materials feel good. Can't wait put some seat time in on Chevy's hot hatch.

Chevy puts the Sonic front and center at the 2011 SEMA Show

Although I knew Chevrolet was going to have a bunch of its new Sonic models at the SEMA Show, I didn't realize they were going to have nearly a dozen of them. I'll also say I had no idea they could make these cars look this good. Case in point, the brown metal-flake Sonic on the gold wheels above. Pictures don't do this justice. It is gorgeous. But this was only one of many ...

Car and Driver compares the latest subcompacts with somewhat surprising results.

The folks over at Car and Driver has posted their six-car comparison that includes the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Hyundai Accent, Nissan Versa, Kia Rio, and Chevrolet Sonic. All but the Fit are 2012 models. The results of the comparison are a bit surprising, too.

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 Sonic in the flesh

So here it is: The Chevrolet Sonic in the flesh. I must admit, I like it a lot. The Sonic will be available with the same engines found in the larger Chevrolet Cruze, which means it will get the 1.4-liter turbo. I can't wait to drive one. Here are some more pics from the 2011 Portland International Auto Show.

Chevrolet Sonic: This ain't an Aveo

Here are the official pics of the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. The Sonic is the replacement for the Aveo, and at least from the looks of it, this is a great improvement.

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.

Suspension wise, you'll get an independent front and torsion rear. Brakes will be disc front, drum rear with ABS, of course. You'll also be able to get factory 17" wheels/tires, too. Curb weights 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.

Next Chevrolet Aveo to be called "Sonic"

Sonic the Hedgehog. Sonic drive-ins. There, I've said it.

Regardless of the naming convention, the Chevrolet Sonic appears to be a good looking little vehicle. Set to replace the current long-in-the-tooth Aveo (and keeping the Aveo for markets outside of North America), the Sonic could prove to be the first subcompact in years (perhaps ever?) to be a half-way decent vehicle. And yes, this will be built in Orion Assembly Center in Michigan, not in South Korea—I like that!

Luckily, the Sonic does not have big shoes to fill, since the Aveo is considered to be a bottom-of-the-barrel car for many. The current Aveo, however, has been posting impressive sales numbers as of late, so it will be interesting to see how the Sonic will be accepted. As far as I know, Cherry Limeades and tots will not be available. However, I do wonder if it'll come in blue. (Sorry, that's low-hanging fruit, and I know it.)