CAR WARRIORS: WHY THE 2014 CHEVROLET SONIC IS IMPRESSIVE

Thursday, July 3, 2014

WHY THE 2014 CHEVROLET SONIC IS IMPRESSIVE

Chevrolet Sonic comes with the optional 138-hp 1.4-liter turbo four on LT and LTZ trims but makes the little huffer standard in the sporty RS package. Midway through the 2014 model year, Chevrolet added the RS package to the sedan; it had been hatchback-only when it arrived for 2013. This demonstrates that, besides figuring out at long last how to build a decent small car and even assemble it in the United States, GM has also found a way to give the market something fresh for a third model year.

Also new for mid-2014, is the Advanced Safety package of forward-collision alert and lane-departure warnings, which added $395 to the $20,530 MSRP on the Sonic RS sedan tested here. It was the only extracost option, so the sticker price still came in at under $21,000.

The RS standard equipment list is pretty strong, with A/C, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with a tilting and telescoping column, remote keyless entry, a rearview camera, and the Chevy MyLink infotainment system with voice recognition. Using apps on your smartphone accessed via the Bluetooth link, the MyLink touch screen gives you access to navigation, Pandora, and other features—this car didn’t have the 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot link to the internet, but the Sonic will include that with 2015 models. So the “keep it fresh” mentality is continuing into a fourth year.

As with the hatchback, the RS sedan employs the 1.4-liter Ecotec turbo four-banger but gets no more thrust: 138 horsepower is the Sonic ceiling, whether from the base 1.8-liter naturally aspirated four or the turbo 1.4. The latter has a broader torque band with a stronger peak (148 lb-ft at 2500 rpm versus only 125 at 3800 rpm) and identical overall EPA mileage ratings, so we think it’s worth the $700 uptick.

Coupled here to a six-speed manual transmission, the 1.4-liter is strong enough to outrun the non-performance-grade versions of all the aforementioned competitors to 60 mph. The RS sedan clocked in at 8.2 seconds, one-tenth behind the 2013 hatchback RS and identical to the time we got in a 2012 LTZ with the turbo/manual combination. This parity is despite what, in theory, should be a more accelerative combination of final drive and closer spacing between the gear ratios. Whereas most turbo Sonics run a 3.65:1 final drive with the manual (3.23:1 with the six-speed automatic), the RS gets a shorter 4.18:1 differential ratio (3.53:1 with the automatic).

The manual also uses a shorter first-gear, but aside from making it easier to squeal the tires from a standstill, it means very little: At the drag strip, the LTZ turbo/manual hatchback did a 16.5-second quarter-mile at 85 mph and the RS sedan got there a tenth quicker going 1 mph faster. Even the zero-to-30 time doesn’t improve—perhaps Chevy could save some bucks and just use one setup? Regardless, the most measurable effect of the gearing changes might be fuel economy: sixth gear isn’t quite as tall as in other models (0.74:1 versus 0.61), and with the shorter final drive we saw 29 mpg in the RS while the LTZ returned 31 mpg.

We’ve grown a little more jaded about the Sonic as the B-segment fun-to-drive quotient expands with new entries featuring sharper, more responsive driving dynamics. The Sonic’s manual shifter isn’t the best tool in the subcompact shed anymore, the car’s steering is quick but short on feedback, and handling is predictable but not sprightly.

Newer, more expressive designs also cast a distinct Elmer Fudd-ish shadow over Sonic’s micro-Cruze styling. The resemblance to its larger stablemates is more than skin-deep: at 2846 pounds on our scale, this RS sedan weighs some 220 pounds more than a similarly sized Ford Fiesta SFE sedan. Steering clear of the more serious performance end of the B-segment spectrum seems wise. In that context the weight penalty would loom larger and the advantages of size (a trunk more spacious than the one in the Honda Civic, for starters, and habitable rear seats) would matter less. As it is, the 168-foot stopping distance from 70 mph and 0.85 g cornering could be better were the chassis lighter.

