2011 NAIAS: Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback

Visitors to this year’s NAIAS event in Detroit should also take a peak at Chevrolet’s booth and see what goodies the brand has prepared for them. We can tell for sure they won’t regret it, as Chevrolet is displaying the all-new 2012 Sonic at the event. Our team caught the sporty five-door body style version of the vehicle, which joins the four-door sedan in the model line-up.

What is really interesting about the Sonic is that both exterior and interior design features motorcycle-inspired elements, such as round headlamps and taillamps and a detailed instrument cluster featuring a large, round analog tachometer set within an asymmetrical LCD readout, with a large digital speedometer display.

There are two engine configurations available, an Ecotec 1.4L turbo (138 hp and 200Nm / 148 lb-ft. of torque) and an Ecotec 1.8L (135hp and 167Nm / 123 lb.ft. of torque). Customers can choose between three transmissions, namely a five-speed manual and six-speed automatic (1.8L) and a six-speed manual (1.4L turbo).

Other highlights of the new Sonic include remote start, heated front seats and sunroof, a mid-instrument panel surface available in two colors (dark titanium and brick), an automatic shift knob with a "cobra head" design," while the manual shifter has a chrome-finished knob.

Safety wise, the Sonic comes with features that include 10 standard air bags, antilock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist and OnStar with Automatic Crash Response. Finally, Connectivity includes OnStar with six months of Turn-by-Turn navigation. Available features include XM Satellite Radio, USB and Bluetooth functionality and MyChevrolet mobile application with OnStar MyLink vehicle connectivity.

The new Sonic will enter production later this year at the General Motors Orion Assembly Center in Michigan, a facility that will help restore approximately 1,000 jobs in the metropolitan Detroit area.