Chevrolet Sonic launched - in Sedan and Hatchback Form !

 Chevrolet Sonic is launched in Malaysia in sedan and hatchback form. The B-segment Sonic faces great competition from the Japanese such as the affordable Almera, the stylish City and the reliable Vios. Thus, Chevrolet has to do it right for the Sonic to sell well in our market. Chevrolet's strategy of introducing both sedan and hatch into Malaysia is a part of the winning formula, by providing option to the buyers on whether sedan or hatch is the preferred choice.

 Both sedan and hatch are powered by a 1.4 litre Ecotec engine which produces 100bhp and 130Nm of torque at 4000rpm, mated to a 6-speed tranny for both automatic and manual. This enables the Sonic to have a top speed of 175km/h and 0-100km/h in 12.9 seconds. Fuel economy is recorded at 8.1L/km. For the sedan, it is 360mm longer than its hatch counterpart, and also comes with a 466 litres boot space (253 litres for the hatch).

 “The Sonic is mainly aimed at the new generation consisting of young-upcoming executives and first-jobbers, cutting across the male and female genders. This group of consumers is highly-sociable, fashion-conscious, expressive, attention-grabbing and most-importantly, funloving.", mentioned by Datuk Wira SM Faisal SM Nasimuddin, Joint Group Executive Chairman and CEO of Naza Group of Companies in the launch event. The first key to the new Sonic was presented to the country's only female Olympic medalist, Pandelela Rinong by Datuk Wira SM Faisal SM Nasimuddin at the launch too!

 Stylish design inside and out I would say the Sonic has. The Sonic sedan doesn't look awkward eventhough it is based on the hatch, and the protruding headlights are cool! The 'hidden' exterior rear door handles on the Sonic hatchback is a nice touch too. What's awesome in the cabin is the motorcycle-inspired instrument panel, which combines an analogue rev counter with a digital speedometer. It certainly made the cabin look more exciting! Comes standard with integrated radio, CD, MP3 with Bluetooth connectivity for both forms.

Safety wise, both forms of Sonic come standard with ABS, EBD, Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) and dual airbags. Nothing extraordinary, but an addition of stability control would be better.

 Pricing starts from RM77,508 for the sedan to RM79,508 for the hatch, both without insurance. In we compare based on spec alone, the Sonic sedan is only about RM1k more expensive than the similar spec Almera. Thus, pricing wise the Sonic is considered reasonably priced.

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