LS Manual 4dr Sedan
2016 Chevrolet Sonic

Subcompacts can be ordinary, or they can be fun. Introduced for 2010, the Chevrolet Sonic hatchback and sedan might swing either way, depending on the engine chosen. With a turbocharged four-cylinder beneath the hood, the Sonic is fun to drive and it's economical to own. Choose the larger base engine, and the pleasure tends to fade away.

After five years on the market with little change, not much is new for 2016. Beyond three new colors, the 2016 Sonic LTZ now comes standard with an automatic transmission, while the midlevel Sonic LT adds Chevrolet MyLink infotainment.

Both the base 1.8-liter four and the 1.4-liter turbo make 138 horsepower, but that's where the similarity ends. Optional for upper trim levels, the smaller, more efficient turbo delivers significantly quicker acceleration as well as greater fuel economy, plus a more agreeable, spirited driving experience. Manual gearboxes are available: five speeds with the base engine, six for the turbo. A 6-speed automatic is offered with either engine, and is standard on the LTZ.

Appealing to the eye and comfortable for the body, Sonic has earned good safety ratings. Last year, it was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives it five stars, overall and on all tests except rollover (where it got four stars). Ten airbags are standard. So are blind-spot warning mirrors.

Even the least-costly Sonic LS has air, keyless entry, and OnStar 4G LTE connectivity. Noise suppression is effective, and the turbo-engine models, at least, are quiet all-around.

Hatchback and sedan body styles share wheelbase, front-end styling, and front doors; but aft of the center pillar, they're far different. Particularly well-proportioned, the hatchback has a sportier demeanor with its snipped-short rear and longer front overhangs. Each body style avoids the boxy econocar look that has characterized many small cars.

Competition is stronger today than it was when the first Sonics appeared, now led by such mini-dimensioned cars as Honda's recently redesigned Fit and the upgraded Ford Fiesta. Even though fuel-efficiency isn't as much of an issue as it was a couple of years back, Sonic hatchbacks and sedans are still strong contenders.
Full Review

Subcompacts can be ordinary, or they can be fun. Introduced for 2010, the Chevrolet Sonic hatchback and sedan might swing either way, depending on the engine chosen. With a turbocharged four-cylinder beneath the hood, the Sonic is fun to drive and it's economical to own. Choose the larger base engine, and the pleasure tends to fade away.

After five years on the market with little change, not much is new for 2016. Beyond three new colors, the 2016 Sonic LTZ now comes standard with an automatic transmission, while the midlevel Sonic LT adds Chevrolet MyLink infotainment.

Both the base 1.8-liter four and the 1.4-liter turbo make 138 horsepower, but that's where the similarity ends. Optional for upper trim levels, the smaller, more efficient turbo delivers significantly quicker acceleration as well as greater fuel economy, plus a more agreeable, spirited driving experience. Manual gearboxes are available: five speeds with the base engine, six for the turbo. A 6-speed automatic is offered with either engine, and is standard on the LTZ.

Appealing to the eye and comfortable for the body, Sonic has earned good safety ratings. Last year, it was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives it five stars, overall and on all tests except rollover (where it got four stars). Ten airbags are standard. So are blind-spot warning mirrors.

Even the least-costly Sonic LS has air, keyless entry, and OnStar 4G LTE connectivity. Noise suppression is effective, and the turbo-engine models, at least, are quiet all-around.

Hatchback and sedan body styles share wheelbase, front-end styling, and front doors; but aft of the center pillar, they're far different. Particularly well-proportioned, the hatchback has a sportier demeanor with its snipped-short rear and longer front overhangs. Each body style avoids the boxy econocar look that has characterized many small cars.

Competition is stronger today than it was when the first Sonics appeared, now led by such mini-dimensioned cars as Honda's recently redesigned Fit and the upgraded Ford Fiesta. Even though fuel-efficiency isn't as much of an issue as it was a couple of years back, Sonic hatchbacks and sedans are still strong contenders.
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Retail Price

$14,345 MSRP / Window Sticker Price
Engine 1.8L I-4
MPG 26 City / 35 Hwy
Seating 5 Passengers
Transmission 5-spd man w/OD
Power 138 @ 6300 rpm
Drivetrain front-wheel
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