General Motors has just launched the new 2021 Chevrolet Onix in China, exactly one year after the introduction of the second-generation model in that country in late April 2019. The 2021 model year of the new Onix in the Chinese market adds an entry-level variant which incorporates a new engine into the powertrain lineup of Chevrolet’s successful subcompact sedan.
Until now, the new Chevrolet Onix was sold in China in LT and Redline versions, both equipped with a turbocharged 1.0L three-cylinder engine that delivers 123 horsepower and 133 pound-feet of torque. Now, the 2021 Onix adds a base trim level called the LT Enjoy Edition that features a new naturally aspirated 1.3L engine, which boasts an output of 106 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque.
2021 Chevrolet Onix LT Enjoy Edition
This new Onix engine features the latest variable valve timing (VVT) technology and belongs to GM’s eighth generation of Ecotec engines, internationally recognized for their excellent combination of performance and low fuel consumption. Additionally, the 1.3L engine in the entry-level trim comes exclusively paired with a five-speed manual transmission – which was also not available for the 2020 model year.
2021 Chevrolet Onix LT
GM claims that this new powertrain combination provides the Chevrolet Onix LT Enjoy Edition with an impressive combined fuel range of just 4.8 L/100 kilometers, equivalent to 49 miles per gallon. As such, the entry-level Onix becomes the most fuel-efficient vehicle in the subcompact car segment in China, and one of the most efficient in the world.
| Engine | Type | Output | Origin | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0L I3 | Naturally aspirated | 82 hp / 77 lb-ft | Brazil | South America only |
| 1.3L I3 | Naturally aspirated | 106 hp / 96 lb-ft | China | China only |
| 1.0L I3 | Turbocharged | 123 hp / 133 lb-ft | All | International |
| 1.2L I3 | Turbocharged | 130 hp / 141 lb-ft | Mexico | International |
In addition, it is worth noting that the new 1.3L engine becomes the fourth powertrain option available in the second-generation Chevrolet Onix since its international launch. The offer starts with a naturally aspirated 1.0L engine exclusive to South America, followed by this second naturally aspirated option that debuts in China, a global 1.0L turbo engine and a range-topping 1.2L turbo, exclusive to the made-in-Mexico Onix.
2021 Chevrolet Onix Redline and Onix LT Enjoy Edition
The new 2021 Chevrolet Onix is now available in the Chinese market, keeping the exact same design and adding a tire pressure monitoring system as a standard feature. It is manufactured at the SAIC-GM Dong Yue plant, located in Yantai city. The starting prices of the three levels of equipment currently offered in China are as follows:
- Onix LT Enjoy Edition: 79,900 CNY (about $11,250 USD at the current exchange rate)
- Onix LT: 89,900 CNY ($12,650 USD)
- Onix Redline: 96,900 CNY ($13,650 USD)
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Comments
And why won’t GM release the Onix here in the United States. We need a vehicle like this for commuter vehicles. Badly ! And not starting at $40,000. either. That defeats the whole purpose.
The US window sticker overlords have made people forget they can do wonderful things with a very simple 4 banger and short-shifting. YMMV still applies.
A new gen Sonic that can cover the loss of the Cruze would be good. Not this Onix. People are used to seeing Kammbacks anymore, and designers should be able to make one appealing in this segment.
I also think they have to disciplined enough to stop short of a hot-hatch trim. Buy some ILX transmissions from Honda to combine with a stiff handling package.
It’s built on a platform intended for “global emerging markets”. In this case, China and Latin America. That means the car doesn’t necessarily meet US safety or emissions requirements, or whatever quality/reliability standards GM has in place for North America. That’s not to say that they couldn’t develop it further for the US market, but until gas prices go back above $3/gallon, I don’t see that happening (it would replace the aging Sonic). Plus, the overabundance of used cars with improving reliability means low demand for new and cheap.
With the CV depression, Mexican production and the Sonic on life support I won’t be surprised it’s here within 2 model years.