Chevy Sonic 1.4L Turbo - Impressions?

[adrew]

That power was available at stratospheric RPMs. Not so with the 1.4T, more power at lower RPMs gets a from me.

Not really, it had the VTEC-Lite™ K20A3 which redlined at 6800 (but pulled smoothly into the 7100 fuel cut). Unlike peaky earlier Hondas it is very flexible and pulls smoothly from 1500 RPM. The torque curve is flat from 2000-7000 RPM. Dyno plots: http://www.vtec.net/forums/one-messa...sage_id=174863

[firstorbit84]

Not really, it had the VTEC-Lite™ K20A3 which redlined at 6800 (but pulled smoothly into the 7100 fuel cut). Unlike peaky earlier Hondas it is very flexible and pulls smoothly from 1500 RPM. The torque curve is flat from 2000-7000 RPM. Dyno plots: http://www.vtec.net/forums/one-messa...sage_id=174863

Those torque numbers are pathetic

[adrew]

Those torque numbers are pathetic

Just as pathetic as a stock 1.4T:

[Non_Affiliated]

New here? That's TCL in a nutshell. 95% of those providing their perspective (positive or negative) probably haven't even seen the car in person, let alone driven it.

Only by 3 years.

[kimilein]

I test drove a Sonic today, it was the 1.8, they didn't have any 1.4t Sonics in stock. That engine is a rough POS. Above 4000rpm, all you can hear is the engine screaming bloody murder, and not in a good way. All the other small cars I've looked at have decent sound at high RPM. Fiesta, Mini Cooper, Honda Fit, Fiat 500. The Sonic was just terrible.

If the 1.4t is not significantly more refined than the 1.8, there is no way in hell am I considering one. Also, clueless dealers much, Chevy? "Oh the 1.4 is going to cost about 2 grand more than the 1.8." It's $700, you nimrod.

[jspirate]

Did not read one post this thread.

This engine is 10 years late.

[BRealistic]

I test drove a Sonic today, it was the 1.8, they didn't have any 1.4t Sonics in stock. That engine is a rough POS. Above 4000rpm, all you can hear is the engine screaming bloody murder, and not in a good way. All the other small cars I've looked at have decent sound at high RPM. Fiesta, Mini Cooper, Honda Fit, Fiat 500. The Sonic was just terrible.

If the 1.4t is not significantly more refined than the 1.8, there is no way in hell am I considering one. Also, clueless dealers much, Chevy? "Oh the 1.4 is going to cost about 2 grand more than the 1.8." It's $700, you nimrod.

Maybe he meant you had to step up to a higher trim model to get it?
It's not available on the LS sedan, you have to go LT and then add the option.
And I am surprised the 1.8 is so bad.
This is the engine from the Cruze and Astra, right?

[kimilein]

Maybe he meant you had to step up to a higher trim model to get it?
It's not available on the LS sedan, you have to go LT and then add the option.
And I am surprised the 1.8 is so bad.
This is the engine from the Cruze and Astra, right?

Nah, I asked how much is the 1.4 engine as an extra for the LT trim.

The 1.8 is the embodiment of the thrashy boomy character that gives 4-cylinders a bad name. I think it's the same Ecotec engine in the Cruze. It's certainly not rev-happy.

[curvedinfinity]

Maybe he meant you had to step up to a higher trim model to get it?
It's not available on the LS sedan, you have to go LT and then add the option.
And I am surprised the 1.8 is so bad.
This is the engine from the Cruze and Astra, right?

That dude is mad. It's a fine motor in the new cars.

[spongebob_squarepants]

For around $18k, any opinions on whether the Sonic 1.4T would make a better DD than a base 2.5 Golf or Beetle, which would price out about the same?

I think the 2.5L is a workhorse of an engine, if not too exciting...

[kimilein]

For around $18k, any opinions on whether the Sonic 1.4T would make a better DD than a base 2.5 Golf or Beetle, which would price out about the same?

I think the 2.5L is a workhorse of an engine, if not too exciting...

The 2.5's gas milage doesn't stack up at all against the 1.4t. The 1.4t should be able to touch 40MPG or get very close and average around 30. With my old 2.5, I never got more than 33mpg cruising. I averaged around 23.

