Sonic 1.6: Zippy, fun to drive

When I drove the Chevrolet Sonic last year, I mentioned that it deserved a more powerful engine to match its character. I was hoping for a turbocharged version of the 1.4-litre block that is offered in the United States, or a larger engine displacement, which would complete the Sonic package, making it a zippy sub-compact that you would enjoy driving. Chevrolet’s PR director had mentioned that I could expect something of that sort at a later phase, and here it is, the Sonic 1.6 which is also E85-capable. 

Most Sonic 1.4 buyers enjoyed tax privileges offered under the government’s populist First Car Buyer Programme that offered cash rebates of up to Bt100,000, but the promotion has already come to an end (as of December 2012). 

The Sonic 1.6, priced at Bt709,000 for the hatchback version, has now become the preferred choice over the 1.4, considering its total value, since it enjoys the E85 tax reduction and also comes with higher equipment level, including the “MyLink” system. “MyLink” is Chevrolet’s latest infotainment system that connects to your smartphone and features a 7-inch high-resolution colour touchscreen as well as Bluetooth and USB connection. 

A Chevrolet official accompanied us motor journos during the test-drive to help explain how the system works. I was driving and a fellow journalist was experimenting with the system, but like a lot of 40-year-olds, the first encounter with a new electronic device is never easy. Nevertheless, we had an expert to help us sort out how to use it (instead of reading the owner’s manual) and finally got to connect to the Internet via a 3G signal and stream music. Apart from listening to the music collection on the phone, we got it to play music from the Internet, something that you can’t do with other cars in this class. 

Another bonus is voice recognition, a feature that is usually offered in more upmarket cars. 

As for driving performance, the increased engine output means that the Sonic is more fun to drive, with the additional 15hp and 25Nm giving it better acceleration over the 1.4 variant. The engine has also been equipped with components featuring improved and hardened materials to handle E85, which contains as much as 85 per cent ethanol. However, the E85 capability may not translate into lower fuel costs, but does give you great flexibility and of course has a lower impact on the environment. Chevrolet says the engine management system is highly flexible, and is capable of altering operational settings such as the fuel-flow rate, ignition timing and spark advance, depending on the type of fuel used (gasoline, E10, E20 or E85). 

You get the same 6-speed gearbox and the “Euro Ride” strut/torsion beam suspension that holds well to the road, while the steering is accurate enough for some fun driving on twisting roads. Apart from motorway driving, we also went through some nice winding roads near the Bangphra Reservoir in Chon Buri. I’ve driven there many a time and there are several nice corners that allowed the Sonic to show off what it’s got when driven into corners at rather high speeds. 

The transmission features manual shift mode, with an up-and-down button on the gearshift lever, which needs some getting used to as you need to press it quite hard. Not my favourite type, though, especially compared to those with a special manual shift gate or paddles/buttons on the steering wheel.

The sporty 205/55 tyres on 16-inch rims also contribute to the sharp handling, but unfortunately the brakes have not been upgraded, with front discs and rear drums being offered – similar to the 1.4. The dimensions are identical as well (4,399x1,735x1,517mm) while the turning circle is approximately 10.6 metres. Everything else is the same, including the superbike theme that is actually one of the selling points of the Sonic. 

The front end is aggressive-looking, although I didn’t fancy the tail lights, which are way too large and give the rear end a strange look (not so for the hatchback but definitely for the sedan version). There are dual front airbags, anti-theft alarm with immobiliser, the ISOFIX childseat restraint, child locks and a rear windshield defogger/wiper. 

As I mentioned earlier, the Sonic 1.6 is definitely a better choice over the 1.4 variant whether in terms of performance, equipment or value-for money, thanks to the E85 capability and a great infotainment system that sets the bar in the subcompact segment.

 

 

 

Chevrolet Sonic 1.6 LTZ hatchback

 

Engine: 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve Double CVC

Displacement: 1,598cc

Bore and stroke: 79.0x81.5

Compression ratio: 10.8:1

Max power: 115hp/6,000rpm

Max torque: 155Nm/4,000rpm

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Ratios: 4.449/2.908/1.893/1.446/1.000/0.742

Suspension (f/r): McPherson strut, coil springs, gas shocks, stabiliser/torsion beam, coil springs, gas shocks

Steering: powered rack-and-pinion

Turning circle: 10.6 metres

Brakes (f/r): vented discs/drums with ABS

 

Dimensions (mm)

Length: 4,039

Width: 1,735

Height: 1,517

Wheelbase: 2,525

Track (f/r): 1,509/1,509

Weight: 1,299kg

Wheels: 16-in alloys

Tyres: 205/55 R16

Fuel tank capacity: 46 litres

Price: Bt709,000

Distributor: Chevrolet Sales Thailand