Putting the RS trimmings on the sedan, then, is rather like that string of pearls granny used to wear with a housedress. It classes things up a bit without really fooling anyone into thinking that you’re headed to town in a ball gown. In a segment where the lowly Aveo once roamed the land in its Kmart wardrobe, the Sonic RS offers decent appearance upgrades. With 17-inch wheels, a decklid spoiler, front fog lamps, a more aggressive front fascia with an air dam and body-side moldings, it looks a tad sportier on its lowered, stiffened suspension. The RS interior upgrades include a set of leather-trimmed heated bucket seats with suede-like microfiber inserts up front and red stitching, plus a leather-dressed shift knob. Add those collision and lane-departure warning systems and drop a few more bucks on phone apps and the Sonic RS driver needn’t feel deprived. That’s more than you could say for generations of previous small Chevys. Let’s hope the next step—making the driver feel special when the gas pedal is pressed.

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KNOWING ABOUT YOUR POWER-TRAIN WARRANITY

A powertrain warranty is a form of assurance offered by the manufacturer of an automobile. When a consumer purchases a vehicle, at the time of sale, he or she will be given a powertrain warranty, which will cover all or part of the powertrain of the underlying automobile. When a mechanical problem occurs to the powertrain the costs associated with repair or replacement are covered in the powertrain warranty—the manufacturer or dealer whole sold the automobile will pay to have the car fixed. That being said, what parts are covered and the extent of the repayment associated with fixing the car will vary greatly based on the powertrain warranty offered.

Depending on the manufacturer, a powertrain warranty will provide different forms of coverage based on interpretative differences; for example, one manufacturer’s definition of an engine can be referred to as a ‘long block’, meaning the engine, as well as everything attached to it cannot be removed. Another definition of an engine can be a “short block” meaning only part of the engine—typically the piece below cylinder head—cannot be removed. As a result, the coverage abilities will vary between these two warranties if the engine proved to be faulty.

In addition to the engine, the type of automobile will necessitate different variables within the powertrain warranty. For example, if you purchased a manual transmission vehicle, the warranty may exclude repairs or replacements for important pieces, such as the clutch—an extended warranty for a manual transmission will typically only provide coverage for the driveshaft and the axles.

A powertrain warranty will last for a certain number of years or for a maximum number of miles. In most instances, the powertrain warranty will last longer than a typical car warranty; the basic powertrain warranty is offered as a 10 year or 100,000 mile warranty, or whichever comes first.

Other Warranites Usually available to car buyers:

Basic: Also known as "bumper-to-bumper" coverage, this is the general coverage that would pay to repair defects in factory-installed parts. Tires are not typically included because they're usually covered under a separate tire manufacturer warranty.

Corrosion: Covers rust that causes holes in sheet metal in parts such as the doors or side panels.

Roadside assistance: Provides help with towing and tire-changing if the car breaks down while traveling.

It's best to check with dealers for specifics, but here is a list of seven top auto companies that offer among the best car warranties, despite the fact that many are rated safe cars by independent research firms.

Car Insurance Tips

Find out what’s covered and what isn’t. Get your quote in writing and confirm the accuracy of each vehicle and driver you are insuring, as well as the coverages you requested. Ask about free, value-added features, such as emergency roadside assistance. Check to see if repairs are guaranteed for as long as you own your car, and find out what kind of payment options are available.

To see if you’re getting credit where credit is due, it's a good idea to find out all the discounts available to you. Some simple ways to save money on your auto insurance include maintaining a clean driving record, being a good student and the inclusion of certain safety features when buying a new car can save you money on your policy.

Your state sets forth the minimum liability coverage you must maintain, as mentioned above. But these are just the legal minimums and might not give you the coverage you need. You'll have to decide what you want to buy beyond these minimums. Keep in mind that you are looking to find the balance between having adequate coverage and overpaying.

