Chevy's new tonic | Bangkok Post: auto

Auto > Auto Review

TESTDRIVE

Chevy's new tonic

The all-new Sonic is much more likeable than the old Aveo, but it isn't a winner in the Thai B-segment yet

Published: 6 Aug 2012 at 00.00
Newspaper section: Life

It's been quite a busy summer (okay, rainy season) for Chevrolet. Just about a month after it launched the all-new Trailblazer in Thailand, the iconic American brand has introduced the new replacement for the Aveo B-segment car in the guise of the Sonic.

Available in both four-door saloon and five-door hatchback forms, the Sonic is hoping to attract the younger generation of car buyers with its new-found levels of sporty design.

The immediate design element that will catch eyes is the angry face with the shark-eye lights, very much like in the Mitsubishi Lancer EX and Alfa Romeo 159. In fact, the Sonic is the second Chevy to get such a mask after today's facelifted Captiva.

This article is older than 60 days, which we reserve for our premium members only.You can subscribe to our premium member subscription, here.

Your comments

jaydee
Post : 36
Send message

Discussion 3 : 08 Aug 2012 at 19.463
Post this to my Facebook
The Sonic has won rave reviews abroad but the Thai Sonic lacks all of the praise-worthy benefits. While Americans can enjoy 10 standard airbags across the range, even the range-topper in Thailand has only two. What makes the US Sonic fun is the 1.8 or 1.4 turbo with 6-speed manual - none of these options are available in Thailand. Chevrolet Thailand has ruined it's chance to breed a game-changer.
Like dislike 2 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
bkkboy
Post : 68
Send message

Discussion 2 : 08 Aug 2012 at 10.532
Post this to my Facebook
When has a 1.4 liter engine become a condition in the first car buying scheme?
Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
robins
Post : 797
Send message

Discussion 1 : 06 Aug 2012 at 05.531
Post this to my Facebook
Chevrolet may be an iconic American brand, but their small cars have a long standing bad reputation there. Many, if not most, go to rental fleets at deeply discounted prices and choosing one over a Toyota or Honda product, especially if the price was this close would be unthinkable to most Americans due to lower expectations and low resale value. Ford is not much more highly regarded at home.
Like dislike 9 people liked / 1 people disliked this comment