For the 2013 model year, the Chevrolet Sonic replaces one black paint job for another, adds Chevy MyLink infotainment and an RS model, and seems to completely do away with Sirius XM satellite radio. But the biggest new feature comes in the form of integrated spotter mirrors that are standard on all outside rearview mirrors as well as the replacement of the 6-speaker audio system with a “premium” setup — something that we recommended after reviewing the 2012 model. Unfortunately, Chevy decided to replace the 15-inch painted aluminum wheels with a pair containing hubcaps. Here are all the changes for 2013:
Deletions
- (GBA) Black exterior color
- (US8) AM/FM stereo with CD player and MP3 playback audio system
- (PCL) Connectivity Plus Cruise Package
- (U2J) SiriusXM Satellite Radio delete
New Features
- (1JY48) RS 5-Door model
- (GAR) Black Granite Metallic exterior color (extra cost)
- (UF7) Chevrolet MyLink Touch, AM/FM stereo with seek-and-scan and digital clock, includes Bluetooth streaming audio for music and select phones; voice recognition for phone; Pandora and Stitcher smartphone compatible; all functions controlled through ~7″ diagonal color touch-screen
- Integral spotter mirror standard on all outside rearview mirrors
- (PDV) Wheels and Fog Lamp Package now includes (D59) rear spoiler on LT Sedan models; Rear spoiler now standard on LTZ Sedan models
- (LWE) ECOTEC 1.8L Variable Valve Timing DOHC 4-cylinder sequential MFI engine (AT-PZEV enhanced emissions, forced by YF5 or NE1 emissions)
Changes
- Equipment groups relabeled: 1LS is 1SA, 2LS is 1SB, 1LT is 1SC, 2LT is 1SD, 1LZ is 1SE and 2LZ is 1SF
- (UPF) Bluetooth for select phones is now standard on all models and trims
- (UC3) Steering wheel mounted audio and phone interface controls are now standard on all models and trims
- (PCL) Connectivity Plus Cruise Package content (cruise control and USB port) is now standard on LT models; remote vehicle starter system is now standard on LT models with automatic transmission
- New (UQ3) 6-speaker premium audio system replaces (UW6) 6-speaker audio system
- On LS models, (RRL) 15″ steel wheels with bolt-on wheel covers replace (RRK) 15″ painted aluminum wheels
Comments
Maybe they should address this …
http://www.sonicownersforum.com/forum/t1189/
It’s pretty telling when an armrest is so bad that someone decides to make one as an aftermarket product knowing full well that it’s going to leave an eye-sore where the old one, which must be removed, was attached to the side of the driver’s seat. What’s worse is that Buick thinks this same awful design is appropriate for their new luxury car — the Encore — the one and only car in GM’s entire fleet that otherwise has my interest. If GM would simply get rid of the stock armrest at least customers could buy the aftermarket product without incurring the eye-sore. Hopefully this luxury will be left off of the sport seats to come with the Sonic RS.
The change list obviously conveys GM’s priorities. Baffling.
Why did they change equipment group? Will it actually appear on the sonic?
Equipment group changes are only for the ordering process. Will not affect the badges on the car it self
Alex,
I show a new RPO code that’s been added to the 2013 Sonic:
U2K – SiriusXM Satellite Radio is standard on nearly all 2013 GM models. Enjoy a 3-month trial to the XM Premier package, with over 140 channels including commercial-free music, all your favorite sports, exclusive talk and entertainment. And now add premium channels to your trial at no cost. Welcome to the world of satellite radio.
Maybe the U2K replaces U2J as the next gen sat radio(??). It’s listed as standard equipment.
-Tom
Tom — thanks for the heads up! Could I ask where you found this?
So the LS, LT, and LTZ badges will go away??
Nope, they’re staying put.
The LTZ is no where to be found. Have never seen one in the inventory for my area (Houston). So it’s not really “staying put.” Who knows, we may never see it. I have yet to see any Sonic with the 1.4 Turbo. The 1.4T was apparently made available to reviewers to hype the car. This has to be viewed as a deceptive practice and one that can only reflect in a negative way for GM. It’s like advertising a 40+ MPG Cruze without mentioning that it applies only to a specially-equiped manual, a transmission that 90% of buyers would never consider.
Last year at about this time we were expecting to see Z-spec options at the beginning of this year. Remember that? Now we might get these “options” bundled together in the RS, if that ever comes.
The Sonic seems to be a token effort from GM just to be able to say they make small cars and offer a full line of vehicles. It’s become a big disappointment for me, especially now that I’ve seen several up close and understand the options. Last year I drove all the way to the Austin Auto Show just to have a look at one. I was that excited about the prospect of GM offering a small hatch made in America. Silly me.
I have seen several in Indiana where we live. They appear to be just normal people.
What do LS LT LTZ stand for?
Luxury sport, luxury touring, and I don’t know the ltz
I don’t think it means anything, it’s kinda like a code for what you get.