2012 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ Turbo

Generations have grown up trained to shop the import brands for a good subcompact car. Sonic is out to make waves in the segment and change that kind of thinking. Tom Voelk takes a look at a turbo LTZ model.

[@Seitzy411]

TO be honest, this guy is a better than most American car reviewers.

[@ckraynor1214]

I own the 5-door LT 1.4T and while the 0-60 in 8 seconds sound slow, off the line it gets excellent acceleration. I'm definitely looking forward to upgrading mine.

[@eric62backstrom]

So, did you upgrade yours?

[@williamperri3437]

@@eric62backstrom right?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

That's the beauty of turbocharging.

[@kevinbaughman5042]

I own one of these (Sedan). The Gas Milage is legit. I drove about 55 mph for a few hours the other day across the state and averaged 42 mpg.

[@tuanh_duong]

Kevin Baughman the turbo hasn’t given you any troubles?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

@ilovecars1996 Here's why- Horsepower isn't everything and on top of that, peak hp can happen in different parts of the power band. In the case of the turbo, peak horsepower happens in the lower rpm range so there's better accessibility. The there's torque. As you might guess, the turbo engine has more of it and the sweet spot happens at a lower rev range. In short, the power is delivered earlier and there's more torque, making the whole experience much more fun. And fun is good.

[@knack0125]

Its on their website now, you can order the 1.4T with the 6speed automatic.

[@TEAMIMPORTKILLER]

I got the 2013 LTZ hatch. I really enjoy the car a lot.

[@Trance88]

I love how you mention Sonic the hedgehog. I'd love to get a Chevy Sonic in blue!

[@tvnyt154]

Yes, it's right next to the state of Canada.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

@denisrenelara I don't mention every feature in every review since they would become half hour mini-documentaries. The written reviews on my web site are more thorough.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

@denisrenelara There was a recall to check if a brake pad was missing (it was discovered that a Sonic in a rental fleet was missing one). I'll talk to the GM folks to see if any actually were missing, or not found as the case may be.

[@TomsChevelle]

Its interesting that the horsepower of the turbo model comes in at almost 2000 RPM lower than the non-turbo model.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

If not now, I believe it is coming.

[@schmo7777]

Haha torque steer from 148 torque!? I had 320 in cobalt Turbo tune. Was bad under wot in passing. This thing looks like fun economy.

[@Briggleton]

i really like how it looks in white

[@djmhyde]

Chevy Sonic Turbo? nice way to rolling around at the speed of sound

[@bonbonturtleneck8931]

I've got an lt turbo and it's simply great. It's beautiful. It's got an inferno orange paint with the black rims and the chevy sign is black too. One problem is it's a very low car plus mine has a front air dam that of the front bumper which brings the car maybe an inch off the road but it's made of rubbery plastic so I don't need to worry about it

[@ashleypaigeb09]

Can't wait to get me a Sonic LTZ in automatic! It's so cute and gas mileage is decent! :-) haven't decided what color yet Orange or white !!

[@modmatt1]

No covered storage means no arm rest (didn't see a flip down one either) for the right arm/elbow - would miss that confort feature. I do love the fact that you can get a 6sp. manual, but you need the high end turbo model to get it? If they put the right packing together (look at how Ford does it with their models) it could be a real winner, but choosing preferable options, it can bump the price up to compete with larger and higher end models i.e. Focus SE..

[@DrivenCarReviews]

It's inexpensive because there's less content or performance. At 19k Toyota even eliminates the split rear seat, you have to go up a model (and $1k) to get it, cruise control, and a cargo cover. Entune starts at the $21.600 model, alloys at 23k. The Chevy has alloy wheels, plus better performance, interior materials, and handling. The c has better fuel economy. Buyers need to prioritize. BTW, I like the olive branch Andre just extended. Peace out.

[@peacefrog0521]

Thanks Tom for another enjoyable review. Thanks for being "Driven" and for not trying to be "Top Gear".

