Photos: 2012 Sonic LTZ Turbo hatchback (GM images)

[MetroMPG]

GM released some more renderings...

These ones let the cat out of the bag in terms of engine choices: the turbo option will apparently make it to production (1.4L likely - the same motor as the Cruze).



But GM hasn't quite got their act together with these renderings - they keep releasing them with various inconsistencies from batch to batch.

Most obvious "mistake" in this set is the 4-lug wheels. (The production car will have 5-luggers - see the on-the-road spy shots or the Paris production Aveo debut photos.)

[thehunterooo]

looks good!

[Avezoh]

Ironic this whole segment exists and is devoted to the Sonic when a few short months ago we were debating that GM would even consider changing the Aveo name. Done is done- I was on the incorrect side of the discussion then but fully embrace the concept, pre-production sedan and even the name change.

Regarding these design studies- I like everything from the windshield back. The front– I understand the longer nose to achieve better aerodynamics. The delivery is a bit visually heavy in front of the wheel lip with a mite too much overhang. The hood sculpted above the front fender top character line looks too tall as well. Lowering the hood height would be possible, though would quite likely require massaging whatever hardware sticks up furthest under hood. However, overall the look is cute and crisp all at once and there's room left for the real individualist to play with styling details once they buy a Sonic.

I like it.

Steve

[reddemonx92]

I think about it like this. GM is only trying to cover their mistakes by changing the name. GM is still going to be criticized on the Sonic because it is a rebadged Aveo. Let alone the fact that the front end of the Sonic resembles the new Lancer. Personally I like the way GM designed the new Aveo/Sonic. I would buy one lol. But people will always remember the Aveo when they look at the Sonic in my opinion.

[thehunterooo]

I think about it like this. GM is only trying to cover their mistakes by changing the name. GM is still going to be criticized on the Sonic because it is a rebadged Aveo. Let alone the fact that the front end of the Sonic resembles the new Lancer. Personally I like the way GM designed the new Aveo/Sonic. I would buy one lol. But people will always remember the Aveo when they look at the Sonic in my opinion.

though it has nothing to do with the aveo lol, the fanboys cant write it off now for being korean (though korean cars are imports, idk what the hell they are talking about).

I seen my first cruze yesterday, looked nice!

[reddemonx92]

lol my parents drove a cruze. The 1.4 one is really nice but they priced it so high. Its like 25k for it

[petrified.rabbit]

price killed me when i looked at the cruze.

[MetroMPG]

Lowering the hood height would be possible, though would quite likely require massaging whatever hardware sticks up furthest under hood.

Apparently one reason for "high" hoods on many new cars is due to Euro pedestrian crash regs - and since the new Aveo/Sonic is a global car, it has to meet those regs to be sold in Europe. A gap of 10 cm / 4 in. between the hood and the components underneath reduces pedestrian injuries. (wiki)

[petrified.rabbit]

thats slowly becoming US standard as well.. i think we are 3-4 regulation changes behind europe though.

[reddemonx92]

U.S likes to sell big cars that you have to spend almost $100 to fill up. Europe has alot more smaller engine cars than us.