GM Ditches Standard Alloys On Sonic
Chevy changes their mind on wheel options for the 2013 Sonic.
www.GMInsideNews.com
September 18, 2012
By: Nick Saporito
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Pictured: 2012 Sonic LS with the standard 15-inch alloys.
During the launch of the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic the bow-tie brand made a fairly big deal out of something rather small: the car's wheel options. Instead of rolling base Sonic's out with the normal steel wheels and plastic covers, Chevy opted to provide 15-inch alloys as standard fare. Apparently the brand has changed their mind, however, because a keen GMI reader has found that the 2013 Sonic has steel wheels standard, like everyone else.
Chevrolet opted for standard alloy wheels for reasons extending beyond ascetics. According to press releases and materials presented during the car's launch last year, engineers wanted standard alloys for the improved ride quality. At the car's launch engineers stated that the standard alloys reduced road noise in the cabin and provided a smoother ride. In fact, it was stated that a tremendous amount of effort was put into the wheel and tire combination of the Sonic, including the optional 16-inch alloys.
For 2013 Sonic LS now has 15-inch steel wheels as standard equipment. Buyers must now opt for the mid-range LT trim to get the alloys that were standard in 2012. Chevrolet has added Bluetooth, steering-wheel audio controls and blind-spotter mirrors standard on the 2013 Sonic to apparently offset the wheel change.
To be fair, nearly every competitor also has steel wheels standard in the sub-compact segment. The only difference is that none of the competitors launched their car with alloys only to make a big deal out of it and remove them a year later.
Outside of the wheel change, the Sonic continues to have a lofty standard equipment list, including 10 airbags. For 2013, the Sonic has also gained several new trim and wheel options, including spoilers and 17-inch alloy wheels on select models.
The 2013 Sonic is already appearing at Chevrolet dealerships.
Chevy changes their mind on wheel options for the 2013 Sonic.
www.GMInsideNews.com
September 18, 2012
By: Nick Saporito
Pictured: 2012 Sonic LS with the standard 15-inch alloys.
During the launch of the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic the bow-tie brand made a fairly big deal out of something rather small: the car's wheel options. Instead of rolling base Sonic's out with the normal steel wheels and plastic covers, Chevy opted to provide 15-inch alloys as standard fare. Apparently the brand has changed their mind, however, because a keen GMI reader has found that the 2013 Sonic has steel wheels standard, like everyone else.
Chevrolet opted for standard alloy wheels for reasons extending beyond ascetics. According to press releases and materials presented during the car's launch last year, engineers wanted standard alloys for the improved ride quality. At the car's launch engineers stated that the standard alloys reduced road noise in the cabin and provided a smoother ride. In fact, it was stated that a tremendous amount of effort was put into the wheel and tire combination of the Sonic, including the optional 16-inch alloys.
For 2013 Sonic LS now has 15-inch steel wheels as standard equipment. Buyers must now opt for the mid-range LT trim to get the alloys that were standard in 2012. Chevrolet has added Bluetooth, steering-wheel audio controls and blind-spotter mirrors standard on the 2013 Sonic to apparently offset the wheel change.
To be fair, nearly every competitor also has steel wheels standard in the sub-compact segment. The only difference is that none of the competitors launched their car with alloys only to make a big deal out of it and remove them a year later.
Outside of the wheel change, the Sonic continues to have a lofty standard equipment list, including 10 airbags. For 2013, the Sonic has also gained several new trim and wheel options, including spoilers and 17-inch alloy wheels on select models.
The 2013 Sonic is already appearing at Chevrolet dealerships.
