Bigger isn’t always better. Just ask those who drive the 2012 Chevy Sonic, a small car that’s big on design and safety extras. The sub-compact car offers a wealth of options for drivers who value style, substance and the pride that comes with owning a Chevrolet.

The 2012 Chevy Sonic hits the highways in two different styles: a four-door sedan and a five-door, both unique in their own way. The Sonic takes some cues from its two-wheeling brethren with details such as motorcycle-inspired round headlamps, and there’s lots of room, too, including interior storage compartments in the center stack and doors.

Transporting items is easy, thanks to rear seats that virtually fold flat, and front-seat passengers enjoy bucket seats that have the option to be heated.

As with all Chevy vehicles, safety is paramount, and the Sonic is outfitted with 10 standard air bags and the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, which helps reduce the risk of rollover crashes by keeping the vehicle in the driver’s intended path by applying throttle, braking or a combination of both.

The modern vehicle comes outfitted with a full complement of OnStar smarts, which use GPS and cell phone technology to automatically call for help in the event of a crash. The Sonic comes with six months of complimentary OnStar Directions and Connections service with Turn-by-Turn Navigation for easier route guidance.

There’s the little extras with the service, too, when using the MyChevrolet mobile app, which gives owners remote access to the vehicle’s OnStar features, including door unlock, vehicle diagnostics and emergency assistance.

Chevy has paid attention to what’s under the hood, as well. The Sonic is equipped with power-dense four-cylinder engines, including an Ecotec 1.4L turbo. Three transmissions are available: a five-speed manual and six-speed automatic with the 1.8L and a six-speed manual with the 1.4L turbo. The four-cylinder engine means lower maintenance and emissions, but greater fuel efficiency.

The 2012 Chevy Sonic was designed with the environment in mind, and when the vehicles roll out, their exteriors will be painted with a new eco-friendly water-based “three-wet” paint process. General Motors is the first automaker in the United States to use the paint, which cuts out the primer bake oven normally used between the primer and color-coating layers.

The revolutionary paint process done by the Orion Assembly Center reduces the paint shop footprint by 10 percent, providing additional floor space and reducing the energy needed to heat and cool these areas.

The 2012 Chevy Sonic starts at $14, 495 and is expected to deliver 40 mpg highway. Happy holidays, indeed!