New for 2012 - Chevrolet Sonic

I recently enjoyed the opportunity to participate in a "Ride and Drive" featuring the all new 2012 Sonic. This is Chevrolet's newest offering in the compact car segment, and it promised to be an interesting day. We started at 5:30 A.M. leaving Edenton and traveling to the Coliseum in Hampton, Virginia. If you've ever driven in the Norfolk, Hampton Roads area of Virginia, then you can understand how after several wrong turns, reversing direction at least once, and going completely in the wrong direction, we arrived with only 5 minutes to spare. (Forgot to take the Garmin!, and we weren't driving an OnStar equipped Chevrolet.)

The morning started with an introduction and orientation after which we were then divided into several breakout groups that would detail the "Six Speeds of Sonic". These are the major features and benefits of the new Sonic - more about those later. To me the highlight of the day was the Drive segment; where the rubber meets the road. For this portion we were led out to the huge parking lot which had been transformed with traffic cones into a mini performance drive course.

Finally behind the wheel!! We had the opportunity to drive a Sonic coupe with an automatic transmission as well as the hatchback with the manual transmission. It might not have been as convincing if all we did was drive our product, so we also drove the major competitors vehicles as well. These included the Ford Fiesta; Hyundai Accent; Nissan Versa; and Honda Fit.

The course started with a straight away to test the acceleration and power of each vehicle, then several "slow" curves and into a "slalom" of alternating sharp turns. From there to an "instant" stop to experience the vehicle response to a sudden stop. Finally, another acceleration and turn to return to the starting point. A professional driver accompanied each participant on the course and encouraged a maximum safe speed to fully appreciate the response of each vehicle.

I have been driving now for over 40 years and I have driven a variety of different vehicles from various manufacturers including trucks, midsized and full sized sedans, as well as a couple of compacts. I also must admit to a bias toward General Motors products, as the majority of the vehicles I have owned were GM's. Putting all of that aside, I was truly impressed with the Sonic, its ride, and overall performance. Part of the difference is the wider wheel base of the Sonic as well as the "body frame integral construction", which when combined allow for a much more solid stance, and a more stable ride.

One way for you to experience this awesome vehicle for yourself is to come in and take a test drive for yourself! Come visit me at Edenton Motors an see why we're "Simply the Best!"