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[extract] When Chevrolet introduced the new Sonic (known as the Aveo in Singapore) with the 1.4-Liter turbocharged petrol engine, it was available exclusively with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Now, GM announced that it will be available with the option of a 6-speed automatic. This is good business strategy as not everyone prefers to switch gears by themselves.

According to SgCarMart.com, the all-new Chevrolet Sonic is expected to arrive in Singapore some time in Q4 2012. However, there has been some negative publicity before the car makes it here. The American hatchback recently found itself in an embarrassing situation as the Detroit-based automaker revealed that some of its newly launched Sonic might be missing an inner or outer front brake pad. Chevrolet came to know of the problem on 29 Nov 11 when a customer brought a 2012 Sonic to a US dealership and complained about noises emitting from the brakes. Fortunately, Chevrolet noted that here are no known crashes or injuries related to the manufacturing defect. To address the problem, GM has issued a formal recall that involved 4,873 Sonic models built between 2 June 11 and 2 November 11. In a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), GM said that a missing pad could result in reduced brake system performance, increasing the risk of a crash. The company will notify owners and have its dealers inspect the front brakes for a missing inner or outer pad. "If a brake pad is missing, dealers will install new inner and outer pads, a new brake caliper, and a new rotor. This service will be performed free of charge," GM said in a statement. The recall is expected to begin on or before 14 January 12.