Chevrolet News:Chevrolet Sonic RS Starting At $20,995

[William Maley]

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William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

August 22, 2012

Chevrolet has announced pricing for the performance' trim Sonic, the RS. For $20,995 (includes destination), the Sonic RS sticks with the 1.4L turbo-four from the regular Sonic. The performance bits lie elsewhere.

Starting with the transmission, the standard six-speed manual gets a set of of unique gear ratios. The optional six-speed automatic (starts at $22,280 with destination) gets a unique final drive ratio.

Other performance bits for the Sonic RS include a lowered and stiffened suspension, and a set of four-wheel disc brakes.

Exterior modifications for the Sonic RS include a revised front fascia, new rear spoiler, new rocker panels, special 17-inch wheels and RS badges. Inside, the Sonic RS adds leather trimmed seating with red contrast stitching, aluminum sport pedals, specific instrument cluster graphics, and Chevrolet's MyLink infotainment system.

The Sonic RS goes on sale later in fall.

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

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Chevrolet Sonic RS Priced From $20,995

Performance-inspired five-door arrives this fall with Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine

DETROIT – The suggested retail price of the all-new 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS with a six-speed manual transmission begins at $20,995, including destination. Sonic RS with the available six-speed automatic transmission starts at $22,280.

The performance-inspired RS amplifies the Sonic’s youthful style and driving experience, with unique exterior and interior features. It is offered exclusively as a five-door hatchback that delivers generous rear-seat roominess and cargo space – up to 47.7 cubic feet (1,351 liters) with the rear seat folded.

Sonic RS is powered by an Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine rated at 138 horsepower (103 kW) and 148 lb.-ft. (200 Nm) of torque. Unique transmission gearing in the six-speed manual, or a 3.53 final drive ratio for automatic-equipped models, enhances the car’s sporty feel.

Production begins in October at General Motors’ Orion (Mich.) Assembly Center, which received a $545-million investment in upgrades and retooling, helping create or retain approximately 1,800 jobs in the metropolitan Detroit area. Sonic is the only subcompact built in the United States.

Sonic RS exterior features

The front fascia of the Sonic RS has a deep air dam design that enhances the car’s road-hugging stance. Vertical intakes at the edges of the fascia reinforce the wide, low proportion and house the fog lamps. Other features include:

• New RS-specific grille
  
• New rear fascia
  
• New rear spoiler
  
• New rocker moldings
  
• Bright exhaust outlet
  
• Unique 17-inch five-spoke wheel design
  
• Lowered and stiffened suspension with performance-tuned dampers
  
• RS badging
  
• A power, tilt-sliding sunroof with express-open and wind deflector feature is available.
  

Exterior colors include Victory Red, Summit White, Cyber Gray Metallic and Black Granite Metallic – a new, premium exterior color for 2013.

Sonic RS interior features

The performance theme continues into the cabin with a Jet Black interior exclusive to RS. Features include:

• Leather-appointed front bucket seats with sueded microfiber inserts and red RS accents
  
• New sport three-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel with contrasting stitching and racing-inspired flat-bottom design
  
• New, leather-wrapped shifter knob with red stitching (manual transmission)
  
• New aluminum sport pedals
  
• Specific instrument panel cluster graphics
  
• Standard Chevrolet MyLink.
  

MyLink is standard on Sonic RS and an AM/FM/SiriusXM Satellite Radio (with three months of service) stereo with seek-and-scan, digital clock, Bluetooth streaming audio for music and select phones, voice recognition for compatible phones and six-speakers.

On Sonic, MyLink operates by integrating the owner’s compatible smartphone and stored media – via Bluetooth, plug-in outlet or USB – with the radio. This lets owners enjoy simple, safe and personalized connectivity while their smartphone is safely stowed.

MyLink is simple to use. The owner selects from options projected onto the touch screen: Audio, Pictures & Movies, Telephone, Smartphone Link and Settings. Each menu selection takes the user though a list of easy-to-select functions.