The Golf and even the Beetle should be more practical if you ever schlepp bulky items around. The Cruze's trunk is on the small side IMO and definitely not very tall. The Golf is much more fun to drive though and still has the refinement that I'd look for in a commuter or road-trip car.

[XM_Rocks]

For around $18k, any opinions on whether the Sonic 1.4T would make a better DD than a base 2.5 Golf or Beetle, which would price out about the same?

I think the 2.5L is a workhorse of an engine, if not too exciting...

Drive both.

If the Sonic 1.4T was around when my wife bought her Golf in 2010 she might have got that.

However for $19.5k that we paid for her 4 door Golf it is quite an impressive and refined package. She drove other competitors in the class and nothing was as nice inside and quiet on the highway. The seats are the best in class... nice bolsters.

So far we love the 2.5... 26MPG. On long highway trips @ 70MPH we consistently get 32-34MPG with the 6AT on regular gas.

[Voodoo.T]

No comparison for me, the 1.4T is a better engine than the 2.5. Of course you can get the TDI, but that adds to the cost. The Golf's boot may be a bit bigger but there's not that much more usable space.

[Avus]

CHEVY = CARBAGE
FORD = CARBAGE
CHRYSLER = CARBAGE

And this is from a guy who like to hump car like this....

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...dan-winter-car
http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...civic-Si-today
http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...back-43-000-km
http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...-Subaru-GL-47K

[XM_Rocks]

No comparison for me, the 1.4T is a better engine than the 2.5. Of course you can get the TDI, but that adds to the cost. The Golf's boot may be a bit bigger but there's not that much more usable space.

1.4T is a peach for sure.

The 2.5 is pretty tried and true.

We can get two full size 6' adults in the back of our Golf and they are comfortable.

I think the Sonic is a bit tighter in the backseat.

I honestly think if you care about fit and finish and interior materials there is no comparison between the two.

I would stay away from the TDI unless you drive 20k+ miles a year. I am not convinced the HPFP problems are random.

[CBJ]

1.4T is a peach for sure.

The 2.5 is pretty tried and true.

We can get two full size 6' adults in the back of our Golf and they are comfortable.

I think the Sonic is a bit tighter in the backseat.

The Sonic is actually more Polo then Golf sized. The Cruze, which of course isn't available as a hatch in the US, is the Golf/Jetta competitor.

[Aguilar]

Got us one a week ago. Sonic LT 1.4t sedan with the auto transmission.

We were cross-shopping new fuel efficient cars for around $15000, and the Sonic was a clear winner for $16k (with USAA discount). We would have loved a base Golf, but they are higher in pricing and the 2.5L kills the deal for me.

Sitting at over 4000ft, the boosted 1.4 does a lot better than NA engines with similar HP rating. We even drove the new for 2013 Hyundai GT, and it felt much slower.

My quick review:

1.4t - love it

Styling - decent looking, we liked the sedan better than the hatch.

Comfort/convenience - fantastic, quiet cruising at 90+mph, comfy seats but the arm rest too high like someone mentioned. Really like the 3 cup holders and split glovebox (coming from the Corvette with barely any storage and no cup holders).

Handling - need to get rid of the stock 195/15s ASAP. They are great for fuel economy and ride quietly, but not the tires I would like to get caught with an emergency situation. Luckily, 225/45 R17s will fit with ease, just need to find me decent looking lightweight 17" wheels.

Electronics - Great for the price. USB port for your MP3s, XM for your radio, 2 AUX jacks, bluetooth works fantastic and steering wheel controls do a great job. I also like the AUTO lights, DRLs are easy to turn off with just a flick of the knob, and the halogen light up the road nicely (much better than the Z06).

Btw, for those wanting to buy a base model, the 2013 base models will include steering wheel controls and side view mirrors with the little blind spot mirror like on the Fords (something I want for mine).

[BRealistic]

Comfort/convenience - fantastic, quiet cruising at 90+mph, comfy seats but the arm rest too high like someone mentioned. Really like the 3 cup holders and split glovebox (coming from the Corvette with barely any storage and no cup holders).

We like to lament the 35/40 mpg cars from the late 80s and early 90s... but they were scary at 90 mph (in stock form).