Streetwise Sonic
If there’s a brand that we are seeing more and more on South
African roads it has to be Chev.
Let’s be honest, that ‘bowtie’ logo is certainly ‘in your face’ but
there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s always good to see plenty of sales action
in the ‘entry level’ B segment … and this is where Chev certainly comes to the
fore with the likes of their Spark, Aveo and Sonic offerings.
Getting my hands on the diesel version of the Sonic hasn’t
proved easy, but if I’m nothing it’s persistent! The Sonic 1.3 turbodiesel (there
are six models in the Sonic range) has proved to be a real surprise – a
pleasant one at that. It’s no parts bin special made up of Aveo and Cruze
parts, everything hangs together really nicely – inside and out of the Sonic 1.3D
LS.
For starters, looking at the exterior of the good looking
five-door hatch there’s some stylish rear door handle positioning (รก la Alfa
Romeo); along with lots of goodies to be found in the cockpit such as the
multifunction steering wheel, speed control, on board computer, the rev
counter/speedo binnacle that wouldn’t look out of place on a Japanese
superbike!
Naturally there’s a whole raft of creature comforts to be
found in this particular Sonic including power steering, windows and mirrors;
air conditioning, central locking and fresh air vents that really direct the
air where and when you want it. The steering wheel is of the large and chunky
variety – but best of all the Sonic is really easy to drive.
After five days of running the vehicle around the Mother
City here in Cape Town on various errands, the digital fuel gauge still shows
more than half a tank left. Had
this been the petrol variety one would be doing well if even a quarter tank
showed …
Speaking of figures, the bespoke on-board computer never
revealed worse economy figures of 6,1 litres per 100 – the best achieved (at
around 100 km/h revealed 5.2 litres per 100; the rev counter showing
1 800 rpm at 100 km/h.
Torquey in the extreme, 210Nm from 1750 rpm meant sixth
gear was much in use; and by dropping a gear or two the car always gave a nice
shove in the back when required. It always amazes me how a car of such smallish
outer dimensions can be so spacious inside.
With the rear seats left up I was
still able to cram in a month’s shopping from my favourite supermarket.
• The ticket price of the Chev Sonic 1.3D LS is set at
R181 700 at the time of going to press, this includes all the usual
warranties and guarantees one expects from a manufacturer in the
burgeoning GM stable.