MyLink-equipped Sonic models will launch with compatibility for Pandora internet radio and Stitcher Smart Radio. When owners with these services connect their compatible smartphones, they can access these and other functions:

• Personal playlists of stored music
  
• Hands-free calling with Bluetooth-enabled voice activation from the customer’s smartphone when the steering wheel button is depressed. (Visit gm.com/Bluetooth for a list of compatible smartphones)
  
• Ability to project video via USB while the vehicle is parked
  
• Ability to project a photo album in “slideshow” mode via USB while the vehicle is parked, with the last music selection playing in the background. Once the vehicle is moving, a single photo is viewable.
  

Later, BringGo, an embedded smartphone application for MyLink that delivers full-function navigation – including live traffic updates – will be available for an extra charge. It includes:

• Emergency information such as police, fire and the nearest hospital
  
• Thousands of points of interest
  
• Local Search via Google
  
• Where am I? locator
  
• Live traffic functionality with crash reports, lane closures, and alternative routes;
  
• 3-D maps
  
• Ability to store native maps to the customer’s smartphone, giving them access to locations and turn-by-turn directions even when phone signal quality is poor - many GPS-enabled apps do not do this.
  

Sonic RS performance

Sonic RS peak torque occurs at low rpm, providing an immediate feeling of power that is sustained across the rpm band. The engine is matched with a standard six-speed manual transmission or available six-speed automatic.

Unique gear ratios for the six-speed manual transmission and unique final drive ratio for the automatic give the Sonic RS a sportier feel than non-RS models.

Complementing the segment-exclusive turbocharged powertrain is MacPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and stabilizer bar, and a semi-independent, torsion beam axle-mount compound link-type rear suspension – featuring a tubular V-shape beam – with gas-charged shocks. The front and rear tracks are identical at 59.4 inches (1,509 mm), designed for well-planted stability and balance, and the suspension is lowered by 10 mm (.39 inches) from the standard non-RS model.

RS is the only Sonic model offered with four-wheel disc brakes, which are partnered with a four-channel anti-lock braking system. The four-sensor system – one at each wheel – incorporates electronic brake force distribution, which balances braking performance based on such factors as road conditions and the weight of passengers and/or cargo.

Electric power steering is standard and features a wear compensator that continually adjusts the system interaction with the steering gear to ensure precise steering action over the life of the system.

Standard hill start assist makes it easier to pull away from a stopped position when the vehicle is on a steep uphill or downhill slope.

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[z28luvr01]

A subcompact car costing 1K less than a Cobalt SS of seven years ago, or a base Z28 of ten years ago.

I'm not knocking the Sonic, but wow...holy inflation.

[hyperv6]

In 1985 $12,000 was the average price of a car and as of 2012 it is $30,000.

Many predict the prices will climb even more in the next 10-12 years at a higher rate. The cost involved have many auto companies worried as income increases for many are down to little or nothing for many.

Neat little car but I wished they had kept a loaded one under $20K sticker wise since it really has not major engine upgrades here. Now if they had dropped a 220 HP 2.0 in I would have no issue with the price.

The Fiat is not priced much lower. I was in one that stickered at $19.000.

Edited August 22, 2012 by hyperv6

[A Horse With No Name]

Yeah, it's a little pricey for what it is.

But I like it....maybe it will be available used at a good discount in a few years....

[ocnblu]

I think I like the white, it has a stark, sporty contrast to the black, chrome and red ancillaries.

Yes it is high, but when I remember that a Fiesta Titanium can be optioned up to that price, my hackles go back down.

Edited August 23, 2012 by ocnblu

[A Horse With No Name]

Fiesta Titanium seems like a higher content car though....

But I DO like the Sonic RS....

[caddycruiser]

Sign me up for Sonic Gray. Looks awesome, nice subtle changes. Not that I need a car, but swap the Subie as a small down payment and I'd lease an RS one of these. Great car.

