What class is the 2012 Chevy Sonic gonna compete in?

David Edwards · **Posted:** Mon Jan 09, 2012 5:31 pm

I just picked up a 2012 Chevy Sonic LTZ 1.4 turbo with the 6 speed manual for a fun commuter.

Before all the haters start dogging the car, I suggest you go drive one. I had been shopping for something interesting to commute with and I pretty much disliked everything in the class (honda fit, Mazda 2, mazda3, civic, impreza). A 15 minute test drive was all it took and I bought one.

Anyway, I can't figure out what class this car is gonna compete in. I'm guessing H stock and ST but I can't find any info.

BTW, my 2005 Honda Insight is now for sale. 43k miles, automatic, local 1 owner car, title in hand, all service done at honda, battery pack replaced within last 6 months and still under warranty, tires within last 6 months too, i'm averaging around 50mpg. $10k

JohnByers · **Posted:** Mon Jan 09, 2012 6:30 pm

Kudos on the photo spot!

Enjoy it!

Cash Davidson · **Posted:** Mon Jan 09, 2012 7:38 pm

David, I'm just disappointed that you deprived us of an epic 35-page "What should my next DD/Auto-Xer be?" thread. :sing:

I think it's cool. Can't wait to see it on course!

MarcusMcRae · **Posted:** Mon Jan 09, 2012 7:51 pm

My first thought was who's building that for GM.

Built in the US.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/13/busin ... aking.html

Looks nice!

RodneyWright · **Posted:** Mon Jan 09, 2012 8:20 pm

Cash Davidson wrote:

David, I'm just disappointed that you deprived us of an epic 35-page "What should my next DD/Auto-Xer be?" thread. :sing:

I think it's cool. Can't wait to see it on course!

hey now....

Cash Davidson · **Posted:** Mon Jan 09, 2012 9:37 pm

RodneyWright wrote:

Cash Davidson wrote:

David, I'm just disappointed that you deprived us of an epic 35-page "What should my next DD/Auto-Xer be?" thread. :sing:

I think it's cool. Can't wait to see it on course!

hey now....

Just kidding.

Making sure you're paying attention. :poke:

Andrew Jonell · **Joined:** Mon Mar 23, 2009 6:43 pm **Posts:** 1350

The no brakes class

JamesShort · **Posted:** Mon Jan 09, 2012 9:52 pm

Andrew Jonell wrote:

The no brakes class

CSP?

Ryan Holton · **Posted:** Mon Jan 09, 2012 10:05 pm

JamesShort wrote:

Andrew Jonell wrote:

The no brakes class

CSP?

No, you must have missed the story where the assembly line forgot to put rear brake pads in the calipers.

David, haters gonna hate, don't listen to them. I like those things

JamesShort · **Posted:** Mon Jan 09, 2012 10:11 pm

Yes, I know of the story....it was a ironic jab at Jonnell

.

David Edwards · **Posted:** Mon Jan 09, 2012 11:01 pm

yes yes, haters gotta hate so bring on the soul sucking obama loving anti american union bashing crap....

but please whatever you do, GO DRIVE ONE. Try to make it a Turbo LTZ with the 6 speed manual. The 1.8 NA with the 5spd actually has better throttle response but the turbo feels great. One test drive will have you rethinking your daily driver.

Made in America
-engine USA
-transmission Austria
-Korean content is 20%
-5 year 100k powertrain warranty

I'm averaging close to 35mpg combined with just over 1000 miles. I'm finding it difficult to keep the revs down for a proper break in. It's torquey and fun to shift. It has a huge 3rd gear that pulls from 40mph (2500rpm) to nearly 90mph! This makes tearing up your favorite twisty back road a total hoot.

I bought it using penfed's car buying service. Type in zipcode 20186. That is Vienna, VA. I bought my LTZ turbo 6 speed for a whopping $2100 below invoice on a end of the year special so the dealership could make some sale numbers. They even paid for my train trip to pick it up. Penfed also offers 1.49% for people that prefer to finance. My total out the door was $17k. This was a retail deal and not some special because i'm a dealer.

Honda Fit
tossable but slow. uncomfortable and cheap feeling overall

Honda Civic
overpriced and cheap feeling

Mazda 2
Great chassis but terribly weak,

Mazda 3
Cheap looking interior, awesome handling, this was my choice until a 20 minute test drive revealed the seats hurt my back. I am especially sensitive to cars with much lumbar built in. (ie most any honda, hyundai, or mazda) I prefer toyota, GM, or subaru seats for comfort.

Focus
Wanted to like it. HATE the motorola Razor dash. Came away from a long test drive with a "meh" feeling

2012 Impreza
mixed feelings on that exterior styling, handling was just ok, shifter was just ok (5spd???), mileage is just ok. Came away with another "meh" feeling.

Steven Carter · **Posted:** Mon Jan 09, 2012 11:26 pm

Battery replacement on the Insight after 40k? Yikes. I like the Sonic stats, though. I'll keep it on the list for when the WRX gets traded in (23mpg mixed, primarily city, driving) in a couple years.

Kevin Allen · **Joined:** Thu Aug 28, 2003 6:42 pm **Posts:** 3479

Quote:

One test drive will have you rethinking your daily driver.

No. No, man. Shit, no, man. I believe you'd get your ass kicked sayin' something like that, man.

So are you actually going to autocross this thing, or is this just more theoretical nonsense?

David Edwards · **Posted:** Mon Jan 09, 2012 11:53 pm

I was wondering when mr. Allen would chime in. Yes, I'm gonna autox it. I'm not expecting to win (mostly due to my complete lack of anything resembling driving skills) but it's a hoot to drive. I have no idea what (if any) adjustability is built into the suspension and I have no idea what class it would even be in. It's heavier than all the other B segment cars (nearly 2800lbs) and is doubtful the additional torque would overcome the handling of a mini or Mazda 2 but it should be fun anyway. In the 40mpg commuter class, nothing compares.

No, it's isn't gonna make u want to sell ur 911 (or wimpy S2000) but I guarantee if u have any sort of distance commute and u enjoy shifting gears, u would love this car.

Jason Mauldin · **Posted:** Mon Jan 09, 2012 11:57 pm

How much boost can the engine handle, and how much can the turbo put out?

Looks like a fun little car!

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