Chevy Sonic promises to be safe and efficient 09/23/2011
Some people may picture speedy blue hedgehogs when they hear the word "Sonic," but now the name also belongs to a new car from Chevrolet. The Sonic is Chevy's replacement for the Aveo and the mid-size sedan is not only packed with safety features, but its fuel economy is impressive as well.
The majority of the car's body is built with high-strength steel, and the roof is designed to handle more than four times the weight of the vehicle should it rollover. The airbag system has roof-mounted bags that stay inflated longer in case a vehicle rolls more than once, and the pedal assembly is releasable to lower the risk of leg and foot injuries for drivers in the event of a crash.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently published the Sonic's fuel economy rating, which is estimated to be 35 miles per gallon on the highway and 26 in the city. However, Popular Mechanics reports that the new car is capable of as much as 40 mpg on the highway and closer to 30 mpg in the city.
The Sonic will be available by the end of 2011, and the base model starts around $14,000.