Usually General Motors issues a press release encompassing the EPA fuel economy ratings of its vehicles, but not in the case of the Chevrolet Sonic RS. Regardless, the EPA found that the Sonic RS is good for 27 miles per gallon in the city, and 34 on the highway when equipped with a manual transmission for a combined 30 mpg rating. The automatic version is docked a few points with a 25 mpg city, 33 highway, and 28 combined mpg rating.
Compared to the 40 mpg highway mark found in the Sonic Turbo — which features the same 1.4L Ecotec turbocharged engine but with taller gearing — the fuel economy borders on disappointing. But perhaps with its improved suspension, acceleration, and brakes, drivers of the Sonic RS may forget all about fuel economy — if they can afford it. But this is a verdict that has yet to be reached for us.
We wonder what kind of fuel economy numbers the Sonic would get with a diesel variant. And if it’s another level of performance consumers are looking for, a high-performance Sonic may yet be on the horizon.
Comments
A diesel hatch…wow what a novel idea. Of course, GM would be the last company to give in to the idea despite the popularity of the Golf TDI.
I think it’s a bit of an disappointment, those numbers are what to expect if you have a 2.0T for this car. But not for the 1.4T
That IS a bit odd, seeing as the engine is unchanged from the non-RS Sonic.
@John It’s all about the gearing:
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2012/01/naias-2012-the-2013-chevy-sonic-rs-teases-with-sportier-looks-needs-engine-to-match/
Alex is right on the money about the gearing.
Some food for thought from actual mileage I’ve obtained in three different vehicles –
2000 Buick Lesabre:
Approx. Curb Weight: 3600lbs
Engine: 3.8L V-6
Final Drive Ratio: 2.86:1
Observed Hwy Mileage @ 75mph: 28mpg
2001 Pontiac Grand Prix:
Approx. Curb Weight: 3400lbs
Engine: 3.8 V-6
Final Drive Ratio: 3.05:1
Observed Hwy Mileage @ 75mph: 27mpg
2006 Pontiac Solstice:
Approx. curb weight: 2900 lbs
Engine: 2.4 I-4 Ecotec
Final Drive Ratio: 3.91:1
Observed Hwy Mileage @ 75mph: 27mpg
If you can reduce your gear ratio more than you increase your engine displacement (or more accurately, CFM used by the engine), you should see improvement in fuel economy.
However, the Sonic RS with its 4.18:1 ratio is not about fuel economy.
A turbo diesel with it’s awesome low end torque, would allow for a ratio between 3.25:1 and 3.50:1 easy and get superior mileage.
I wish GM would jump on this, but I wonder if they understand that one of the most appealing traits of hot-hatches is their jack-of-all-trades abilities (hauling and handling, performance and economy).
Not nearly the mileage numbers you’d expect to justify the purchase of such a small car.
especially if people is gonna compare this car to that of a Fiesta ST
A big disappontmennt considering my 2003 vibe manual, 1.8l gets on average city/highway 32mpg and its 10yrs old. What are they doing. If there is no care that out that gets me 50% more mileage than I have already still working fine then no point in upgrading yet. Savings in just a few miles does not justy a new bill. Where is my cruze diesel GM? 1.7l for those that want the highest mileage and 2.0l for those with more power needs….im waiting!
Arsène is back from the hospital, hi is in his bed and must be rid, they have put him a stent that is the third now. When he feels better, he will sign up again.
Gaby
hi Its a Wonderfull cars fom the nex 10 Years. Verry beautyful and a nice car compliment arsene wagner
I was really excited about the Sonic when it first came out. I thought we were going to get Z-Spec accessories and some other customizations, similar to what one could do with a MINI. I’ve been on several “MINI Fun Drives” to raise money for charity, and I had visions that the Z-Spec Sonics just might generate enough excitement to start a driving club. In fact our local MINI driving club typically meets at Sonics. It could have been a hit.
Unfortunately, Z-Spec never materialized, and what we have is just the RS with little customization. Can’t even get one without that stupid armrest. Then they went and lowered the gearing ratios to ruin the mileage numbers. And if you want an automatic, as 90% of people do, you’ll take another 5-10% hit on fuel economy, whereas Ford and others are offering dry clutch transmissions with direct inject engines on competing cars.
Even so, I thought Z-spec with some significant customization might have made up for the disadvantage in efficiency. The Sonic dash is unique enough to give the car an identity, just as the dash in a MINI makes them instantly recognized. But it wasn’t to be. Very disappointing.
The Aveo (Sonic in America) 1.3L TD recently launched in Europe is good for 59 MPG !!! Do not ask about the power, what matter here is the torque, with an impressive 210 Nm. These numbers are for the HB version only.