When it comes to basic transportation, the new Chevrolet Sonic focuses on the primary part. However, a little more study of the model reveals that this subcompact is pretty well-equipped, quiet, and affordable. It is pretty roomy for a small-car class and may come either as a hatchback or as a sedan.

What’s new in the new Chevrolet Sonic?
Chevrolet has replaced the 1.8-liter four-cylinder with the turbocharged 1.4-liter engine for all the new models. Besides that, it has freed itself from the hassles of manual transmission. A six-speed automatic is now the standard for all new Sonic models. Regarding color, two new paint colors for the exterior have been introduced. These are Cayenne Orange Metallic and Oasis Blue.

With turbocharged being the standard for all Sonic models, it is better to opt for the mid-level LT trim. Selecting the hatchback offers extra room for cargo with the back seat folded. Furthermore, the trim comes with cruise control, a six-speaker audio system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and power windows.

Engine, performance, and transmission
As far as the engine is concerned, all Sonic models have only one, that is, the 1.4-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 138 horsepower, which is pretty much adequate for laid-back, everyday driving. The six-speed automatic has replaced the manual transmission, which is perfectly smooth and shifts quickly.

All trim levels have front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is unavailable. The ride is comfortable but not very inspiring when the speed is pumped up. It takes 8.5 seconds to go from zero to 70mph, which sounds slow but is very much on par with its contemporaries. Most importantly, the cabin is hushed, recording 67 decibels at 70mph, beating all its notable rivals.

Real-World MPG and fuel economy
As a lightweight, small car, the new Chevrolet Sonic is less fuel efficient than expected. According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s estimation, the new Chevrolet Sonic will likely return about 34 mpg on the highway, which is much less than its contemporaries having a manual transmission.

Interior, cargo, and comfort
The interior of the new Chevrolet Sonic appears pretty straightforward and practical. The cabin materials appear inexpensive, and the steering wheel can be adjusted only slightly. The hatchback style offers plenty of space at the back for both passengers and cargo, fitting about 16 carry-on luggage. However, the rest of the dimensions are similar to the sedan.

Infotainment and connectivity
The entire Sonic lineup comes with a 7.0-inch infotainment system as standard. It exhibits an intuitive and straightforward interface, with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration. Besides that, there are several USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and a four-speaker sound system. The sound system in the LT and Premier models can have six speakers along with a SiriusXM satellite radio.

Safety and driver-assistance features
The National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) has given a five-star rating to both the hatchback and sedan options of the Chevy Sonic. It missed the Top Safety Pick award because of its limitations in terms of driver-assistance features. The chief safety features available in a Sonic include:
Lane-departure warning
Forward-collision warning
Rear parking sensors

The bottom line
As far as consumer reviews are concerned, the new Chevrolet Sonic stands as one of the top-ranking subcompact cars. The driving dynamics are fun, with plenty of room for cargo and passengers. Besides that, the infotainment and connectivity controls are user-friendly. If a lavish cabin and fuel efficiency are not one’s priority, then the Chevrolet Sonic is very much a profitable venture.