[@modmatt1]

Nevermind about the arm rest. 2nd time through viewing I saw it very briefly. Nice and detailed review!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

@noahsb9 A new GoPro yes, the Hero2 which looks MUCH better. My main cam is still my trusty Sony.

[@DarkLinkAD]

And the sonic allready has Trifecta aftermarket available for a Chevy cruze eco mpg tune(Same engine/tranny) and tune for power up to a 14.5 1/4 mile.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Have you been reading your posts?

[@dumpsterj]

I drive 20 hwy miles and 10 city miles 2 x a day . I couldnt see doing it in the prius c after driving it. I been very happy with my fuel economy in mine. I got 38.4 all winter , so far this summer im getting 36.7 due to more traffic making me change pace. Ive heard the onboard meter is optimistic , however , onstar has me at 37mpg avg overall and it logs fuel used / mileage . Its a great car.

[@MonteOlsen]

Though, and may never buy another GM car or truck. The company simply doesn't back up/support it's products. Still, I think your reviews are among the best on the web.

[@mikeg2810]

im lookin to get a sonic in about a month, turbo 6-spd of course, but i cannot decide between the hatchback or sedan!

[@georgeargyris7834]

..i own the aveo diesel since 12/2012.Its dependable car no problems except one, repaired for 50 euros. No electrical no other faults.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

The base Veloster is more in the 10 sec 0-60 range according to Hyundai. Are you thinking of the turbo in the 7 sec range? Also, Sonic's turbo is smaller than the base Veloster engine. Reviewers describe Sonic as quick because the turbo give it lots of low end torque, making it very responsive off the line. Sometimes the sensation is more important than the numbers. I don't think Veloster and Sonic play to the same demo. Sonic buyers need to haul four. Veloster doesn't do that very well.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

@n2dzd Motor Trend also picked the Chevy Caprice in 1991, the American Motors Alliance in 1983 and the Mustang II in 1974 as COTY. I could go on. I don't make accusations like that lightly. I have friends who owned Monzas, Vegas, Cavaliers and Chevettes. I know their pain.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

@peacefrog0521 Great. Now what am I going to do with that white Stig suit I just bought...

[@camaroman101]

@JAYFROMHARLEM if people want more hp they can always just get a tune, there's one out for the 1.4L already that boosts the hp to 180 at the flywheel

[@DrivenCarReviews]

TV producer and photographer. These reviews run on my station in short form.

[@JAYFROMHARLEM]

The RS should have at least 20 more horses under the hood. Great looking little car. Love the front, but the back not so much. Overall GM did a great job with the Sonic. WRX Owner

[@CoffeyBrew]

Will the RS have the automatic transmission as an option?

[@balkenkreuz2063]

This review tilted the balance in favor of this car. I was deciding between the Rio and the Sonic. Sonic LT Turbo with manual transmission won. :)

[@kairolewis1372]

dont know if you guys cares but if you are stoned like me atm then you can watch pretty much all the new series on InstaFlixxer. Been streaming with my girlfriend recently :)

[@jamesbrycen7977]

@Kairo Lewis Yea, been watching on instaflixxer for since november myself :D

[@BeeABaw]

hows the clutch on the car? Iv heard that it disengages to high up the petal, is it something that can be annoying or lived with? im a tall guy and i don't want my knee knocking the steering wheel every time I let go of the clutch.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I believe that has changed since I did this review.

[@southshore74]

Alright Tom which one would you buy, Sonic Hatch, Fiesta Hatch or Rio Hatch

[@Sanpedranoazul]

From the back looks like a mini R-Class Mercedes, pretty good!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

First, I would go out and drive them all again to refresh my memory because that's how close they all are these days. Then I would decide. I might lean toward the Chevy...

[@DrivenCarReviews]

@denisrenelara I don't recomend cars but I encourage research and test drives. There's more going on than price and Bluetooth. The c is optimized for fuel economy, Sonic is much more fun to drive with noticably better handling and acceleration. You really have to test drive them and find out which you prefer. They are quite different once you get past the similar size. Best of luck!

