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VIDEO: 2012 Chevy Sonic, Finally Chevy Got It Right

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(Photo Credit: KDKA)

2012 Chevrolet Sonic Turbo

Finally a small car from Chevy that will erase the bad memories of Vega, Sprint Metro and Aveo. A small car, and now we can proudly say a good car, from Chevrolet.

This car is 77 percent stiffer than the Aveo it replaces. That's good news for the Sonic, and another reason why the Aveo was such an awful car. It was a modern day rattletrap. The Chevrolet Sonic is a little heavier than it should be, but as they say, it carries the extra pounds well.

The ride is stiff, but not jarring, and I like that. The steering is super quick, which will take some people a little getting used to, especially in a small Chevy.

The turbo makes 138 horsepower, which will take you from zero to 60, in about eight seconds. The big news is 29 city, 40 highway. I averaged a decent 32 miles per gallon during my week with the Sonic.

There's an RS version too with nice looking 17-inch wheels, sport exhaust and some body tweaks.

Chevy has upped production of the Sonic to keep up with demand. Hats off to the bow tie for finally making an exceptional small car, the Chevrolet Sonic for 2012.

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Mike West has been on the air in Seattle for more than 30 years as part of Seattle's best morning show teams. He also did mornings on KLOS Los Angeles for a little over a year before returning to Seattle. He currently hosts Breakfast With The Beatles every Sunday morning on CBS Seattle station KZOK, 102.5 FM.

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