DRIVEN: Chevrolet Sonic LTZ sedan and hatchback previewed – Orlando MPV also given a short spin

DRIVEN: Chevrolet Sonic LTZ sedan and hatchback previewed – Orlando MPV also given a short spin

The next throw of the dice in the B-segment class will take place on November 29th, when Naza Quest debuts the Chevrolet Sonic into the ever-burgeoning scene. The car, which is built in GM’s Rayong plant, will arrive in both five-door hatch and four-door sedan forms, as reported earlier.

The successor to the Aveo will only be available in a single trim level here, this being the range-topping LTZ, and this means that there’s only a six-speed auto transmission for the car in both body-style versions, complete with gearknob-located Driver Shift Control manual selection.

At the heart of it all is a 1.4 litre Ecotec VVT four-cylinder mill, with 100 hp at 6,000 rpm and 130 Nm of twist at 4,000 rpm. Not huge numbers, but Naza Quest is confident that the cars will take on the competition in terms of pep.

The 4.4 metre-long sedan is targeting the likes of the Toyota Vios, Honda City and the booted-versions of the Ford Fiesta and Mazda2, while the 4.04 metre-long hatch is aimed at conquering sales from the Honda Jazz as well as the Fiesta and Mazda2 hatches. There was no mention of the recently-launched Nissan Almera, but that one is definitely in the game.

DRIVEN: Chevrolet Sonic LTZ sedan and hatchback previewed – Orlando MPV also given a short spin

Novelties include a number of motorcycle-derived design cues, including an exposed round design headlamp array as well as an instrument cluster readout that screams digital. A quick aside on the headlamp; it’s novel, but looks to be a polish trap in the long run. Chevy is also touting an Euro-ride tuning for the Sonic’s front Macpherson, rear torsion beam suspension.

Features include 60:40 split fold-down rear seats, tilt-adjustable steering, a six-speaker single CD/MP3 audio system with USB connectability and six speakers. Plenty of storage spaces and cubby holes, and in terms of rear cargo space, there’s 468 litres for the sedan and 253 for the hatch.

Going the LTZ route has the interior dressed up in grey/black Breva-pattern seats and a grey/Dark Titanium dashboard, and the LTZ also sports five twin-spoke 16-inch alloys wrapped with 205/55 series rubbers.

Safety kit is made up of ABS, EBD and brake assist as well as ISOFIX points, and the LTZ trim means that the Sonic comes with dual airbags. In Thailand, five colours are listed, these being Royal Grey, Switchblade Silver, Summit White, Oceanic Blue and Black Sapphire, which should also be the colour palette available here.

DRIVEN: Chevrolet Sonic LTZ sedan and hatchback previewed – Orlando MPV also given a short spin

Pricing hasn’t been announced, but at the media preview for it and the Orlando MPV held at the Litar Elite Gokart Speedway, the indicator was that the Sonic is expected to roll in at about RM82,000, which would bring it closer to the RM85,000 mark in a drive-off state.

The preview was brief, and consisted of basic acceleration, handling and wet braking efficency tests, and given the kilometre of tarmac travelled per session round – and there were two for each run, marshalled – you’ll perhaps not take my musings as being definitive about it.

Still, there were some rather interesting bits revealed. Now, as far as segment offerings go, the Sonic should be able to dice it with what’s out there, but besting them (individually or collectively) may be another thing altogether.

At the pre-session briefing, mention was made of the Sonic’s interior noise levels, and how better it happens to be in this regard than its competitors. Well, under heavy acceleration, there’s a high degree of engine noise being transmitted into the cabin – I’d put that down to the raucous nature of the Ecotec mill; while willing, it’s zingy when worked hard.

DRIVEN: Chevrolet Sonic LTZ sedan and hatchback previewed – Orlando MPV also given a short spin

That’s not the point about the noise and vibration levels though, which is I think is par for the course (arguably, not better than the Fiesta’s, even from that short sampling time), but putting all that good work into more refined body sealing and expansion acoustic baffles as well as a three-layer dash insulation and under-body acoustic deadeners sounds rather redundant when you don’t get things right mechanically to begin with.

In this case, a distinct, very noticeable whine, which continued to pitch and drone along merrily as I made my way around the go-kart track – I finally placed it, coming from whenever the steering travelled anywhere off-centre. Which was about 90% of the time.

Given that the Sonic mules were unregistered examples, and didn’t seem to have much wear on them, it’s likely an anomaly. Still, less than reassuring, sonically (no pun intended) at least. The steering itself is a bit lifeless, though there’s at least decent progression and adequate heft on the turn.

