Market Niche:
Subcompact car segment, positioned as an affordable and stylish option with European design influences.
Competitors:
Competed against vehicles such as the Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Hyundai Accent, and Kia Rio.
Key Selling Points:
Distinctive styling, fuel efficiency, available turbocharged engine (on later models, though less common for 2012 base models), modern interior features for its class, and a focus on safety.
Value:
Provides vehicle-specific, factory-level repair information, empowering owners and independent technicians to perform maintenance and repairs accurately and efficiently, saving time and money compared to relying solely on dealerships or generic guides.
Engine:
Detailed coverage including maintenance, diagnosis, repair, and specifications for engine mechanical, control systems, fuel service, emission control, intake, exhaust, cooling, lubrication, ignition, starting, and charging systems.
Drivetrain:
Comprehensive information on automatic transmission, clutch, manual transmission, transfer case, propeller shaft, drive shaft, differential, axle, suspension, tire, and wheel systems.
Brakes:
Detailed procedures for brake control systems, general brake repairs, and parking brake systems.
Steering Suspension:
In-depth coverage of steering column, power steering systems, axle, suspension, and tire/wheel assemblies.
Electrical Electronics:
Extensive coverage including wiring schematics, diagnosis, and repair for the supplemental restraint system (SRS), seat belts, engine immobilizer, cruise control, wiper/washer systems, door locks, meter/audio/visual systems, horn, windshield/glass/mirrors, instrument panel, seats, engine hood/doors, exterior/interior components, general electrical systems, and multiplex/CAN communication networks.
Repair Procedures:
Complete step-by-step instructions for diagnosis, maintenance, and repair of all vehicle systems.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Detailed diagnostic trees, fault code interpretations, and troubleshooting guides for identifying and resolving vehicle issues.
Maintenance Procedures:
Comprehensive maintenance schedules and procedures for all major vehicle components.
Depth:
Factory-level technical information, equivalent to that used by dealership technicians, covering everything from basic maintenance to complex diagnostics and component-level repairs.
Print Ability:
All pages are printable, allowing for enlarged copies of diagrams and illustrations.
Binding Type:
Digital (PDF format, no physical binding)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital)
Operating Systems:
Compatible with Windows (Vista 32/64, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000) and Mac operating systems.
Required Software:
Adobe PDF Reader and Winzip (free online).
Engine 1 Liter Displacement:
1.4L ECOTEC DOHC I4 (GMDAT F14D4)
Engine 1 Liter Horsepower:
100 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Engine 1 Liter Torque:
96 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm (approx.)
Engine 2 Liter Displacement:
1.4L ECOTEC Turbo DOHC I4 (LUV)
Engine 2 Liter Horsepower:
138 hp @ 4900 rpm (approx.)
Engine 2 Liter Torque:
148 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with sequential port injection.
ECU Type:
GM ECM (Engine Control Module) with CAN bus communication.
Coolant Type:
Dex-Cool (Orange) Long-Life Antifreeze/Coolant (GM specification 6277M).
Transmission Type 1:
5-speed Manual Transmission (M21/M22 variant).
Transmission Type 2:
6-speed Automatic Transmission (6T40 variant).
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron VI (GM specification 9986253).
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lubricant (API GL-4/GL-5 rated).
Length:
Sedan: 171.7 in (4361 mm); Hatchback: 160.1 in (4067 mm)
Height:
Sedan: 57.0 in (1448 mm); Hatchback: 59.7 in (1516 mm)
Wheelbase:
100.6 in (2555 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2,600 - 2,900 lbs (1179 - 1315 kg), varies by body style and equipment.
NHTSA Overall Rating:
5-Star Overall Safety Rating (for models equipped with specific safety features).
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard (StabiliTrak)
Anti Lock Brakes:
Standard
Traction Control:
Standard
Airbags:
Standard front airbags, front side-impact airbags, and curtain side-impact airbags.
Seat Belts:
Front pretensioners with load limiters, rear 3-point seat belts.
Infotainment System:
Available Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system with a touch-screen display (on higher trims), Bluetooth connectivity, and optional navigation.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with auxiliary input; optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio and premium sound systems.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Usb Port:
Available USB port for device charging and media playback.
Turbocharging Availability:
Optional 1.4L turbocharged engine provided enhanced performance and efficiency, a significant feature in its class.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil (refer to manual for specific oil type).
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 45,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 22,500 miles or 24 months.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.0 quarts (3.8 liters) with filter for 1.4L engines; 4.2 quarts (4.0 liters) with filter for 1.8L engines.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30 (meeting GM specification GMW16334).
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 quarts (6.2 liters) for 1.4L and 1.8L engines.
Common Problems 1:
Oil leaks from the valve cover gasket or oil pan gasket.
Common Problems 2:
Issues with the ignition coil packs leading to misfires.
Common Problems 3:
Water pump leaks or premature failure.
Common Problems 4:
Transmission control module (TCM) or transmission solenoid issues with automatic transmissions.
Chevrolet Heritage:
Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, has a long-standing history in providing a wide range of vehicles, from economy cars to trucks and performance vehicles, known for its accessibility and innovation.
Sonic Introduction:
The Chevrolet Sonic was introduced for the 2012 model year, replacing the Aveo. It was designed to be a more globally-oriented, refined, and stylish subcompact car.
Manufacturing Location:
General Motors Orion Assembly Plant in Orion Township, Michigan, USA.
