Hottest new small cars for 2012

Chevrolet Sonic

Chevrolet's lowest-priced small car, the Sonic, is a sportier-looking and better-performing replacement for the Aveo. And it has a distinction that will matter to many buyers: It is the only subcompact made in the USA under an agreement with the United Auto Workers.

Reviewers praise the Sonic as fun to drive and a worthy competitor to chief rivals Ford Fiesta and Honda Fit. You can get the Sonic in either sedan or hatchback versions, both of which were rated a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The four-cylinder, 135 horsepower engine is rated at 25 MPG in city driving and 35 on the highway. The Sonic base model starts at $13,735 and ranges up to $18,495 for its top-end version.

Next: Hyundai Veloster

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2/5

[jci49]

From everything I have seen about the Sonic, you'd think Chevy has Ford build it and just put their label on it. It is that close to looking like a Fiesta. Except for mileage; I get 36 around town and over 40 on the Interstate.