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The Chevrolet Sonic is no longer something fresh in the U.S. market. It has been launched in Detroit for more than a year since January 2011. Many Chevrolet fans in the United States, Canada, Japan, Middle East, and European countries have viewed it and some have even tasted. However, it is something new to the Thai and Southeast Asian automotive market. At the 33rd Bangkok International Motor Show, Chevrolet is showing off both the four-door sedan Sonic and five-door hatchback Sonic on their revolving stage.

The Sonic is the replacement for the Aveo but with more powerful engine. It is built on GM’s Gamma-II platform and available in sedan and hatchback. We can clearly see Chevrolet’s renowned signature on the car – the dual-port honeycomb grille inserts. Sleekness, sporty, and agility are words best to describe the all-new Chevrolet Sonic.

In the U.S., the Sonic is available in two variants – the sporty Ecotec 1.4L turbo and the Ecotec 1.8L. Together with a six-speed manual transmission, the 1.4L turbo version is giving 138hp and 200Nm of torque from 1,850 to 4,900rpm. On the other hand, consumers are allowed to choose either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission for the Ecotec 1.8L version.

Pricing and the detail specifications of the Sonic for the Thai market remained as a secret until its official launch date later this year. The Sonic was well protected in the Motor Show that we can’t really get close to it. Although we can’t touch the car, one thing we could really sure is the Sonic will be a fun-to-drive subcompact car.

“Most people in our target market, place affordability and cost-of-ownership as their top priority. Sometimes this means sacrificing what they really want in a car – design, interior comfort, handling and build quality,” said Mr. Antonio Zara, Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, GM Thailand/SEA and Chevrolet Sales Thailand. “The Chevrolet Sonic gives you a real car, one that you would want to drive out to show to your friends and one you will not hesitate to park in front of an uptown club. It is developed to fulfill the lifestyle requirements of young urbanites, with serious considerations for exterior and interior design in addition to comfort and quality. The Sonic is the first-car you want to have.” he continued.