As for handling, the car felt alright enough going around the course, soft-ish in its focus and predictable in its scope, with the hatch that bit livelier in feel, as expected.

DRIVEN: Chevrolet Sonic LTZ sedan and hatchback previewed – Orlando MPV also given a short spin

The terrain offered little avenue to explore further, so I’ll defer judgement on whether its Euro-tuned suspension gives the Sonic mastery over the class-leading Fiesta’s. My guess is probably not.

Pace-wise, the 1.4 litre unit isn’t going to shame the likes of the Ford either, which has close to an additional 20 ponies, but the Sonic felt acceptably fast hauling four on board – in this regard, the car looks to be targeting other rivals on the list. Brake efficiency is also what you’d expect, the car coming up cleanly and without fuss when stomped.

In terms of build quality, it’s pretty tight though (well, mechanical whine notwithstanding), and the cabin feels a decent place to be in – I remained unconvinced by the location of the shift-knob gear toggle selector, however. It doesn’t push my buttons on the third-gen Focus, and it doesn’t here either.

On the whole, the Sonic joins a segment blustering with competitive offerings, and it’ll be intriguing to see just how it shapes – and adds – up in the market.

DRIVEN: Chevrolet Sonic LTZ sedan and hatchback previewed – Orlando MPV also given a short spin

Some brief notes on the Orlando, which was supposed to have arrived in the second-half of last year. According to Naza Quest, the seven-seater is expected to be priced in the RM120-RM140k region, and is due to be finally launched here next month.

The Korean-made MPV’s rear third takes some getting used to visually, but I rather like how it looks. Inside, the cabin feels spacious from the second row perspective – I didn’t get to the last row, but two others did, and reported ample room for rear occupants.

As is already well-known, it sits on the same platform as the Cruze, and shares much of what’s on the sedan, build-wise, including the 1.8 litre mill. I didn’t have a favourable impression of the Cruze when I drove it years back, but this one proved far more pleasant.

The Orlando went about the course in happy enough fashion, even with a second stint behind the wheel with six on board stretching things. Certainly not pacy, but not completely breathless either, and there’s a fair bit to like in its dynamics and movement. We should find out more about it and the Sonic twins in due course; as for the Trailblazer SUV, word is that one will only be launched early next year.

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Anthony Lim

Anthony Lim believes that nothing is better than a good smoke and a car with character, with good handling aspects being top of the prize heap. Having spent more than a decade and a half with an English tabloid daily never being able to grasp the meaning of brevity or being succinct, he wags his tail furiously at the idea of waffling - in greater detail - about cars and all their intrinsic peculiarities here.

 

Comments

  • Semut on Nov 08, 2012 at 5:57 pm

    weird looking meter panel….

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 23 Thumb down 18
  • Orlando mpv at 120-140k wt the re-known underpowered 1.8 petrol( based on oversea review) cfirm will be a sale failure compared to the force-feed pug 5008 or vw cross touran and the more established japs wish, stream, mazda 5 etc…might as well wait for the new kia rondo provided its priced as per current model

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 30 Thumb down 4
  • Naza, unless u bring the diesel orlando ( same diesel as the captiva) , it will fail

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 5
  • oomph on Nov 08, 2012 at 6:07 pm

    the headlights put me off.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 23 Thumb down 8
  • wendy on Nov 08, 2012 at 6:07 pm

    2airbags? Haih..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 17 Thumb down 5
  • Davinnci on Nov 08, 2012 at 6:16 pm

    Many B segment car enter the market, good sign. So the vios and city won’t shout to each other anymore, they need to focus on others brand.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 4
    • nabill on Nov 08, 2012 at 7:05 pm

      That itself is a problem when a new comer compares itself to cars like the aging vios….itself is a sales success bt horible overated n sels on badge wer the new comer doesnt even hav da badge….

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 1
  • sudonano on Nov 08, 2012 at 6:18 pm

    No stability control in the Sonic? Even fiesta got that.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 29 Thumb down 5
  • looks very much like a mini Volvo S40 front!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 9
  • frenzy on Nov 08, 2012 at 7:52 pm

    Compare to mazda 2 sedan or ford fiesta sedan and also polo sedan, this is the best looking sedan derived from a hatchback. I mean, very first time a sedan can be bettethatchbacr looking than it’s hatchback version.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 5
  • Heskey on Nov 08, 2012 at 8:35 pm

    Bring on chevy suburban!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 3
  • DArkerMarker on Nov 08, 2012 at 9:40 pm

    toy speed meter ka?….

