When you arrive at LAX and they bring you to the small Chevy you’re going to be driving for the next few days through one of the most car-centric cities on earth, Los Angeles, excitement isn’t the emotion that normally stirs in an enthusiast’s breast.

Especially when you see the staggering, ferociously cool 556hp Cadillac CTS-V wagon they’ve parked it next to. At least they’re the same color…

Then you look closer, and realize how pert and well proportioned this Sonic is—even as a four door sedan. Normally, the “trunked” version of hatchbacks look odd and unnatural, but both the funkier five door hatch and this Chevrolet have curb appeal.

Inside, what greets you is simply the best economy-car interior ever from the Bowtie brigade. Great style, quality on par with Asian rivals, nice comfy, adult-sized seats, and an original, motorcycle-influenced instrument package. Of course, the vehicle I had climbed into was an LTZ model, so it was pretty well equipped, but either way I was impressed.

The way this Chevy goes down the road continues the quantum leap company made from the Cobalt to the Cruze, its bigger brother. Refined and quite, with good damping ironing out the worst of LA’s concrete slab-induced pogoing, and a genuine big car vibe.

The steering feels like most other electric-assist power system setups, so it lacks precision and any real feel. However, it doesn’t suffer that horrid sloppiness around the strait ahead that interferes with highway tracking and it is no worse than most other EPS-types. I cant tell you much about the way the Sonic corners, as there was nary a chance to carve a corner; traffic slice n’ dice was all that was on the menu. Other automotive journalists I respect say it is great.

What I can confirm is that the basic, normally aspirated 1.8-liter engine is grainy at lower RPMs and harsh at the top end, and lacks any semblance of verve. This is mitigated to some extent by the slick 6-speed auto tranny, but I would have loved to try the turbocharged 1.4-liter alternative available in the Sonic. While both engines are rated at the same 138hp, I know how much low-down torque and overall smooth character that little blown mill serves up in the larger, heavier Cruze. It must be a cracker in the Sonic.

With the caveat of the engine’s lack of refinement, I would have to say that my time in the small Chevy was surprisingly fun, and that the Sonic makes not only a great urban runabout, but thanks to that refined, quality, feel, a great choice for an all-round economical drive that more than holds its own against the established Asian opposition. So the next time you’re asked by the polite person behind the counter at your favored rental agency if you want to upgrade from a Sonic, say “No.” Better yet, if this is the market you’re shopping in, you must drive one.

EPA ratings 25/35

Price as tested: $18,880

For what Chevy has to say, go here.

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