The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic counter punches the 2012 Ford Focus

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I know, I know… the Chevrolet Cruze is supposed to be the main competition for the Focus. The 2012 Sonic is supposed to aim directly at the Ford Fiesta. But here’s the thing, this new Sonic looks to have the moxie to take sales from both the Fiesta and the 2012 Ford Focus.

General Motors knew that the Chevrolet Aveo was hopeless and automotive journalists used its name as a punch-line. Seriously, it was one of the worst cars in its class. By taking a page from Ford (i.e. using a European platform to replace a revolting car) General Motors changed everything about the Aveo including its name.

FYI, the current Chevrolet Aveo is built in Korea and consistently places last in tiny car comparisons. I feel clammy and lethargic when I drive one – especially with the automatic transmission. General Motors was wise to completely remove that car from the consumer’s lexicon.

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I have it on good authority that this Sonic will turn some heads – much the same way the Chevrolet Cruze did. Eventually, when more of GM’s small cars sprout up – you’ll see what I’m talking about. Look at it this way, GM knows they need to compete with the best small cars to be viable. Now that Ford has lifted the bar, and with Chrysler Group LLC’s FIAT 500 coming very soon, GM needs a MUCH better car than the original Aveo.

The smaller, lighter, cheaper 2012 Chevrolet Sonic has the impressive, turbocharged, 138 horsepower (it makes 148 lbs-feet of torque) engines from the larger Chevrolet Cruze. Imagine how cool the Ford Fiesta could be with the Focus’ engine. The Cruze’s 1.8 liter, base model engine should make 135 hp and 123 lb-ft of torque and will be the Sonic’s base motor too.

Gas mileage should compete head to head with the Fiesta and Focus’s excellent numbers. I am a little concerned at the advertised 6,500 rpm redlines. Small cars usually need high revs to make them tick – and it’s a fun thing to do. We’ll see in a few months when General Motors brings journalists to their Sonic press events. I’m sure TFLcar.com will be there.

Base models will have a five-speed manual while the rest of the line will have a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. I believe the turbo will only have the six-speed manual, which is good as only cool people use manuals and the turbo will be the domain of cool.

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Here’s a quote from GM regarding the handling:

“The all-new Chevrolet Sonic blends the practicality of a small car with the passion for driving that Chevrolet vehicles like the Corvette are known for,” said Chris Perry, Vice President of Chevrolet marketing. “Its combination of great design, fun driving experience and the latest connectivity features create a serious competitor with a fun spirit.” – – media/GM.com

Here’s the reality of what they have to work with:

Chevrolet is using a torsion beam, axle-mounted compound link-type rear suspension. Before you freak out (torsion beam suspensions are not that sophisticated) remember the Cobalt SS had a similar rear suspension and it out-handled everything in its bracket. The torsion beam is “V” shaped and is tubular.

The MacPherson strut front suspension is common in this class. General Motors has experience setting up this type of suspension. Electronic power steering is standard.

There’s a four-door sedan version too. Normally, I hate the unbalanced look of sedans based on hatchback designs, but I must admit; the Chevrolet Sonic sedan design looks fantastic. The underpinnings are sourced from the fairly sophisticated, Gamma II global subcompact platform.

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I like the overall design and totally dig the interior. I only hope General Motors commits to making it feel as high quality as it looks. General Motors announced that the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic hatchback’s rear seats fold flat and provides more room than the Fiesta.

GM’s Orion factory in Michigan will retool and re-employ about 1,000 workers to build the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic – which will make this Aveo replacement something ‘Mericans can be proud of. I expect the prices to hover near and in between the Ford Fiesta’s price. A good guess would be $12,000 – $19,000.

This is great news for people who long for a quality, American small car. Other than the Ford’s Fiesta, our shelves have been bare. It’s better news for me as I get all hot and sultry when I play with tiny, fun cars.

I know… not a great mental picture – sorry.

Competition is the best way for us, the consumers, to get the good stuff. Everyone associated with the automotive world acknowledges the reemerging importance of small cars. Ford will have a fight on its hands as GM counterpunches its bevy of new, small, higher quality cars. The future is looking up and I can’t wait for the fight to begin.

Nathan Automotive media, racing, vehicle evaluation, wrecking yards, and car sales are just a part of Nathan Adlen’s vehicular past. He writes out of high octane passion! To read more reviews by Nathan Adlen or just to enjoy more of excellent writing please visit him on at his examiner.com page HERE.

We recently had the chance to test drive the 2012 Ford Focus. Check out our first drive video review below.

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