    My boy-boy sure like it.. Vroom!! Vroom!!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 4
  • sepul on Nov 08, 2012 at 9:47 pm

    traction control should be standard on the sonic given this is the ltz variant.. omit it and it turn me off hands down

    maybe they have not give everything yet before launch

    yes, orlando should be with the diesel engine.. but i very like the styling

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 2
    • Traction control is not very important due to small power output BUT should include ESP/VSC (stability control) which are more important.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 3
  • For RM85,000, I have got many choices. Sonic LTZ won’t be in it.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 20 Thumb down 3
  • Mini Honda on Nov 08, 2012 at 11:33 pm

    RM80k+ ?
    Epic Fail.
    C segment Cruze is so much cheper than C – Segmnet Civic, Altis, Lancer and Slyphy.

    This B-segment, I’m expecting RM60k range, should be cheaper than Almera, vios and city by quite some margin.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 3
    • Amenojaku on Nov 09, 2012 at 8:24 am

      True. If 85k+, might as well buy Cruze which is better equipped.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 2
    • theanswer on Nov 09, 2012 at 11:55 am

      but forte 2.0 is cheaper than cruze! hahaha.
      but 80+k is overpriced for such a small engine. i expect max price is 70+k.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 2
  • PauKaya on Nov 08, 2012 at 11:40 pm

    its quite a crappy car actually

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 6
  • doohhh on Nov 09, 2012 at 1:28 am

    niceee wan !!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 3
  • 1.4cc engine for RM80k ++ is definitely overpriced, and the engine not enough room, u need at least 1.6cc engine to feel the power when accelarating

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • blackened on Nov 09, 2012 at 10:41 am

      it makes polo sedan 1.6 at RM99k sounds like a fair price…………

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 2
      • theanswer on Nov 09, 2012 at 11:56 am

        polo is overpriced too! but the interior quality is different. polo definitely fight with mazda 3 1.6 and altis 1.6.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • gen y on Nov 09, 2012 at 8:15 am

    Price tag must be much cheaper if want to survive bcoz nothing ectraordinay. Besides so many cheap looking parts, plus ugly tail lamp.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 3
  • cardreamer on Nov 09, 2012 at 8:57 am

    The Sonic looks great..kinda of mini Volvo S40 and Mitsu evo nose…the looks really fits the size..and very propotionate..

    The Orlando on the other hand look quite okay from behind but the front look is too outdated…should the front be the same as the Sonic then overall look will turn some head on it…the headlamp of Orlando is so huge and not interesting at all..

    Like very much the headlamp design of the Sonic..

    Fitting and refinement in their built up is significantly good..all seems to be properly and nicely put together and proves on their precise engineering..

    But same goes to Proton, Chevy seems not to have their design language in their product line ups..the looks of Sonic and Orlando have no similarity at all…

    If Sonic can be priced at RM65k – RM70k, it will save Chevy Malaysia from a disaster at least..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
  • The headlamp is a cleaning nightmare.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • krs189 on Nov 09, 2012 at 9:12 am

    The Market leader for non national B-segment Hatchback is the Suzuki Swift.

    I don’t this Chevy Sonic has got what it takes to take on the New Swift due to launch early Next year.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 5
    • theanswer on Nov 09, 2012 at 11:57 am

      sad that latest swift got no 1.5 vvt. but 1.4. but still can wait n see the performance.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
      • JeremyNg on Nov 10, 2012 at 2:24 pm

        new swift come with direct injection VVT 1.4 engine which is a revvy + economical engine

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • start-a-fight on Nov 09, 2012 at 9:20 am

    din see any cup holder.. is there such?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • optra estate on Nov 09, 2012 at 9:47 am

    would trade in my estate with this orlando…hope someone would buy my optra estate

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 2
  • Maserati on Nov 09, 2012 at 10:01 am

    Rubbish car . Waste of time bringing in to Msia. The sales is going to be so bad that the service centres will be shaking legs everyday.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 21
  • no pun intended

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 3
  • Hi Anthony,
    does the Sonic come with ESP and the other host of safety options or its just another low spec car meant to compete with Vios and Almera?
    According to some markets where the Sonic is sold, this looks very empty in terms of specifications.

    mk

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • Anthony Lim (Member) on Nov 09, 2012 at 2:01 pm

      There’s no ESP – it wasn’t highlighted at the briefing.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • ProtonLoverForever on Nov 09, 2012 at 12:19 pm

    very nice design…Love it !!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 5
  • synzz on Nov 09, 2012 at 5:05 pm

    looks like the headlights are from a alfa romeo 159 & the rear end from the side view from a Prius C
    the meter is hideous looking to me.

    sad case.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 5
  • JeremyNg on Nov 09, 2012 at 6:16 pm

    Everytime I look at the exterior of the car , I feel that it look like plastic car … maybe due to the design ??

