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Future Chevrolet Sonic

We expect the next, second-generation Chevrolet Sonic to reach the market for the 2020 or 2021 model years. Until then, we expect the current, first-generation Sonic to receive minor changes, updates, and improvements.

Following is speculative and unconfirmed information about the next Chevrolet Sonic. This page is a continuous work-in-progress and will be updated on a regular basis as we await official details from General Motors and Chevrolet.

If you notice any inaccuracies about the information provided, or have edits to suggest, please let us know here.

Last redesigned model year: 2012 (first generation)
Last midcycle refresh/MCE model year: 2017
Expected redesign model year: 2020/2021 (second generation)
Expected name: Chevrolet Sonic sedan, Chevrolet Sonic hatchback
Current platform: GM Gamma 2 platform
Future platform: GM G2 platform or GM VSS-F platform
Layout: FF (front-engined, front-wheel-drive)
Current body styles: subcompact four-door sedan and subcompact four-door hatchback
Future body styles: subcompact four-door sedan and subcompact four-door hatchback
Segment: B Segment
Expected gasoline engines: I-3 turbo, I-4 naturally-aspirated, I-4 turbo
Expected transmissions: 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic or 9-speed automatic

Overview

  • What: an all-new Chevrolet Sonic subcompact sedan and hatchback that will represent the second generation of the Sonic nameplate, after the first-gen Sonic replaced the Aveo
  • When: we expect the next Sonic to launch in the 2019 or 2020 calendar years as a 2020 or 2021 model year vehicle; the vehicle was reportedly delayed in favor of developing next-generation crossover utility vehicles (CUVs)
  • Why: an all-new Sonic will enable Chevrolet to continue building its presence in the subcompact car space
  • Where: available in all current markets where the Sonic is currently sold, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, select markets in Central and South America, as well as the Middle East

Expectations

Following are our expectations about the future Chevrolet Sonic:

  • Based on the new GM G2 platform or the GM VSS-F platform, delivering all-new underpinnings and engineering
  • Significantly lighter than the first-generation model, by as much 300 pounds (136 kilograms) thanks to weight-shedding efforts of GM’s new architectures
  • All-new exterior, available in four-door sedan and four-door hatchback body styles
  • All-new interior
  • Improved interior comfort and convenience, including:
    • Keyless entry and push-button start
    • Improved ergonomics for driver and passengers, including a full-width center console with armrest
  • Potential high-performance model to battle the Ford Fiesta ST
  • Inclusion of next-generation MyLink infotainment system
  • Introduction of more GM Active Safety features and technologies
  • Introduction of all-new powertrain range

Body Styles

We expect the upcoming future Chevy Sonic to continue being available as a subcompact four-door sedan and hatchback.

Price

We expect the next Chevy Sonic to carry similar pricing as the current, first-gen model:

  • Starting price of the next Sonic sedan will be in the vicinity of $16,000
  • Starting price of the next Sonic hatch will be in the vicinity of $18,000

Platform

It is currently unclear which platform the next-gen Chevy Sonic will use. However, it is highly likely that the vehicle will ride on one of the following two platforms: the GM G2 platform or the GM VSS-F platform (vehicle set).

If the next Sonic rides on the G2 architecture, then that platform will be shared with future GM subcompact cars and crossovers, including:

If the future Chevy Sonic instead rides on GM’s VSS-F vehicle set, then it will share its basic underpinnings with other front-drive vehicles from GM. It has been announced by GM executives that the first vehicle to ride on the VSS-F architecture will go into production in 2020, which puts it in line with the timeframe of the next Sonic.

Whatever platform the next Sonic ends up riding on, the vehicle will feature a front, transversely-mounted engine driving the front wheels. All-wheel-drive is not likely to be an option.

Powertrain

We expect the next Chevy Sonic to feature the following powertrain lineup:

  • Gasoline engines:
    • Turbocharged I-3 / inline three-cylinder engine
    • Naturally-aspirated I-4 / inline four-cylinder engine
    • Turbocharged I-4 / inline four-cylinder engine
    • High-output turbocharged I-4 for a high-performance variant that could rival the Ford Fiesta ST
  • Diesel engines:
    • At this point, we do not expect that the next Sonic will be offered with a diesel engine. However, should GM decide to return to European markets with the Chevrolet brand, a diesel engine in the future Sonic will be sure thing
  • Transmissions:

Production

Due to economic and political climates, it is currently unclear where GM will produce the next-generation Sonic.

Currently, the first-gen Sonic is assembled by GM USA at the GM Lake Orion factory in Lake Orion, Michigan. However, the next Sonic might be built by GM Mexico.

Competitors

The future Chevrolet Sonic will have the following competitors:

  • Ford Fiesta
  • Toyota Yaris/Yaris iA
  • Nissan Versa
  • Honda Fit
  • Kia Rio
  • Hyundai Accent/i20
  • Volkswagen Polo
  • Fiat 500L

Before The All-New Model

Before the all-new future Chevy Sonic reaches the market, we expect the current first-generation Sonic to receive minor changes, updates, and improvements. See information about the current-generation Sonic by using the following links:

Discussion

Discuss the next Chevy Sonic in our Chevrolet forum.

News

Follow our coverage of Chevrolet Sonic news.

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