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2018 Chevrolet Sonic Sedan 2018 Chevrolet Sonic Sedan

2018 Chevrolet Sonic Sedan

The Sonic is Chevrolet's entry into the popular subcompact segment. Available as both a sedan and a hatchback, it offers a refined cabin and surprisingly good driving dynamics.

The Sonic four-door sedan is identical to the five-door hatchback from the front bumpers to the B-pillar. Beyond that, the sedan gains a sleek silhouette and a noticeably longer rear overhang.

Recent changes

A new Fun and Sun package bundles upgraded 17-inch wheels (like the RS package), the 1.4L turbo engine and a sunroof.

Life aboard

The Sonic's dashboard is noticeably inspired by the larger Cruze. It features buttons for the climate control and the radio, square and circular air vents and a storage compartment on top of the center console. The instrument cluster consists of an analog tachometer and a digital speedometer that also includes a fuel gauge and several warning lights.

The Sonic is available with Chevrolet's MyLink infotainment system, which combines entertainment and Bluetooth-based connectivity functions into a single seven-inch touchscreen mounted on the dashboard. The setup enables hands-free phone calls, streaming audio via Pandora radio and Stitcher SmartRadio, and navigation through a downloadable BringGo app.

OnStar with 4G LTE and Wi-Fi capability comes standard.

The Sonic also offers Apple's Siri Eyes Free integration, which works through MyLink. The Eyes Free system uses the vehicle's steering wheel-mounted controls to access the Siri function of any iPhone equipped with iOS6. Once linked, the driver can use voice commands to make phone calls, play songs from iTunes, listen and compose text messages and add appointments to his or her calendar. The iPhone's screen remains blank while in Eyes Free mode in order to minimize distractions.

Under the hood

The Sonic's powertrains were all borrowed directly from the larger Cruze. The base engine is a 1.8-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder that makes 138 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque. Sonics equipped with this engine return 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg highway with a five-speed manual transmission, or 25 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway with a six-speed automatic.

The 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder makes 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft. of torque. It returns 29 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway when linked to a six-speed manual transmission, or 27 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway when bolted to an optional six-speed automatic.

The 1.4-liter four-banger is standard on LTZ models and optional on most other trim levels.

Trim level breakdown

The trim levels start with the base LS, followed by the LT and the upmarket LTZ. The sporty RS offered on the hatchback is not available on the sedan.

The LS comes standard with the 1.8-liter engine and a five-speed manual transmission, along with 15-inch alloy wheels, OnStar with six months of free turn-by-turn navigation, air conditioning, power locks, keyless entry, Bluetooth connectivity and a tilt and telescoping multi-function three-spoke steering wheel.

Buyers who opt for the LT trim gain Chevrolet's MyLink infotainment system, SiriusXM satellite radio, power windows with one-touch auto up/down on the driver side, premium cloth trim, rear floor mats, power-adjustable mirrors and a rear-view camera. 16-inch alloy wheels help give the car a more premium look, and cars equipped with an automatic transmission come with a remote start.

Equipped with the 1.4-liter turbo four, the LTZ trim takes all of the aforementioned equipment and either adds to or replace it with perforated leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an upgraded stereo with an auxiliary input jack, cruise control, fog lamps and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Occupant Safety

All Sonic models come standard with an impressive array of airbags, including dual front, front knee, front side, rear side and full-length side curtain airbags. Traction and stability control systems are also included.

The optional advanced safety package adds Forward Collision Alert and a Lane Departure warning system. It is available on all trim levels except the base model.

Key Competitors

The Sonic Sedan faces competition from a strong set of rivals in the subcompact segment, including the Ford Fiesta Sedan, the Scion iA, and the Kia Rio. Price-conscious buyers can also consider the Nissan Versa.

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