SHORTDRIVE

Chevrolet has finally brought a baby hatch to Thai showrooms. Is it any good?

WHAT'S NEW?

When Chevrolet first entered the Thai B-segment with the Aveo, the American brand only offered a saloon body. Today, the Sonic successor also has a hatchback to choose from for the first time.

Like the Ford Fiesta and Mazda 2, the two Sonics share the same front end, just that their rear boots have been chopped away and restyled.

In contrast, the Honda Jazz and Toyota Yaris have bespoke interior and exterior designs compared to their City and Vios saloon siblings, due to the brands' deeper pockets at one point in time.

The Sonic hatchback comes with the same technical credentials as the saloon: 100hp 1.4-litre petrol/E20 engine and six-speed automatic transmission.

As is the case with most other B-segment cars, the Sonic five-door commands a price premium over the four-door by 17,000 baht in LT (automatic) form and 8,000 baht in LTZ trim, as tested here. The Sonic hatch retails at 632,000 and 687,000 baht respectively.

WHAT'S COOL?

Styling is certainly a highlight of the Sonic. Distinctively styled front and rear lights, rear door handles flushed into the windows and a motorbike-inspired instrument panel inside are some refreshing design elements.

As a B-segment hatch, the Sonic has ample cabin room for all occupants. As well, the rear seats nearly fold flat for an extended boot _ provided that there's a cover for the secondary deck below the boot floor.

On the move, the Sonic is quite sporty as its looks suggests. The ride is taut and helps for good road-holding, while the handling is fairly neat under most driving circumstances.

The engine may sound a little small, but it has enough poke for in-town driving and is adequately refined.

WHAT'S NOT?

That engine, we're afraid. Of course, the performance it yields should satisfy urbanites. However, once out of the concrete jungle, the 100hp motor becomes breathless.

The six-speed automatic may sound beneficial in fuel economy terms, but you'll struggle to achieve the 15kpl claim if driving conditions don't allow you to coast and sip coffee.

And while the handling and ride balance is quite decent when you compare it with the Thai market's best-sellers, the ride can be a touch hard over nasty bumps.

BUY OR BYE?

With fairly competitive prices, particularly in the LTZ spec, the Sonic is a fine choice for buyers needing something different and good looking against the class's default choice, the Jazz.

And even though the Sonic won't top the class with its driving manners, there's still plenty to like about its crisp chassis set-up.

The only real problem with the Sonic is the underpowered engine which also prevents the saloon version from standing out clearly in the Thai B-segment (Chevrolet wants the Sonic to attract those eligible for the first-time car buyer tax rebate with an engine under 1,500cc).

If you can live with the mediocre performance, the Sonic hatchback is quite a refreshing choice.

A nearly flat extended boot is only possible via an underfloor cover.

Sonic is among the best-looking hatchbacks in the B-segment.

THEALTERNATIVES