The Chevy Sonic Hatchback: No Longer in Production, but Not Forgotten
Carlos Kirby
· 4 min read
In the recent past, subcompact cars were all the rage. However, the market seems to have shifted in favor of bigger crossovers and SUVs. This change has led to many popular subcompact models facing the ax. The
Chevrolet
Sonic Hatchback has been experiencing a sharp decline in sales numbers and is no longer feasible to produce. Other models that are being discontinued include the Toyota Yaris, Chevy Cruze, and the Volt. Here is a quick look at the once robust model and reasons why it had to go.
The sales numbers put the Chevy Sonic hatchback out of production
Sonic came on the market in the year 2012. It was selling well steadily until mid-2018 when the numbers dropped sharply.
Car and Driver
states that GM sold only 13,971 Sonics compared to 16,418 new Bolt EVs in 2019. In the first quarter of the year 2020, it had only sold 4,341 Sonics out of a total sales volume of 71,247 for its entire car range.Sonic production came to a halt in October 2020 as the company geared up to take over the EV market, which had seen an increase in demand. The carmaker converted its plant in Orion Township into a refreshed Bolt manufacturing plant as the company expected to sell over a million EVs in 2021 and beyond.
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Chevy Sonic hatchback is a turbocharged mid-engine car
MORE: What Is the Best Chevrolet Model According to Consumer Reports?
For the last year of production, GM dropped the 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that was popular with the brand. In its place, the automaker installed a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine. According to
Car and Driver,
the Chevy Sonic hatchback also got a transmission upgrade from a manual to a six-speed automatic.The turbocharged engine is standard for all the trims. These trims include the LS, LT, and Premier. The hatchback is the most popular for its extended cargo space.
The Chevy Sonic Hatchback’s turbocharged engine delivers 138 horsepower for a relaxed ride. All the trims come with a front-wheel drivetrain without other options. The engine is very quiet, making up to 67 decibels at speeds of above 70 mph.
However, if looking at the acceleration, the vehicle is quite slow as it takes 8.5 seconds to reach 60 mph from rest. It makes up for this with great fuel-efficiency ratings of 34 mpg on the highway.
Interiors, tech, and comfort
Car and Driver explain that GM went for a simple cabin interior that also looks cheap. The steering wheel is tilt-adjustable and comes wrapped with leather on the LT (hatchback) trim.
Despite the sloped roofline, the hatchback offers passengers more headroom than both the Premier and LS trims. You can fit 16 suitcases in the cargo area and over half more if you fold the rear seats.
Car owners get a 7.0-inch infotainment system that is standard across all the trims. The touchscreen system has a great intuitive interface with wireless connectivity options, such as Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. It also comes with a SiriusXM satellite radio and a six-speaker surround system.
How much is the 2020 Chevy Sonic hatchback?
You may get some new Chevy Sonic hatchback at some dealerships around the country. The model is currently selling at $19,495. If you prefer the Premier trim, you will be required to add $2,000.
This iconic model may have breathed its last at GM factories but will surely not be forgotten.
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