Community Question: Is The 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS Too Expensive?

It might be $3,000 under the Volkswagen Golf GTI, but at the same time the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS is no Golf GTI. So with an asking price of $20,995, is the Sonic RS too expensive? Or has the U.S. dollar really fallen this far? And just what is its direct competitor? Keep in mind that despite the brake, suspension and gearing upgrades, there’s no power upgrade.

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Former staff.

Manoli Katakis

Former staff.

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  • As i mentioned in the Buick Verano Turbo vs getting a base Cadillac ATS, it all has to do with where you are financially. While i find the price of the Sonic RS a little on the steep side for some body modifications and a slightly revised gearing and, sure, disc brakes - it's simply not enough.

    HOWEVER

    you can get a 325hp rwd manual Camaro and it has absolutely nothing. It's base as base gets. No leather wrapped steering wheel, ugly wheels (sure you can upgrade them, but if that's the case why not upgrade to 1LT?) base radio etc.

    At least with the Sonic RS you get the best that car has to offer. I've owned a base car before. never again!

    • Yes, but the Camaro barely has an interior, even loaded. And some people like those black wheels...

      • Ouch! The Camaro interior is not THAT bad. There are a couple updates for 2013 like the soft vinyl insert in the dash that first came out on the ZL1 and the MyLink radio.

  • I guess a little steep... My concern was that the RS is only the suspension and cosmetic upgrades and no engine upgrade. I do wish they put the 1.6t though but that won't happen for few years I guess.

  • If they want this to be competitive, they really need to upgrade the engine. Throw in the rumored Stage I kit from from the factory (not the dealer) for the same price, and it would be a bit more palatable.

  • The visuals they add (not including RS markings) look like what the standard equiptment should have been, compared to most cars like Fiesta, Accent and such.

  • Looking at pictures of the interior, this is nice. I think with the upgrades it is worth it... But the engine is the same, I don't get this. Give everyone what they want a well priced sports car, for the money... People want horsepower, bottom line...

  • I think that it needs a power increase to separate itself from the regular Sonic turbo, especially if Ford ends up bringing the Fiesta ST to North America.

  • To justify its price, it needs to get bumped up to 185- 210hp ballpark, better chassis/suspension tweaks,and probably stickier rubber. This car should've had more power in the first place. As it is, without the power its way overpriced, hell even they had it at 160hp its not worth it being heavier than most cars in its class.