Nonetheless, the Sonic is designed for someone who carries a lot of little things and is fashion-forward enough to accept that cargo pants are over. On both sides of the telematics screen, you’ll find cubbyholes large enough to store some CDs, maybe gum, other keys, phones and so on. There’s also a smaller but extra glove compartment above the regular one. Within it there’s an upper tray that would accommodate a pen and tire pressure gauge (though the overall price includes a computerized tire-pressure monitoring system) beside the USB port. Atop the dashboard, formed into the plastics, there’s a shallow tray for change, tokens, ammunition, and so on.
   2013 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ 5-Door . Click image to enlarge |
Now let’s talk design. The Sonic hatchback stands taller than several other city cars (although not as tall as its otherwise smaller sister, the Chevrolet Spark). So it’s not easy to get into if you have a delicate back but isn’t nearly as challenging as some others.
On profile, it’s an efficient look, capsule-shaped, like a truncated rocket. Its pugnacious stance, accentuated by the rear liftgate spoiler, promises sporty fun – although the drive doesn’t quite deliver. (Take the advice regarding Sport mode and nanny controls off.)
The wing mirrors have a fish-eye bubble for eliminating your blind spot. The design, tiny as it is, takes some getting used to but quickly proves its extra value. The rear door handles are cached flush to the surface of the windows at their top corners, not unlike the Hyundai Veloster.
Inside, the two-tone design of the plastics spilling from the doors into the dash is fluid and attractive. The leatherette seats are cheap looking and feeling but far easier to clean than cloth. That price – again, not cheap for the category – does not include a sunroof.
While on the topic, let’s discuss the extras. The heated exterior mirrors are very useful during a winter like the one we had. Same goes for remote start. It’s strange that more manufacturers don’t offer this and heated steering wheels (which the Sonic LTZ did not have). In a wintery country you get to really appreciate these.
   2013 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ 5-Door . Click image to enlarge |
This tester came with six months of OnStar service, which some people love. Others, like me, are indifferent. It also included three months of XM Radio. (That’s just enough time to be utterly addicted. You’ll never go back to regular radio again.) The telematics touchscreen is very sensitive but the power and volume controls beneath it couldn’t register my bony fingers’ touch. I had to depress them deeply and for extended periods to operate them. Fortunately you can also control the volume from the tactile leather-wrapped steering wheel. That screen is a part of the $265 MyLink Sound Package, which includes your Bluetooth-streaming and USB connectivity.
If you’re considering this category, you probably don’t have a lot of money and will want to check all the warranties. The Sonic LTZ includes a three-year or 60,0000-km new vehicle warranty; five-year or 160,000-km powertrain component warranty and same term or distance for roadside assistance coverage.
What to read next? Recently this same Sonic model was featured in a comparison article here on autos.ca in which it placed third out of six. This is a very competitive category and price factored into the overall scoring. So don’t write the Sonic LTZ off on price without investigating its value. If you’re in the market for a zippy wee hatchback, check out the City Cars comparison now — and enjoy the introduction.
Pricing: 2013 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ 5-Door Automatic
Base price (LTZ 5-Door Auto): $22,645
Options: MyLink Sound Package includes AM/FM radio with seven-inch colour touchscreen with BlueTooth audio streaming and USB port $265
Freight: $1,500
A/C tax: $100
Price as tested: $24,510
Competitors
Ford Fiesta
Honda Fit
Hyundai Accent
Kia Rio5
Mazda2
Nissan Versa
Toyota Yaris
Crash test results
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
