We’ve grown fond of the appearance of the Chevy Sonic. Its exposed head-lamps and tail-lamps add a touch of uniqueness, as does the vehicle’s motorcycle-inspired instrument panel. But some would cry out that the Sonic simply does not look aggressive enough. As it turns out, Chevy’s product development team was listening, and have decided to reveal an RS version of the Sonic online. Like the RS variants of the larger Cruze and Camaro, the Sonic RS will feature meaner looks that suggest performance — though no major performance upgrades have been announced besides sportier gearing and new rear disc brakes, rather than drums.
The Sonic RS brings to the table several exterior tweaks, with the most obvious being a revised fog lamp design very reminiscent of the original Aveo RS Concept that made its debut at the Detroit Auto Show two years ago. There’s also a new sport-tuned exhaust in the back, unique 17-inch wheels, and a tweaked rear fascia.
The interior of Chevy’s mighty mouse boasts sportier front seats, a new flat-bottom steering wheel, a unique shift knob for manual transmission models, along with aluminum pedals. There’s also unique instrument cluster graphics specific. Oh, and Chevy MyLink will come standard. Ballin’.
Consumers will only be able to get the RS package with the Sonic’s 1.4L turbocharged Ecotec engine, which pushes out 138 horsepower. Now, how about one with a 210 horsepower turbocharged 1.6L that graces the Opel Corsa OPC? It’s on our Christmas wish list. And is there perhaps an Eco model on the way as well?
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Comments
I’ve wonder why they don’t have the guts to put the Corsa OPC’s engine into this Sonic..
It is faster with the new trans gearing no extra power needed with this change, take one for a ride when released you will be suprised.
It’s still no Ford Fiesta ST.
I always need extra power except a camaro and corvette.
So we are taking a vehicle that in my mind is already pricy in LT and LTZ trims and adjusting some gearing, fancying up the interior and exterior a bit. Good grief how much is thing going to cost. There should only be a few versions of this vehicle, an economy version and a sport version: cost should be in line with what the consumer is willing to pay for a smaller vehicle. If this was a Celica or veloster style vehicle fine have an RS version that’s crazy pumped up, but it’s not. It’s a 4 door econobox.
That’s why it’s an option package — like the Cruze and Camaro. Only for those who really want it 🙂
Other than that, the Veloster is powered by just as weak of an engine as the Sonic; it just happens to have a funky door.
I love the Sonic, but — just as with the Cruze — it’s just too good of a car to waste on NOT offering a more potent performance engine. Something along Ford’s Fiesta ST would be just what the doctor ordered.
I really want to know why GM don’t have the guts to put more performance engine into the Sonic and the Cruze.
The RS fixes the ugly standard grill and lonely rear bumper, it actually looks good now!
will it be offered on the sedan as well
Wisdom seeker, have to agree, all the more why there should be a simpler approach, this vehicle and an Eco version. Priced 16,000 and 12,500. why have all these variations good grief there is a base model, LS, LT, LTZ and now an RS version that people will probably snub because of the price.
FINALLY! Rear disc brakes. Lovely, lovely, lovely. Now that we’ve got that out of the way…let’s have the diesel and the SS…err…Z16? Whatever….more oomph…
I agree. Take a page out of the VW GTi playbook. A sporty package w/o the sport is just a joke.
Something about a sporty “hot hatch”… They just warm the heart…It says a car company cares for the average guy or gal who hasn’t the deep pockets but wants a zippy, decent handling commuter.
Warm fuzzies also come from car publications who just revel when a little sleeper econobox can outrun many more expensive cars. It creates buzz – it pulls in enthusiasts and can even make a little car like the Sonic a hit in Europe.
When the price of lithium drops, plunk a battery in back and give it electric boost.
Appearance packages need to back up the tease with the bidness, if you know what I’m sayin’. If they offer it, it says “GM gets it”. Sure, make it limited production and get some magazine covers and headlines.
I think maybe Chevrolet need to learn from Opel/Vauxhall and Holden to put high performance engine on their mainstream cars.
That’s exactly why Opel isn’t profitable! It gives people what they want! (just kiddin’)