[smk4565]

Way too much money for a Sonic. $22k+ for 140 hp and an automatic in a subcompact? A Veloster Turbo is that price, and there are others, a Focus, or VW, etc.

[regfootball]

does it come in BLU?

so, can we get an RS sedan?

methinks about 180hp would be nice for this car.

Really like the sonic BTW, the sedan more than the hatch. Love all of chevy's cars right now....except i think the spark needs more go juice.

[regfootball]

Way too much money for a Sonic. $22k+ for 140 hp and an automatic in a subcompact? A Veloster Turbo is that price, and there are others, a Focus, or VW, etc.

Veloster has been panned for not having the goods in terms of ride and handling and refinement.

[ocnblu]

No sane person would sully the car with an autotragic transmission. This is a car to be driven, not ridden in.

Saleskid I talked to last evening says Blue Topaz is not on the list... even though the original Concept previewing the car was blue. And RS is only for the hatch.

Fiesta Titanium: $21,555 with Interior Style package, moonroof, Black sport exterior package, and aluminum pedals. 5-speed manual, no 6-speed like sonic RS... plus it still has the 1.6L, 120 hp, 37 ft/lbs torque I-4.

BUT... is the RS package worth the premium over the Sonic LTZ? That is a question that has to be researched and expounded upon.

[hyperv6]

No sane person would sully the car with an autotragic transmission. This is a car to be driven, not ridden in.

Saleskid I talked to last evening says Blue Topaz is not on the list... even though the original Concept previewing the car was blue. And RS is only for the hatch.

Fiesta Titanium: $21,555 with Interior Style package, moonroof, Black sport exterior package, and aluminum pedals. 5-speed manual, no 6-speed like sonic RS... plus it still has the 1.6L, 120 hp, 37 ft/lbs torque I-4.

BUT... is the RS package worth the premium over the Sonic LTZ? That is a question that has to be researched and expounded upon.

But how are the early 20 somthings going to drive it then. They need a hand or two free to text and play with the audio system.

Also who is going to teach them to drive a stick? Great Grandma does not drive anymore LOL!

While I may be joking the sad fact is it is true.

Edited August 23, 2012 by hyperv6

[regfootball]

http://www.autoblog....s-u-s-go-ahead/

Ford Fiesta ST to get go ahead?

[ocnblu]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/KWRHmjgh1So" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I think this is a hot looking little car.

Edited August 25, 2012 by ocnblu

[ocnblu]

I see the production version has a big rectangular exhaust tip, instead of the dual round "FLOWMASTER" scripted one shown on the prototype.

[ocnblu]

Oh MAN... looking at the vid blown up full screen, it's clear somebody has curbed the bumper... you can see the scrapes. I see the "manufacturer's plate", it's prolly been run hard by journalists and engineers. Shame they show a damaged car in a vid supposedly produced by GM.

[Northstar]

Wow, $21k? You an get a Camaro LS for basically the same price...

[A Horse With No Name]

Way too much money for a Sonic. $22k+ for 140 hp and an automatic in a subcompact? A Veloster Turbo is that price, and there are others, a Focus, or VW, etc.

Depends, Veloster Turbo is wildly over rated as a small car IMHO. GTI and Focus ST are closet to 25K, and 5K financed is a hundred bucks a month.

IF your going to autocross, the Sonic would be faster/easier to drive, as it is narrower (increases slalom speed) and is not the front heavy pig both the GTI and Focus ST are.

Not saying Focus ST and GTI are not neat cars, thinking of them both, actually.

http://www.autoblog....s-u-s-go-ahead/

Ford Fiesta ST to get go ahead?

Would be a neat little car also....

[A Horse With No Name]

Wicked small cars can be cool...Original Abarth Fiat/1000 below...

[ocnblu]

elloh ell awesome Abarth