Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback

Speaking of functionality, the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic manages to offer 19 cubic feet of storage space when the rear seats of the hatchback are stowed away. This is more than what one would traditionally find in a car of this size. Another interior highlight is the cars standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system which comes equipped with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard. The infotainment unit also comes equipped with Bluetooth connectivity and is mated to a 4 speaker sound system. Other features include two USB ports and General Motor’s OnStar 4G-LTE powered Wi-Fi hotspot network. The cabin manages to offer substantial legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers and even though the last door openings make it easy for occupants to get in and out of the car, taller adults at the rear might feel a little cramped. The cost-effective plastic quality used inside the cabin is not the most pleasing and the visibility is compromised by the thick roof pillars. The driver and co-passenger seat at the front are very comfortable and feature armrests which are ergonomically located.

Like most cars in the subcompact segment, the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic also prioritizes function over form, which to say that the car manages to be as exciting aesthetically as possible for an offering that also needs to offer the most bang for your buck. Chevrolet also offers a mid-range LT trim which gets features like heated mirrors and redesigned wheels as standard. The car has been designed to exude an urban vibe and features an all-new hood and rear fascia design. Chevrolet also offers some of the most striking color schemes for the Sonic hatchback which include Orange burst metallic, brimstone, Cajun red tintcoat, and Arctic blue metallic amongst other color schemes. The car also features concealed rear door handles, angled window line, and a truncated tail which bestows it with a coupe-like appearance. Further adding to the car’s sporty appeal are the short rear and longer front overhangs. Chevrolet Sonic rides on 15-inch steel wheels and gets automatic headlights, LED daytime running lights, manual side mirrors, and windows as standard.

The 2019 Chevrolet Sonic is one of the most eager offerings in the segment which offers a responsive steering and impressive handling characteristics. The driving dynamics of the car are further enhanced in case of the sport-tuned suspension which does compromise the overall ride making it much harsher. The 2020 Chevy Sonic does manage to offer an impressive ride and handling characteristics for a car in this price bracket. Prices for the 2020 Chevy Sonic start from $16,720 for the base model and $21,520 for the premier variant.

The 2019 Chevrolet Sonic comes equipped with a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine as standard. The power plant managers to produce 138 bhp of power and 148 lb-ft of peak torque. The torquey turbocharged motor is quite responsive and adds to the sporty driving dynamics of the car. Customers can select from either a 6-speed manual gearbox or an optional 6-speed automatic transmission which sends the power to the front wheels.

The company now offers an optional driver confidence package which equips the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic hatchback with a forward-collision warning system. Other features like lane departure warning and rear parking sensors are also added in the driver confidence package and further enhance the car's safety. Chevy Sonic is available with 10 airbags, rearview camera, and blind-spot mirrors. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has crashed tested Chevy Sonic and awarded it with a five-star safety rating. The car has also managed to get selected as a top safety pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

If affordability is the primary factor in your purchase decision, then the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic hatchback is the car for you, however, the offering might not be the best the segment has to offer when it comes to other aspects. For instance, the car does not have the most refined interiors in the segment and most of the materials used inside the cabin are of bargain-basement quality. The standard variant only gets manual crank windows and lack of advanced standard safety features might also make customers consider other offerings in the segment like the Kia Rio or the more versatile Honda Fit.