[@weedmastersr]

The RS looks yummy !

[@dumpsterj]

i own a sonic ltz turbo 6 speed , you have to drive one to get it , its fun quiet and well insulated from the road compared to similar cars. I drove the prius c , its literally the engine with a shell . It feels really cheap. My friend has a prius 3 , much much better than the c , but also much more expensive. I also drove the elantra , focus , accent , fit , and insight. I chose the sonic. Its such a fun car to drive but comfortable like bigger car. I dont know how they did it.

[@ildrichaseron]

I've tested the Sonic, Fiesta, Fit, Accent, Rio, Mazda2, Versa and Yaris and I managed to narrow it down between Sonic vs. Accent. I seem to be really stuck between those two. :/

[@mx5hong]

Did you check your's if all the brake pads were installed? And yeah, Motoweek also had issues with the clutch engagement. If I was shopping in the B-segment category, it's the Honda Fit or the Sonic turbo. I like the kia Rio 5 but the manual trans. is only on the base model. The false floor is a great touch so the cargo area is flat with the seats folded. More manufacturers should look into it. Oh, does the radio text display autoscroll in ipod mode?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

@denisrenelara I'm glad you see the humor in that. I nearly didn't send it.

[@treywarden184]

The Veloster actually has more interior room than the sonic in EVERY category but rear head room, and even then its less than a 3" difference. The Veloster has a 3rd door to help with the easy of passengers getting in and out. The Base veloster has a 0-60 time of around 9 seconds. The Sonic and Veloster share the same exact market.

[@discerningmind]

An excellent and realistic review! How refreshing!

[@juukame]

very nice review as always. seeing compact cars like these always puts a smile on my face for whatever reason. I wouldn't want one though, well i think i could make an exception for the ford fiesta

[@flipfloplogic]

Why does it get 40 mpg hwy here in the U.S. but the euro version gets 67 mpg hwy? I'm certain I saw a video minutes ago from the U.K. stating the sonic gets 67.3 mpg.

[@cloudchaser907]

Is this a summit white or Olympic white?

[@aukent]

IMO.. when clean the white chevy sonic is the best looking.. and im not being biased just because i have one lol... its fun to drive and peppy even though i have the 1.8L engine. one complaint is that there is an air pocket from the hatch spoiler down the trunk lid.. any owner will understand when theyre driving down a dirt road and youre hatch lid is caked in dirt... hopefully might invest in a rear splitter... great car, great fuel economy, fun to drive.

[@oldschool1928]

GM hits the bulls eye with this car. I haven't seen happen that since the....VEGA. :)

[@SpitCobra]

Just curious, what are you averaging in MPG? I am assuming you have an automatic. I want to pick this car but I want to know if it is worth ditching the turbo manual (and higher MPG) for the convenient automatic (crowded streets here!). Other competition has better MPG but I still gravitate to this. It would be a hands down choice if Chevy could squeeze a few more MPG out of the 1.8 L.

[@zacktittle7165]

Michigan is a country?

[@ilovecars1996]

they do this in the cruze too, what's the point of having a turbo and non turbo that make the same amount of power?

[@hawkdsh]

Anyhow, most cars these days are really "world" cars. Might have components from the U.S, Japan, China, Canada, Europe, and Mexico. My 09 Solstice has an Aisin transmission in it, as does the Colorado / Canyon pickup.

[@andyshipman4384]

Those Colorado/Canyon trucks are just Isuzu’s. Same as the duramax engines

[@noahsb9]

Did you get a new camera?

[@Dankcatvacs]

i love this car but whats the point of the 1.8? turbo or bust!

[@famidge2]

So you can't get an automatic transmission in a turbo model?

[@xFReSHeReST]

@denisrenelara at least for now, you cant pair a 1.4 turbo with the auto trans. only the 6 speed manual.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Andre Luiz Agra apologized to you, thats all. I suggest looking at the full sized Prius, even if you go with a very base model it's a much better car than the c in my humble opinion.

