Until recently, Chevrolet’s RS package was somewhat of a haphazard bag: on some models like the Cruze and Camaro, opting for the RS package delivered exterior styling improvements, but on other models, such as the Sonic, the RS was a standalone trim level that featured styling enhancements as well as powertrain improvements, in the form of a unique manual transmission. With the introduction of the refreshed 2017 Chevrolet Sonic, that has all changed.
Now, the three models on which the RS package is offered delivers improvements to the exterior and interior, without making any changes to drivetrain or performance. The newfound uniformity is a good thing in our book, as it creates simplicity and commonality for Chevy and for the RS package: over time, consumers will know that ticking the RS box on their vehicle options list (or in an online configurator) will get them a sportier exterior and interior. Those who want performance improvements will have to opt for the more powerful engines (if/when available).
All that brings us to wish for an RS package to make its way to the all-new 2016 Chevy Malibu. Chevy already hinted at such a package with the Malibu Red Line concept, and there have been rumors of the package heading to production, but nothing concrete as of this writing.
But just like we were hoping for Chevy to bring commonality to RS packages across those models that offered it, we’ll remain hopefully for the ‘Bu to get the RS treatment.
2017 Chevy Sonic Sedan RS
- Available on LT and Premier trim levels;Â not available on LSÂ trim level
- Includes:
- Sport body kit
- Front fog lamps
- Sporty rocker moldings
- Integrated decklid rear spoiler
- RS lettering
- Piano Black accented instrument panel
- Flat-bottom, 3-spoke, sport leather-wrapped with contrasting stitching steering wheel
- Carpeted front and rear, deluxe floor mats
- Plus:
- Option 1:
- 16″ aluminum wheels
- Jet Black Deluxe Cloth interior
- Leather Sport shift knob
- Option 2:
- 16″ aluminum wheels
- Jet Black Deluxe Cloth interior
- Option 3:
- 17″ Midnight Silver aluminum wheels
- Jet Black leatherette with sueded microfiber inserts interior
- Sport suspension
- Option 1:
2017 Chevy Sonic Hatch RS
- Standard on LT and Premier trim levels (the only trim levels in which the Sonic hatchback is offered)
- Includes:
- Front fog lamps
- Sporty rocker moldings
- Rear Sport spoiler
- RSÂ lettering
- Piano Black accented instrument panel
- Flat-bottom, 3-spoke, sport leather-wrapped with contrasting stitching steering wheel
- Carpeted front and rear deluxe floor mats
2016-2017 Chevy Cruze Sedan RS
- Available on LT and Premier trim levels; not available on L or LSÂ trim levels
- Includes:
- Rear spoiler
- Front fog lamps
- Sport body kit
- RS lettering ornamentation
- 18″ machined-face aluminum wheels
- P225/40R18 all-season, blackwall tires
2017 Chevy Cruze Hatch RS
- Available on LT and Premier trim levels
- Inludes:
- Rear spoiler
- Front fog lamps
- Sport body kit
- RS lettering ornamentation
- 18″ machined-face aluminum wheels
- P225/40R18 all-season, blackwall tires
2016-2017 Chevy Camaro Coupe RS
- Available on 1LT and 2LT Camaro Coupe and included with 50th Anniversary Edition;Â not available with 1SS or 2SS trims
- Includes:
- 20″ 5-split spoke premium Gray-painted machined-face aluminum wheels
- High intensity discharge headlamps
- LED taillamps
- RS-specific grilles
- Decklid-mounted lip spoiler
2016-2017 Chevy Camaro Convertible RS
- Available on 1LT and 2LT Camaro Convertible and included with 50th Anniversary Edition; not available with 1SS or 2SS trims
- Includes:
- 20″ 5-split spoke premium Gray-painted machined-face aluminum wheels
- High intensity discharge headlamps
- LED taillamps
- RS-specific grilles
Comments
I like the idea of unifying the RS packages. I just wish the Sonic didn’t lose out on performance as a result. The Sonic just needs more performance. Period. (that and 4 wheel discs – at the very least on the upper trims)
I’ve though about the practice of applying consistent styling themes within a car brand, specifically as it applies to the front end/grill elements. Many other manufacturers have done a good job at this. Buick, Cadillac and GMC (somewhat) have done well at being consistent in their design language. Chevrolet is only within the past year or so showing signs that they are coalescing around a common design. I wonder what has taken them so long? I’m thinking that it may have to do with the diverse design centers that have separately contributed to Chevy brand. Buick’s design language it seems has been largely dependent on Opel with China growing in influence. Still, the design language is a set parameter known at the design stage. Cadillac is designed internally and not shared with other design studios (That I know of). Coordinating Chevrolet’s design involves a global interaction with different design centers. I can see that it takes a much larger effort for Chevy, but I hope they can get the right balance between individual character and instantly recognizable styling. They’re not there yet.
Drum, it is taking Chevy a while since there are so many vehicles in their division. Chevy has 9 passenger cars, 5 CUV/SUV’s, then there are also the Trucks and the Vans.
The design language is getting more uniform as the front of the Malibu, Camaro, Sonic & Cruze are all fairly similar.
Yes the RS Bu is coming.
I suspect it will arrive soon after the 9 speed transmission.
What could really complete this package is something that would give the base car a boost in performance like the LFV 1.5L DOHC-4v 4-cyl turbo (base engine of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu) which makes 160 hp @ 5500 rpm; while this is would be a modest 16 horsepower boost from the base 1.4L 4-cyl turbo motor, the 16 hp with a fast shifting 9-speed automatic transmission could give reason for why people to spend extra money.
I would like to see is a slightly cheaper package offer the 2.0 and the 9 speed than the Premier. Or offer the 2.0 as an option for those who want a better engine in the RS.
I would take 16 HP but in today’s Turbo market that is not much of a gain.
Better yet make a GM Dealer installed performance turbo upgrade and add another 55 HP on premium required. The transmission would respond well to that with the 9 gears in keeping the boost up. This package on the other 2.0 LNF cars did not impact MPG and in fact increase it with the added torque by 1 MPH confirmed by GM, The only down side for some would be the fear of premium only that amounts to a about $2 a tankful.
There are many options.
It’s nice to see some uniformity in their offerings but I do believe they should also get a power and performance boost to go along with it so that it is more than just an appearance package.
Tongue and cheek I will call this Pontiac trim as it’s style over true substance.
I like the idea but think Sonic should be excluded from RS until redesign. Sonic reminds me of those terrible 1980s Toyota and Datson sub compacts popular in that era. Certainly Chevy can build something sexy and cheap. This is a segment screaming for reinvention as it caters to young future life long customers.
This makes sense – the RS package was introduced on the 1st gen Camaro as an appearance-only package, and it should remain that.
Seriously they should make the RS package a performance package equivalent to the VW GTI/GLI for the Cruze and Sonic