After living with the 2012 Chevy Sonic LTZ Turbo 5-door hatch, GM Authority gives the car humble approval and recommendation. The little Chevy impressed us with its styling and handling characteristics, though it’s not perfect. And since it’s a new model we can expect some things to come in the future. These include a sportier RS model, and Chevy MyLink for the 2013 model year (also in the RS model). But the list below brings up elements that have so far not been announced, and we feel it would be a great idea to address them.
- A roof rack: To give the Sonic more appeal, it should be as versatile as possible. Since Americans aren’t getting the Cruze hatch or wagon (at least anytime soon), the Sonic is the only choice for the frugal utilitarian in the Chevy lineup. Therefore, it needs to be as versatile as possible. For that, a roof rack is an absolute necessity.
- An “Eco” model: While the Sonic Turbo is rated at 29 mpg in the city and 40 on the highway with its turbocharged 1.4L Ecotec engine and its six-speed manual transmission, real world testing resulted in a lower-than-expected 32 mpg average. Maybe a diesel model would get that mileage number up…
- A performance model: Yes, one of the Sonic Turbo’s strong points is its handling capabilities, and the RS model looks to build on that with sportier gearing ratios, a beefed-up suspension and rear disc brakes, but doesn’t go further than that. The 192-horsepower powertrain featured in the Opel/Vauxhall Corsa OPC/VXR would suffice. And Ford’s SVT/ST camp would stop laughing.
- A sound system upgrade: The first thing we would do if we bought ourselves a Sonic would be to take it to the nearest aftermarket audio system retailer, and swap out the factory sound system. And while some sort of Sonic Boom concept-inspired variant has been rumored, we have no idea what to expect. We don’t need a pair of bass cannons taking up space in the trunk, we just want something better than the stock setup.
- An instantaneous fuel economy reader: It may sound minor, but every car should come with one of these in the trip computer. It would not only help the driver operate the Sonic more efficiently, but it will also inform the driver how the car is sipping from its fuel tank at cruising speeds. Always a handy feature.
Hopefully General Motors is listening, we are Millennials, after all. Is there anything we missed? Add on to the list in the comments below!
Comments
I agree about all cars should have the inst. fuel economy/usage. Not like it’s hard the OBD-II is set up to dish out that info. I had to get a ScanGauge for my Mazda6 (2007) because it was driving me nuts not have the same/any of the readout features as the Driver Info Center in my CTS (2006)
A real gauge cluster as apposed to the silly one in the car now
I’d keep the gauges, just give them a cowl.
Real leather as an option instead of leatherette, and some sort of LED lights like the Ford Fiesta has, maybe make the RS have them instead of just some lame different looking fog lights. And improve the unimpressive 35 mpg for the automatic transmission.
Remember, the more you ask for, the higher the price will be! It is what it is…a low cost, great bang for your buck, fun to drive car. Lets keep it that way (affordable).
Will any of these features add more than $50 in manufacturing? Probably not.
Heck, the instant MPG is a software update. The rest would contribute to a fatter profit margin per vehicle, as they would be sold for a premium to the dealer and then to the consumer (roof rack, ECO and performance variants). Most of the sales volume will still reside with the “normal” Sonic, but those who want more will have choice in this excellent Chevy… rather than looking at the competition.
You forgot the LFX.
The LFX won’t cut it. I think an LSA would be right at home, especially since all that power will be used effectively and efficiently by the front wheels.
That may be unbalanced. What we really need is AWD with an LS9 for the front wheels and a second LS9 for the rear wheels.
If you are worried about the mileage just use a Duramax at each end.
Just as long as there is a urea system…
There are so many things I’d like to see but I’ll mention just one — a folding front passenger seat. This really extends the cargo area of a small hatch. It might even keep people in the GM family who would otherwise leave for lack of a C-class hatch/wagon.
For those that don’t like the gauge cluster, what do you think of this?
http://www.motortrend.com/photo_gallery/hatchbacks/1110_2012_honda_crz_photo_gallery/photo_25.html
I like the current design, especially if they had it with some chrome trim, but would gladly compromise as long as the digital speed is still available.
Here’s the type of roof rack I’d like to see, but look at what the owner had to do because GM did not go the full length of the roof. (They did it again on the Equinox.)
http://rackattackminneapolis.wordpress.com/2010/06/30/pontiack-attack/
I would switch out the square cross bars for something aerodynamic, but the design at least eases the problem of the sloping roof.
Better stereo, better fuel economy for the 1.8 auto. That’s about it! And a performance model obviously with the 1.6 turbo
push button ignition with proximity key
Do not buy chevy sonic roof racks. Do not be fooled by sales saying the roof rakes work. My girlfriend went back to the dealer to learn to install the roof rakes. The cut into the inside liner. She has just spent 2 hours trying to put them back on and cannot do it. Chevy should not have made roof racks so difficult to install. They are not worth the #300. They cost.
I think they need to make a direct injected version with a non turbo variant of the LHU instead of the LUW.