According to Consumer Reports, a general guideline for adequate bodily injury liability limits is $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident, plus $100,000 for property damage. These amounts are what your insurer will pay to someone you are in an accident with. For uninsured motorist coverage, you should get the same amount as for bodily injury liability, as this covers your medical costs when someone who is not insured hits you.

Auto insurance tip #1
Understand why you need auto insurance
In short, you need car insurance to protect your car, yourself and your passengers. You also protect any assets, like your home and savings, as well as comply with state law.

Auto insurance tip #2
Know your current coverages-but be willing to adjust
Use your current coverages and limits as a starting point; you can refer to your declarations page for this information. Then, adjust your coverages as necessary to match your lifestyle-which might be different than it was when you first bought the policy.

For example, if your teenager starts driving next month, you might consider adding him or her to your policy now. Or, if you just bought a new car, you might choose loan/lease payoff coverage, so that if your car is stolen or declared a total loss, you'll have help paying off your loan or lease.

Auto insurance tip #3
Decide what you want to protect, then choose your coverages

Auto insurance tip #4
Use deductibles to your advantage
Your deductible is what you agree to pay out of pocket when you use your car insurance. In general, the higher you set your deductible, the less you'll pay for your policy. And conversely, if you set your deductible low, you'll pay more for your policy, but less when you have a claim.

Auto insurance tip #5
Know that certain things affect your rate
Insurance companies evaluate a variety of things when they calculate your rate, from your driving record to where you live and how many miles you drive on average. Keep this in mind when you see your rate.

More alternatives:

Raise your comprehensive and collision deductibles to at least $1,000, which lowers your premiums and prevents you from filing small claims that could jeopardize a claims-free discount. Add some more money to your emergency fund so you’ll have the cash to pay the deductible if anyone in your family does have an accident.

Drop collision and comprehensive coverage entirely on older cars that are worth little more than the deductible. You may be paying more in premiums than you could ever get back from the insurer, even if the car is totaled.

Tell your insurer if your child goes away to college. If your child goes to school more than 100 miles away and does not use the car, you can usually get a big break on your premiums but still have coverage when he or she comes home for vacation.

Ask about other discounts for teenage drivers. Some insurers offer discounts for driver-safety programs, cutting costs if the kids take a special class, watch a DVD, or read a driver-safety book and take a test. Ask your insurer what your kid needs to do to qualify.

Make the most of multi-policy discounts. You’ll usually get a break on your auto insurance and your homeowners insurance if you keep both policies with the same company. You may get an additional discount if you include an umbrella policy, which provides extra liability coverage beyond your auto-insurance limits and can be particularly valuable when you have a teenage driver.

Some insurers offer much better deals than others for teenage drivers, so it’s important to compare costs. The insurance company that offered the best rate for you and your spouse may have some of the highest rates when you add a teenage boy to the policy - and it’s almost always better to add the child to your policy rather than have him get his own policy.

You can get price quotes from several online insurance companies like Progressive or AllState or get personalized service from an independent insurance agent who works with many companies. You may not want to switch from a longtime insurer just to save a few dollars, however, because your current company may be less likely to raise your rate or drop you if your child has an accident. If you stay with the insurance company you currently have there more room for forgiveness and benefits of such various programs. Also keep in mind that if you have been getting a multi-policy discount, your homeowners-insurance rate might rise if you take your auto-insurance business elsewhere.

One thing you don’t want to do in an attempt to reduce your premiums is skimp on liability coverage. recommends liability limits of at least $250,000 per person, $500,000 per accident and $100,000 for property damage or a policy with a “combined single limit” of $500,000, when available, which does not limit the coverage to $250,000 per person involved in the accident. Young drivers are more likely to have accidents, and lowering your liability limits could leave you on the hook for tens of thousands of dollars in expenses if your child does hit another car or injure someone.

CAR WARRIORS

Thursday, July 3, 2014

WHY THE 2014 CHEVROLET SONIC IS IMPRESSIVE

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