In its second year of production, the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic remains the same as the model found on dealership showroom floors last season. This is due in part to the fact that Chevrolet’s engineers and designers focused much of their attention on creating the Sonic’s sportier cousin, the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS, which will be available near the end of 2012. However, just because nothing has changed does not equate to a bad situation. The Sonic still has quite a bit of pop for a subcompact and styling cues that set it apart from competition such as the Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit and Hyundai Accent.

As with the initial model run, the 2013 front-wheel-drive Chevrolet Sonic is available in three different trim levels: LS, LT and LTZ. All trims are available as either a 4-door sedan or a 2-door hatchback and can be equipped with a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. All Sonics come standard with a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder DOHC Ecotec engine with variable valve timing that offers 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. An optional turbocharged engine is available for the LT and LTZ trims. The EPA estimates that the Sonic should achieve 25 mpg city/35 highway when paired with the automatic transmission and 26/35 when equipped with a manual transmission. The trims equipped with a turbocharged engine max out at 29/40.

Exterior highlights standard for the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic include automatic headlights, daytime running lights, remote keyless entry, 15-inch aluminum alloy wheels (17-inch wheels are standard on the LTZ trims) and a rear spoiler. Interior features are highlighted by single-zone manual air conditioning, cloth seating surfaces (perforated leatherette surfaces come standard in LTZ trims), tilt-and-telescopic three-spoke steering wheel and a driver's information center. The Sonic LS audio system comes with an AM/FM stereo with equalizer, audio input jack and 4 speakers. The sound system for the LT and LTZ trims comes with a CD/MP3 player as well as available Sirius XM radio accessibility.

Numerous safety and security features come standard for all trims for the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic, including 10 standard airbags—driver and front passenger frontal airbags, front seat-mounted and rear seat-mounted side-impact airbags, roof rail head-curtain airbags for front and rear outboard seating positions, and driver's and front passenger knee airbags. Other safety features available include 4-wheel antilock brakes, hill start assist, a tire pressure-monitoring system and electronic stability control system with traction control and panic brake assist.

With all the power that Chevrolet has gathered into such a small package, the Sonic should remain a popular option for those looking for a small car with some get-up-and-go. The pricing structure for the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic is expected to remain basically the same, with the LS serving as the base trim and the LTZ having a few more luxury touches, such as heated seating surfaces and larger wheels.