I've owned a '13 Accent hatch with the 6 speed manual for almost five years...I think the Sonic and Accent are similar in some ways and different in others. Maybe like many, the Sonic was the first GM small car that I ever looked at seriously. Here are some of my observations:
1) There's a sizable curb weight difference between the two which will allow for better gas mileage at some level of reduced protection. Sonic has a bit more of a "bigger car" ride.
2) The Sonic is a bit better highway cruiser but the Accent is not far behind. Both ride well. To me, it comes down to what rpm I'm doing at 70 mph all else being equal.
3) There's a significant enough difference in performance between the auto and manual in the Accent, so if you have the option to go with the manual I would definitely try it. It seems 3-4 MPG between the transmission choices is not unusual and the Accent was even noted as being one of the few cars remaining where there still IS an mpg disparity.
4) The Gamma engine is smooth with good power and I've heard good things about the shifting of the auto transmission. Clutch is numb without much of a friction point and a small amount of resistance which makes it an easy commuter.
5) The Accent 1.6 has direct injection, dual CVVT, roller timing chain, smart alternator, etc. and is pretty modern with regards to engine technology. No turbo. Reduced LSPI "freak out".
6) I've haven't had to do anything to it in repairs and the only items I've done are regular oil changes and new tires. I can get 40 mpg with the manual on a long trip but typically get about 32-33 combined with 50/50 city-highway driving.
So, I say Accent either in auto or manual guise. '17 is the last year of the hatchback for the US - I definitely like having a 21 cu. foot trunk with the back seats up. The '18 Accent is coming out soon and although they've updated it a bit, I wouldn't pass up a deal on a '17.
1) There's a sizable curb weight difference between the two which will allow for better gas mileage at some level of reduced protection. Sonic has a bit more of a "bigger car" ride.
2) The Sonic is a bit better highway cruiser but the Accent is not far behind. Both ride well. To me, it comes down to what rpm I'm doing at 70 mph all else being equal.
3) There's a significant enough difference in performance between the auto and manual in the Accent, so if you have the option to go with the manual I would definitely try it. It seems 3-4 MPG between the transmission choices is not unusual and the Accent was even noted as being one of the few cars remaining where there still IS an mpg disparity.
4) The Gamma engine is smooth with good power and I've heard good things about the shifting of the auto transmission. Clutch is numb without much of a friction point and a small amount of resistance which makes it an easy commuter.
5) The Accent 1.6 has direct injection, dual CVVT, roller timing chain, smart alternator, etc. and is pretty modern with regards to engine technology. No turbo. Reduced LSPI "freak out".
6) I've haven't had to do anything to it in repairs and the only items I've done are regular oil changes and new tires. I can get 40 mpg with the manual on a long trip but typically get about 32-33 combined with 50/50 city-highway driving.
So, I say Accent either in auto or manual guise. '17 is the last year of the hatchback for the US - I definitely like having a 21 cu. foot trunk with the back seats up. The '18 Accent is coming out soon and although they've updated it a bit, I wouldn't pass up a deal on a '17.
