The fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive Chevrolet Sonic is proving to be a particularly sound choice for small-car buyers, helping Chevy become America’s No. 1 passenger-car brand in 2011. That makes perfect sense, too, since the Sonic offers a particularly wide range of advantages, like two body styles, EPA ratings of up to 40 mpg highway, 10 standard airbags and two available engine choices, including a 138-hp turbocharged I4. In fact, just about the only thing missing was an advanced six-speed automatic transmission for that high-performance, high-efficiency engine—until now.
The newly available power train combination helps the Sonic dash from 0-60 in about eight seconds, and it will return EPA fuel-economy marks of 27 mpg city/37 mpg highway. Chevrolet Dealers Charlotte said that both marks compare favorably with the performance of the turbocharged Sonic matched with its six-speed DIY gearbox, capable of posting an EPA line of 29 mpg city/40 mpg highway, along with 0-60 times as low as 7.8 seconds—quicker than comparable models of the Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit or Hyundai Accent.
“Providing the option of a turbocharged engine to our non-stick driving Chevy customers allows us to offer everyone the thrill and power of a fuel-efficient Ecotec 1.4L power plant,” said Jim Danahy, vehicle line director and vehicle chief engineer for North American small cars. “Both in the Sonic and Cruze, the engine enables better fuel economy without sacrificing power or performance. It’s really a winning combination.”
And remember, Chevrolet will soon have another super Sonic ready for customers as well: The driver-oriented Sonic RS, boasting aggressive style upgrades, the Chevy MyLink infotainment system and a retuned suspension for improving driving dynamics, is slated to go on sale later this year at Milwaukee Chevrolet Dealer and a dealer near you.
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