What is the name of the Chevy Sonic?
The name of the model is Chevrolet Sonic.
First introduced in 2012 as a successor to the Aveo, the Chevrolet Sonic is a subcompact car offered in hatchback and sedan configurations. This article reviews the model’s branding, history, and place in Chevrolet’s portfolio.
Origins of the name and branding
The Sonic name was selected to convey agility, youthfulness, and modernity, aligning with Chevrolet’s push to attract buyers to smaller, efficient cars in the early 2010s. It functioned as Chevrolet’s primary entry in the flourishing subcompact segment in North America.
Key facts about the Sonic’s name and branding:
- Launched in 2012 as a direct replacement for the Chevy Aveo in the U.S. market.
- Sold as both a hatchback (five-door) and a four-door sedan.
- Marketing emphasized features like MyLink infotainment and available turbocharged engine options.
- In the United States, production and sales continued through the 2019 model year, after which Chevrolet largely discontinued the model in the region.
In summary, the Sonic’s name is the official model designation from Chevrolet: Chevrolet Sonic. It signified a compact, tech-forward vehicle within the brand’s lineup during its decade on the market.
Lifecycle and generations
Like many subcompact models, the Sonic underwent updates across its lifecycle, including a mid-cycle refresh. This section summarizes the notable lifecycle milestones and what they meant for buyers.
Lifecycle highlights:
- First generation (approximately 2012–2016): standard and turbocharged engine options, hatchback and sedan body styles, and a focus on affordable technology.
- Mid-cycle refresh (approximately 2017–2019): updated styling, revised interior tech, and ongoing availability through the model year 2019.
- Discontinuation: Chevrolet ended the Sonic in the U.S. market after the 2019 model year, reflecting shifting consumer demand away from subcompact cars.
Overall, the Sonic served as a steady entry in Chevrolet’s global subcompact lineup for roughly a decade before being retired from in-market rotation.
Summary
The Chevrolet Sonic is, simply, the model known as the Chevrolet Sonic. Introduced in 2012 to replace the Aveo, it offered hatchback and sedan variants and was marketed as a compact, tech-friendly option through 2019 in the U.S. and in various markets before production waned. Its name—Chevrolet Sonic—remains the official designation for the model.
Are Aveo and Sonic the same?
Outside North America, the Chevrolet Sonic is known as the Aveo. Within the last few years, General Motors has shuffled through a series of names for its Chevrolet compact car, starting with the Cavalier, which became the Cobalt in 2005 and now is the Cruze.
Which is better, Chevy Sonic or Spark?
The Chevy Spark is smaller, more fuel-efficient, and generally less expensive than the Sonic, making it better for city driving and budget-conscious buyers. The Sonic is a larger, more powerful car with more cargo space, but it has lower fuel economy and a higher price point. Both have been discontinued, with the Sonic ending production in 2020 and the Spark in 2022.
You can watch this video to learn about the Chevy Spark and Sonic Turbo: 19sEddie WhiteYouTube · Jan 17, 2018
Chevy Spark
- Pros:
- More fuel-efficient, with higher highway and city MPG ratings.
- Smaller and more agile, with a tighter turning radius for easier parking in tight city spots.
- Often has a lower starting and used car price.
- Comes with more standard technology features like a seven-inch touchscreen and rearview camera.
- Cons:
- Less powerful base engine.
- Less interior and cargo space.
Chevy Sonic
- Pros:
- More powerful engine options.
- Significantly more cargo and passenger space.
- Wider, offering more passenger room.
- Cons:
- Lower fuel economy.
- Higher price point, especially when new.
- Larger size can make it more difficult to park in tight spaces.
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Chevy Spark if your priority is fuel efficiency and maneuverability in a city, and you want to save money.
- Choose the Chevy Sonic if you need more power and space for passengers or cargo, and fuel economy is a lower priority.
What did the Chevy Sonic used to be called?
Similarly, the Chevy Sonic began under a different model name, the Aveo. Introduced in 2002, the Aveo was always sold under the Chevrolet brand, until it was renamed the Sonic for the compact's second generation in 2011.
What is the other name for the Chevy Sonic?
Aveo
The second-generation Aveo, developed by GM Korea (formerly GMDAT), was introduced in 2011 and was also marketed as the Chevrolet Sonic in markets including the Americas, Japan, Middle East, South Africa and several Southeast Asian markets.