    FYI, Euro NCAP claimed that ABS, EBD , ESP , TRC is more important than air bag.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Meh ! Pass. The indicative pricing, if confirmed, will priced the Sonic out when compared to the Fiesta. Come on ! Who are you trying to kid, Naza ? Only 2 miserable airbags vs Fiesta’s 7 ? No VSC ? Nosier engine ? No cruise control either ? Come on !

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 2
  • jebat on Nov 10, 2012 at 4:10 am

    Pelik? Cun apa dia punya meter panel

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 1
  • Sam Loo on Nov 10, 2012 at 1:10 pm

    A kimchi wearing the American Flag

    Don’t be fooled

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 3
  • RM85k for 1.4 liter car? Check out the price in Saudi from this link and this is for 1.6L spec.

    http://ksa.yallamotor.com/new-cars/chevrolet/sonic/2012/1-6l-base-hatchback-ls/

    At SAR49k base price it is about RM41k only..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
    • Sam Loo on Nov 11, 2012 at 6:22 pm

      Halo, there are people that pays RM150k+ for a 1.4liter Jetta

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • Dear Anthony Lim, please re write this review in plain English, the way it is written is like reading poetry. I have to re read your sentences 3 to 4 times to understand what your are actually saying.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 4
    • Roger Wang on Nov 12, 2012 at 10:04 pm

      Yes I do agree. This article was written in a way that only a certain percentage of person can understand. I prefer Paul Tan’s way of conveying the info.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Ahmadfaris93 on Nov 11, 2012 at 12:33 pm

    Sorry to say, Chevrolet Malaysia will fuck up with that price for the Sonic. That price enters the Fiesta’s territory but Fiesta has a better engine, more powerful, more refined. They better not commit suicide with the price. People are also will be questioning whether is it worth the price or not after the previous Chevy in Malaysia bad depreciation.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 2
    • alldisc on Nov 12, 2012 at 11:19 am

      highly ambitious chevrolet malaysia, but keep on dreaming. the time will never come, unless u agree to market demand not the other way round.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • kenny_lim on Nov 11, 2012 at 10:36 pm

    if chevrolet changed their distributor, i will consider. naza…..mentality like gov servant…..slow and unprofessional and of course, stupid…never knew how to fix car

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 5
  • love the meter, but looks like some aftermarket panel sticking on the dash…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Waihon71 on Nov 13, 2012 at 5:05 pm

    at US market , Sonic is the best selling car in B segment hatchback .
    Same as Cruze – global Top selling car at no 6 position but in malaysia ..how many Naza sold per month ?
    Unless Sonic target same as previous Aveo price range RM50-60K , people will not buy .
    Most important is to built up the image of after sales service .

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Baldwin on Dec 10, 2012 at 9:31 am

    Malaysians have been ‘educated’ well enough on spending their hard earned $$$ by prioritizing their choice of rides for comfort, economy and reliability.
    Sorry..this SONIC ain’t gonna be doing well here, to the discerning motorist that is.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 2
  • carreviewsncare.com on Feb 08, 2013 at 6:07 pm

    I have yet seen any Sonic model on road yet

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Jacquie Foong on Apr 01, 2013 at 12:50 pm

    Any full review of the Orlando forth coming??? Interested to get one but need to know whether the under power issue is it acceptable for normal driving…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Nasri Nasir on Apr 10, 2013 at 4:24 am

    Hope u guys can come out with the full review on the Orlando soon.
    Seems like an interesting car for a soccer dad like me ;)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • samlok on Apr 10, 2013 at 4:32 pm

    very poor quality

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • x chevy on May 22, 2013 at 11:49 am

    My friend told me that chevrolet cars came to Malaysia without factory warranty, warranty given by Naza group only. Their service very louzy and staff not experience to handle the car……. think twice if you decide to buy chevrolet. Please refer to their website as many customers are complaining on the quality of the car…..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • jooooo on May 22, 2013 at 11:55 am

    chevrolet is a good car in usa, however the distributor here in malaysia sucks, dont no how to do business. yes i faced problem as my new cruze cant move forward due to tcm problem, car lying in workshop for 3 weeks… sparespart not available…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • jong shao chuan on Aug 28, 2014 at 9:58 pm

    when will the chevrolet sonic sedan 1.6L will be out?
    and when will it be sold at sarawak ?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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