[@houshidar558]

Sonic like the aveo has a heavy flywheel so if you rev it high and press the clutch to shift the engine stilo growls with the clutch in.

[@peacefrog0521]

Greetings from The People's Republic of Michigan.

[@nicobass97]

yes

[@Sswineamer69]

How much do the rims cost? I have caps on my stock Sonic.

[@TheSharingan123]

does the rear seats have more room than in the toyota yaris?

[@TheAdventureAuto]

Every reviewer calls the base Veloster slow at 8.6 seconds to 60, while this cars 8.5s is "quick?" They're both aimed at a similar audiences so I don't get it. Chevy just needs a turbo to get same mpg's with same power that Hyundai can get from a N/A.

[@Q60Mar]

What Do You Do With All Of That Bath Tissue????

[@vaajchang]

w/ turbo u get more useable torque, but more maintenence, higher compression, likely more gasket problems, and less longevity-which isnt the reason why buyers are looking at practical efficient cars in the first place.

[@aparchedwarlus]

Really liked this review!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Talk to my day job boss about that, okay? I'm getting them out as quickly as possible. Like in about 10 minutes...

[@bakirdawood]

Hi I'm still waiting for the cayenne GTS

[@rainmaker_superb]

Great review as always!

[@OneOfaKind949]

The big question is... will it be reliable? Will it last longer then 300 K miles, like a Honda does?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

@skoshy Couldn't get him out of bed.

[@hartsickdisciple]

This is a pretty cool little car. I think you can get a Mazda3 Skyactive for maybe a grand more though. They're quicker and sportier, and the gas mileage is comparable.

[@OneOfaKind949]

Really curious if they made this car as reliable as the Japanese imports.

[@zuti071]

1.3 DIESEL with 95HP is just fine,but it seems this engine in US is not available!?

[@JOKBO1]

great!

[@drguffey]

Yo! Folks. I remember when the Toyota Corona bragged in it's advertising it could go 0-60 in 15 seconds flat!! My first car would have lost a drag race. 8.5 sec to 60 ain't bad for a old timer like me.

[@MonteOlsen]

Another terrific review. I have had with GM customer service, thou

[@1209MArky]

they dont make a turbo in automatic?

[@Brawer23]

yes you can

[@chriswf]

Weird usually GM releases their automatics first, like their Camaros I believe.

[@bolshevik6]

why does GM think that adding chrome all over the interior make it look less cheap? it makes it look tacky as hell

[@phuturephunk]

I really like the lines, but I'd love to have something putting out around 180HP and a comparable amount of torque. Then again, that'd probably push the sticker to around 24K or around that.

[@cLhArRiAsta]

yes.

[@TheCaptainTim]

if a sonic and a C roll up next to each other (assuming both automatic) the sonic will blast the C. the problem with prius' is that those batteries needed to run the electric motor make the car heavy and sluggish. and speaking from experience going around a tight corner in the sonic brings out my inner 6 year old. id go with the sonic LT model. you get all the electric gizmos except heated seats and you have to settle with the larger engine. but overall it is a fantastic car.

[@sammers213]

can you do a review on the chevy spark please :)

[@Jaydee254]

its because of the turbo, the 1.8 is N/A

[@simracr94]

GM should throw the 2 liter turbo diesel from the cruze into the sonic, now THAT would be sweet!

[@jccoello]

4:05 ouch! that sound was a deal breaker for me! that's a too damn low car! :o

[@Macsk8ing]

Digital odometers are my thing

[@TheAdventureAuto]

Sounds like biased opinions to me. Veloster hauls 4 with ease, and doesn't do 0-60 in 10 range. That's the old accent range. Veloster is tested at 8.6-9.0 range with turbo in high 6 second. I hate when people don't do their research either.

[@MrABC1093]

I own one, best car I ever bought and by the way they're wrong. I bought a turbo with a 6 speed manual transmission and you can buy it with automatic.

[@Seitzy411]

Also, waiting for an SS version.

[@64gravely]

Why would you want an automatic in a car like this?