If this new Chevrolet was, in any way, inspired by the fleet-footed '90s video game icon ‘Sonic The Hedgehog’ then GM designers have surely hit the right note with this car's styling.
With its beady round headlights, huge and muscular grille, squat shape and hidden rear door handles, the Sonic manages to impart an angry look. Sure, it's hardly pretty but it does look ready to bully any hot hatch it comes across at the traffic lights.
In reality, the Sonic is not a performance hatch, but rather a regular B-segment car that Chevrolet will use to fight the VW Polo and Ford Fiesta. Despite the fact that the Sonic is actually the new Aveo (it is badged Aveo in many markets abroad), on our shores it will be sold alongside the existing Aveo, which is set to soldier on for many years as a cheaper alternative.
Glancing over the spec sheet, the new Sonic seems rather well endowed beneath the bonnet, with a pair of modern 1.4- and 1.6-litre petrol engines. The smallest of these puts out a respectable 74kW at 6000prm and 130Nm at 4000 and the 1.6 is good for 85kW at 6000rpm and 155Nm at 4000.
While I can't vouch for their capability at Reef altitudes, both engines provided acceptable performance on our coastal launch route around the Western Cape peninsula. However the 1.4 did not feel very willing to rev - our unit even had a flat spot around 3000rpm - and its power band is rather too high up in the rev range. The 1.6 felt somewhat more flexible and satisfying all round.
Another thing the Sonic's agro styling doesn't prepare one for is the softly sprung suspension. It soaks up the bumps extremely well and provides a comfortable ride on virtually any tar surface. The road holding and steering are not particularly sporty, however, although it feels safe and predictable. It grips well too and body roll is minimal.
The Sonic, then, is a comfortable car but it's not as much fun to throw around corners as a Fiesta, in my opinion.
The Sonic also lacks the upmarket interior ambience offered by that aforementioned rival and the VW Polo. Granted, there is still a feeling of quality and the cabin is well built and easy on the eye. Interior space is rather decent - even the rear quarters offer ample head and leg room for an average sized adult. The Sonic would need softer and more supportive seats before I called it very comfortable though.
All models come in 'LS' guise, which ensures all the basic amenities like air conditioning, electric mirrors and windows (front), CD/MP3/Aux sound system, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, front and side airbags and ABS brakes. 15-inch alloy wheels are also standard. You can also opt for a 'comfort pack' that adds cruise control, steering wheel controls, Bluetooth and a USB port.
The first Sonics are set to reach dealerships at the beginning of December. Exact prices are not yet finalised but according to GM's estimates you can expect to pay around R156 000 for the 1.4 LS and R170 000 for the 1.6 LS.
A four-door sedan model and a diesel-powered hatchback (1.3, 70kW) are on the cards for early next year.
Personally, I feel GM should have discontinued the Aveo and sold the Sonic at a lower price point. Yes, it's a very competent and likeable car in most respects, but it doesn't feel as premium as a Polo or as sporty as a Fiesta and GM should have given it a bigger price advantage over these already-overpriced rivals.
Sure - Sonic's nice, but it needs a better price.