The Chevy Sonic is back for 2013! What is the buzz with this
bad boy? Let’s take a look!
What's New for 2013
The Chevy Sonic gets some pretty good additions for 2013. First,
it adds a new performance-based model to its lineup in the form of the RS
model. Also all models get standard blind-spot mirrors plus Bluetooth phone
connectivity that comes along with the option of loading up your Sonic with
Chevrolet’s MyLink touch screen infotainment system, Bluetooth streaming audio,
a navigation app and other smartphone services.
Styling
The 2013 Chevrolet Sonic is a car that really does have it
all. It's powerful, efficient, loaded with features and its safe too! To top it
all off, the 2013 Chevy Sonic looks good too. It’s a car that has a little bit
of everything.
The 2013 Chevy Sonic is available as a sedan or four-door
hatchback. Aside from its comfort and performance the 2013 Sonic is equipped
with high-tech features that you normally wouldn't expect at this price point. For
example, the base Sonic trim comes standard equipped with Bluetooth, automatic
headlights and OnStar. Also for 2013, Drivers can equip their Sonic with Chevy's
new MyLink system that adds many smartphone app-based services to the car's
other infotainment features and controls them all with a touchscreen.
Another new addition for 2013 is the aforementioned Sonic
RS, a performance-tuned model that comes in the form of a hatchback. This bad
boy comes standard equipped with the powerful and fuel-efficient turbocharged
four-cylinder engine that Chevy offers on the LT and LTZ trim levels, but takes
it a step further by adding upgraded brakes, a sport-tuned suspension, and
sportier styling.
Trims
The 2013 Chevrolet Sonic is available as either a four-door
sedan or a hatchback. Both models are available in three trims: LS, LT and LTZ
trim levels. The Hatchback adds the sport-tuned RS model.
The 2013 Sonic LS includes standard keyless entry, automatic
headlights, power locks, 15-inch steel wheels, an integrated blind-spot mirror,
a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth
phone connectivity, OnStar, a trip computer and a four-speaker sound system
with an auxiliary audio jack and steering wheel controls.
The LT has the above mentioned features and adds 15-inch
alloy wheels, power windows, heated power mirrors, cruise control, remote
ignition for automatic models, upgraded cloth upholstery and a six-speaker
sound system that is available as an option on the LS that adds satellite radio,
a CD player, Bluetooth streaming audio, and an iPod/USB audio interface. The
hatchback also gets a rear cargo shelf. The LT model also has an available
Wheels and fog lamp package that adds 16-inch alloys and fog lamps to your
Sonic.
The Sonic LTZ is equipped with a chrome exterior, fog lamps,
17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leatherette
upholstery, and the Chevrolet MyLink system that adds a touchscreen interface
and connectivity to Pandora and Stitcher radio services through your
smartphone.
The Sonic RS gets all the LTZ equipment but comes standard equipped
with the above mentioned turbocharged engine, a sport-tuned suspension, four-wheel
disc brakes, unique 17-inch wheels, sportier exterior trim, leather and
faux-suede upholstery and a sport steering wheel.
Those who opt for the LTZ and RS trims will also have the
option of installing a sunroof in their sonic.
Interior Design and
Special Features
The great thing about the Sonic's cabin is that it is roomy
enough to fit passengers over 6 feet and very comfortable to boot. One
improvement we would suggest for next year is make the interior design a little
nicer, however for the price tag of this vehicle it would be hard to imagine a more
refined interior without increasing costs. However, we can always hope!
The 2013 Sonic offers 19 cubic feet of cargo space. However
with the second-row seat flipped down, the Sonic’s cargo capacity increases to 30.9
cubic feet. While this figure is a little smaller than some competitors, the
sedan's trunk accommodates 14 cubic feet of luggage, making it among the
roomiest in this segment.
The best part of the interior, which in my opinion is
something that every Sonic owner should equip, is the available MyLink system. This
bad boy replaces the already cool standard head unit with a touchscreen that
provides a more advanced and customizable interface. To top it off, Chevy’s
MyLink uses the car's Bluetooth system to connect the car via the driver's
smartphone to services like Pandora, Stitcher radio and a navigation system
app.
Under the Hood
The 2013 Chevy Sonic’s standard equipped 1.8-liter
four-cylinder engine produces 138 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. This
engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission that includes a hill-holder
feature. A six-speed automatic transmission is offered as an option. The
standard engine for the Sonic gets an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 25 mpg
city/35 mpg highway and 28 mpg combined for the automatic and 26/35/30 for the
manual transmission.
The turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder produces 138 hp as
well, but adds power to your Sonic by producing 148 lbs-ft of torque and can be
mated to the above name transmissions. One cool tidbit about the performance
based engine is that it adds power while actually INCREASING fuel economy. Fuel
economy estimates for the turbocharged engine are 27/37/31 with the automatic transmission
and 29/40/33 with the manual.
Safety
Every 2013 Chevy Sonic comes standard with the following
safety features: integrated blind spot mirrors, front and rear side airbags,
side curtain airbags and front knee airbags, and traction and stability control.
One difference between the trims is that the LS, LT and LTZ feature antilock
brakes with front discs and rear drums, while the RS has discs all around.
Also standard for every trim is OnStar, which equips your
Sonic with on-demand roadside assistance, an emergency button, remote door
unlock, automatic crash notification, stolen vehicle locator and active
intervention.
The 2013 Sonic did very well on government tests, receiving a
perfect five stars for overall protection, with five stars for overall frontal
protection and five stars for overall side protection. The Sonic also received
a top score of "Good" in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's
frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength crash tests.
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