2012 Chevy Sonic to be only subcompact built in U.S.

By Mark Phelan, Free Press auto critic
January 9, 2011 – Detroit Free Press

Not to be confused with a roller-skating carhop or Chevy's last subcompact, the Korean-built Aveo, the Sonic revealed at the Detroit auto show today will roll out of General Motors' Orion Township assembly plant north of Detroit later this year.

It's the only subcompact car that will be built in the U.S. and will share the plant with Buick's Verano compact.

The racy Sonic hatchback and more conservative sedan will come with a 135-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine or a torquey optional 1.4-liter turbo.

Those are the same engines Chevy fits in the 500-pound-heavier Cruze compact, so the Sonic should be one quick little hedgehog. Five- and six-speed manual transmissions and a six-speed automatic will be available.

The Sonic is bigger than the Aveo in every dimension, including passenger space.

Safety equipment will include 10 air bags, stability control and antilock brakes with emergency assist.

The Sonic retains the Aveo name in the many other countries where Chevrolet will sell the car.