America's next top model: Chevrolet lets loose a Sonic boom

MANILA, Philippines - I first got wowed by it in a sneak preview in Thailand early this year—and now it’s finally landed on our shores. It’s the new Chevrolet Sonic and it’s set to create shockwaves in the biggest segment in the local car industry, the subcompact category. 

The Covenant Car Company Inc. (TCCCI), exclusive importer and distributor of Chevrolet vehicles, parts and accessories in the Philippines, has launched the Bowtie brand’s all-new Sonic to the market.

The Sonic is Chevrolet’s latest entry in the subcompact class, and will be doing battle with the likes of the Toyota Vios, Honda City, Kia Rio, and Hyundai Accent. It will be available in sedan and hatchback variants with a 1.4-liter engine and a class-leading 6-speed automatic.

The Sonic provides a balanced combination of quality performance, sophisticated yet sporty styling, impressive interior and high-tech comfort and convenience features. Chevrolet offers the high-trim Sonic variants to provide a new and exciting alternative for discerning Filipino buyers who desire top-of-the-line features in a subcompact. TCCCI believes that the market deserves exceptional yet sensible car qualities that will address all the needs and wants of the hardworking Filipino, may it be for the daily commute to work, running an errand or a weekend trip with the family; the Chevy Sonic makes sure that each driving experience is comfortable, fun and economical.

Equipped with Chevy’s new Ecotec engine with double Continuous-Variable Cam-phase (CVC), the Chevy Sonic provides efficient power and spritely driving performance. Its improved fuel injectors combined with high-tech oxygen sensors optimizes fuel injection ratios that minimize emissions. Built with “return-less” fuel rail and electronically controlled EGR valve that makes sure all the fuel that circulates in the engine are smartly utilized and maximized, and matched with a fuel-conserving 6-speed automatic, the Sonic is a vehicle of choice for fuel consumption-conscious car buyers.

The Sonic comes as a stylish four-door sedan or a sporty five-door hatchback. Both variants sport some key signature elements like the exposed headlamps which resemble the look of a high-performance motorbike. These headlamps are mounted without traditional lens covers, for a three-dimensional appearance on the front corners. The Sonic’s sleek lines are the result of improved aerodynamics and high buid quality. Gaps between finished seams at the doors, fenders, hood and headlamps are minimized to reduce wind noise and provide a more solid appearance. Big 16” alloy wheels are fitted in the Sonic to accentuate its bold and strong stance.

The Sonic’s interior design compliments its exterior look and image. Premium materials, motorbike-inspired instrument cluster, dual-cockpit design and ice blue backlighting strengthen the sporty feel in the inside. Loaded with high-tech and functional features like steering wheel-mounted audio controls, rear windshield defogger, multi-media digital connectivity, ample storage space and 2nd row 60:40 split fold for flexible cargo loading, the Sonic delivers driving comfort and convenience.

“Chevrolet, a brand of over one hundred years, acknowledges that Filipinos of today are everyday heroes that strive to attain excellence and success for oneself and family. The brand recognizes that in this time and age, Filipinos exert exceptional effort and go to great lengths to achieve a good work-life balance. We are pertaining to the young couple who works more than eight hours a day but never neglects the needs of their children; the hands-on entrepreneur that does multiple tasks and maximizes every minute to ensure the success of the business; the newly promoted manager who takes full accountability for his work and never lets his team and family down,” said Chevrolet’s President and Managing Director Atty. Albert Arcilla.

“Basically, they are what we call the modern day ‘super heroes.’ To reward them, we at Chevrolet offer a vehicle that complements their strengths, versatility and impressive characteristics: the new Chevrolet Sonic. This new vehicle possesses the style and practical function that helps our “everyday heroes” live up to their super roles,” Arcilla added.

The Chevrolet Sonic sedan automatic and manual transmission variants are already available at all Chevrolet dealers. It comes with the Chevrolet 5-year warranty, 3-year free roadside assistance and the services of a 24/7 Chevy Hotline. The Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback shall be available for delivery on the third week of October 2012. Both variants will have 6-speed automatic and 5-speed manual transmission options.

Prices of the Chevrolet Sonic start at P778,888 for the MT sedan, P828,888 for the AT sedan, P788,888 for the MT hatchback, and P838,888 for the AT hatchback.