[DATSUN]

Originally Posted by anonms

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/10/2...ack-and-sedan/

I think it's safe to conclude..... there is no subcompact that actually looks better in sedan form aside from the new Accent.

Agreed. It's actually my favorite in its class right now. I'm interested to hear pricing. If its less than the Fiesta thats going to be bad news to the Fiesta's already abysmal sales in NA.

This class is going to see a lot of action this year with the introduction of the new Accent, Rio, and Versa as well.

[SV]

Originally Posted by DATSUN

If its less than the Fiesta thats going to be bad news to the Fiesta's already abysmal sales in NA.

The Fiesta actually outsold the Fit last month, and every other car in the class apart from the Versa (and the Soul, if that counts as a subcompact). I do agree that it will be interesting to see how the Sonic does; it looks like it may have fewer compromises than the Fiesta in terms of US appeal (bigger engine and back seat). I personally find the Ford much more attractive though.

Going by Cruze prices I don't think Chevy will exactly go for the bargain basement buyer this time; prices could well be right in line with the Fiesta and Fit.

[DoMiNo]

I agree with SV. It's great, aside from a bad case of CRAAAAZY EYES. And that stupid gauge pod.

Also, what are those deep, dark portals to nowhere outboard of the center air vents?

[2o6]

Engine options don't make any sense.....they stomp all over the Cruze's toes.

[SV]

Originally Posted by 2o6

Engine options don't make any sense.....they stomp all over the Cruze's toes.

It definitely gives the Sonic a power advantage over the rest of the class but I can't imagine fuel economy being helped much. I'll be a bit surprised if they can achieve 40mpg with this.

[DATSUN]

That's one problem I notice with this and GM is that the powertrains are dictated by whats produced locally. Hence this getting the Cobalts 1.8l as a base engine as opposed to the 1.6l used overseas that likely gets better mileage and adequate power and the Buick Verano getting the 2.4l as opposed to the smaller turboed engine that gets similar power and better gas mileage used in China.

[haji]

[swizzle]

Having driven a Sonic LS and finding it a sporting ride, I hope for the potential of the RS being skewed toward "GTI" because the Sonic is great in person and an extra dash of sport is a good thing.

[DoMiNo]

With 138hp, it will be no GTI.

[swizzle]

Originally Posted by DoMiNo

With 138hp, it will be no GTI.

Even if 138 is the max, just throwing a stiffer suspension under it would make a great car in its segment even nicer. The Sonic is also a light car and it may not be fast fast but it feels far from slow. At least we are not talking VW "2 point slow" bad LOL.