Millennials Car Guide
BANG FOR THE BUCK
t CHEVY SONIC
Hoping to captivate this market, Chevy studied Millennials intensely before introducing the 2012 Sonic in 2011.
Fuel efficient by virtue of its size, the subcompact, comes with a five-speed manual transmission matched to a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. It should achieve an EPA estimated fuel economy of 26 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and
35 mpg on the highway. The available 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, however, will achieve an estimated 40 mpg
on the highway, with a six-speed manual. I averaged 34.4 mpg on the test drive. A six-speed automatic is also available.
Offered in two body styles—a four-door sedan and a five-door hatchback—the Sonic provides hill-hold
technology on all models that will help novices master the manual transmission and keep all models from
rolling back on an incline.
StabiliTrak, electronic brake assist, anti-lock brakes, and OnStar are also standard. A free subscription to
Onstar for six months is one thing but Chevy adds the MyChevrolet mobile app that gives owners, i.e. parents,
remote access to the vehicle.
The entertainment system reflects the Millennial affinity for new technology—a CD player is standard on
the LT trim only.
Pricing for the 2014 Sonic starts at $14,995.
KIA SOUL u
The 2015 Kia Soul compact five-door hatchback has captured its segment with the right combination of utility
and fun. Redesigned for 2014, Kia designers opted to keep the same bug-like front fascia as well as the silhouette.
More substantive changes include a stiffer chassis that is longer and wider, adding interior room, and an
improved ride vis-à-vis heavily revised front and rear suspension systems.
Also adding to the Soul’s upgrades is the standard Flex Steer system that allows the driver to select from
three distinct steering settings, Comfort, Normal and Sport, for added oomph in certain situations, e.g.
entering a freeway.
The base model receives the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with gasoline direct injection (GDI), 130-horsepower
and 118 lbs.–ft. of torque. A new, more powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder is available as is a six-speed automatic with
idle, stop, and go, and this combination also delivers the best EPA city/highway estimated fuel economy, 24/31
mpg. A six-speed manual is only available on the base model.
Techies will appreciate the optional UVO infotainment system with Pandora preloaded into the headunit and
accessible through the touch screen and Voice Command.
Pricing for the 2015 Soul starts at $15,900.
SPORTY FUN
t FIAT ABARTH
Named for the famous racer and car builder Karl Abarth, the Fiat 500 Abarth emerged in 2012. This sporty
version of the 500 retains its cute appeal but revs ups its performance so that the driving experience sets it far
apart from its siblings.
It gets power from the 1.4-liter MultiAir turbo engine with 160 horses, matched to a five-speed manual
transmission. While the 2015 model year will add an optional six-speed automatic transmission, Millennials
may want to embrace the simpler manual technology, it’s worth it.
The 500c cabrio or open-top version was added last year.
Parents will appreciate the 35 active safety features including side curtain and knee airbags, and electronic
stability control, while Millennials will like its fuel economy, an EPA estimated city/highway of 24/38 mpg, and
wonderful engine rumble.
It also comes with an AM/FM stereo with CD player and auxiliary input jacks, air conditioning, a leather
wrapped cluster brow with accent stitching, and the Blue & Me hands-free communication system. The Beats
by Dr. Dre audio system is optional. The test model included fabulous red leather seats.
Pricing for the 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth starts at $23,045.
SUMMER 2014 | WWW.DECISIVELATINO.COM
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