Chevrolet Sonic Limited Edition Driving Review
Chevrolet has enhanced its passenger car line-up with the addition of two new ‘Black & White’ Sonic special edition models. These new sporty derivatives of the Sonic models offer an array of visual upgrades and enhanced specifications – a little hatch with a lot of personality.
The new limited edition models are based on the Chevrolet Sonic LS 5-door hatchback with a 1,6 litre petrol engine. The engine produces maximum power of 85 kW with peak torque of 155 N.m. This is also quite the economical car with a combined cycle fuel consumption of 6,5 l/100km.
The Sonic is rather safe than sorry with the model’s inherently strong body-frame-integral structure combined with an impressive line-up of active and passive safety features to ensure that the Sonic ranks amongst the best-in-class when it comes to overall vehicle safety. An ABS anti-lock system is standard on all models of the Sonic offered in South Africa. This is a four channel system that includes a panic brake Brake Assist System that will automatically apply more brake pressure when and urgent stop pedal brake pedal motion is detected. Effective crash impact energy management has also been designed into the new Chevrolet Sonic starting with front and rear crumple zones that manage and absorb the initial impact energy in the event of a collision to help maintain the integrity of the passenger compartment.
From the outside, the limited edition Chevrolet Sonic may strike you as just a Sonic with a rather ”fancier” paint job and the side mirrors and the rear spoiler painted in contrasting ‘Orange Rock’. However, the inside of the Sonic is what counts – it is much much more than you would expect. I was blown away to say the least. And, when you turn on the ignition, the full extent of the Sonic’s ride comfort, stability and handling become fully apparent.
According to Chevrolet, the Sonic has been engineered to deliver a distinctly European flavour when it comes to driving dynamics – and that is the effect the Sonic has. The handling is sharp and responsive and the Sonic boasts an exceptional ride comfort. This is a fun-to-drive car that exhibits the dynamic characteristics of premium cars.
This car does leave an impression. Chevrolet brought this model in as an option for someone who wants more space and more zest than the Aveo, and this is exactly what this special edition model offers. The Sonic also boasts much more space than one would think. From the outside the car looks smaller than the average hatch, but the space and versatility in the interior surprises you. Further, this spunky car provides a comfortable road experience.
There’s a reason this is a limited edition car – it might not suit everyone’s taste – but if you are interested, this car will not disappoint. It’s a small city car, that offers that sporty edge, but also a great car for long distance driving. And I think it’s quite worth the amount you spend on it.
Chevrolet is also offering the limited edition upgrade in the Spark range. The vehicles will be available in limited numbers, so if you feel this is the car for you – hurry up!
Price of the Sonic limited edition Black&White: R205 700