Jump to content
Create New...
  • William Maley
    William Maley

    Chevrolet Sonic RS Starting At $20,995


    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


    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.

    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments

    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 by hyperv6
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    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 by ocnblu
    • Agree 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    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.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    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.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    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.

    • Agree 2
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    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 by hyperv6
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    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.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    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....

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites



    Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
    Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

    Guest
    Add a comment...

    ×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

      Only 75 emoji are allowed.

    ×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

    ×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

    ×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


  • google-news-icon.png



  • Community Hive Community Hive

    Community Hive allows you to follow your favorite communities all in one place.

    Follow on Community Hive
  • google-news-icon.png

  • Subscribe to Cheers & Gears

    Cheers and Gears Logo

    Since 2001 we've brought you real content and honest opinions, not AI-generated stuff with no feeling or opinions influenced by the manufacturers.

    Please consider subscribing. Subscriptions can be as little as $1.75 a month, and a paid subscription drops most ads.*
     

    You can view subscription options here.

    *a very limited number of ads contain special coupon deals for our members and will show

  • Similar Content

  • Posts

    • First seen at the Shanghai Auto Show (see article: Polestar 4 - The New Breed of Electric SUV Coupe), Polestar brought the Polestar 4 to the New York International Auto Show for North Americans to see in person. Polestar calls the Polestar 4 an "electric SUV 4-door coupe". Outside of that marketing speak, the Polestar 4 is a slightly lifted four-door hatchback about 190 inches in length, or roughly 2 inches shorter than a Toyota Camry.  Built without rear glass, the Polestar 4 makes use of a rear camera for visibility astern. Polestar 4 features a plethora of standard content, including 20-inch 5 V-spoke black diamond cut alloy wheels, panoramic glass roof, adaptive cruise control, 360 parking camera with 3D view, energy saving heat pump, front-illuminated Polestar logo, e-latch doors, power-operated tailgate with soft close, Polestar digital key, wireless phone charging, and 8-way electrical driver seat and 6-way electrical passenger seat. The fastest production car the brand has ever developed to date, Polestar 4 can accomplish a 0-60 mph sprint in 3.7 seconds and in top spec can produce 544 horsepower. Long-range single-motor variants have 272 horsepower and a targeted EPA range of over 300 miles. All long range variants have a 102 kWh battery capable of 200 kW charging on a DC Fast Charger and 11 kW on home level-2 charging. Google built-in is ... built in and includes Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play. Polestar continues to offer a leading connected in-car experience. As with all other Polestar cars, regular over-the-air updates allow for new features and improvements to be sent remotely to all vehicles. Pricing starts at $54,900, with orders opening in April for deliveries in the latter half of this year.   View full article
    • At the New York Auto Show this week, Hyundai unveiled the 2025 Hyundai Tuscon.  This mild refresh modernizes the Tuscon and brings it more into alignment with the rest of the Hyundai lineup, including their EVs. The exterior styling updates, largely consisting of a front fascia update, are subtle. Inside, Hyundai made the interior more open and airy with a new, lower-height dashboard featuring a panoramic gauge and infotainment screen. The screens consist of twin 12.3-inch displays with crisper colors and graphics, as well as faster processing speeds.  While the screens can control all functions of the car, Hyundai still included physical buttons for the most frequently used controls.  Wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay are now standard across the line. A new steering wheel features a much more open design, and on premium trims, the gear selector is now an electronically controlled stalk on the right side of the wheel, much like in the Hyundai Ioniq 6. On some Tuscon models, a new 12-inch color heads-up display with premium graphics is available, and for the first time, navigation directions from Apple Carplay and Android Auto will appear in the display. Proximity key with push button start is now standard across the 2025 Hyundai Tuscon lineup, while an available Digital Key 2 allows for fob-free driving and access via the driver's mobile phone. For 2025, Tucson adds Forward Attention Warning, which utilizes an infrared camera mounted on the steering column to help track the driver’s eye gaze and monitor attention levels to help ensure safe driving. Available Smart Cruise Control 2 continually assesses driver alertness. If the driver is found to be unresponsive, the system can even help safely bring the vehicle to a stop, activating the hazard lights and the electronic parking brake once the vehicle is stopped. Additionally, rear outboard passenger seatbelts now feature standard pretensioners and load limiters. The powertrains largely carry over from the previous model with a standard 187-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder at the entry level end. Also available is a 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid with 231 horsepower with a slightly more powerful electric drive unit (47.7-kW, up from 44.2-kW), and a 6-speed automatic transmission. The plug-in hybrid model features the same 1.6-liter unit, but now paired with a larger electric drive unit with 72.0-kW of output rather than the 66.9-kW motor from the prior year. The plug-in hybrid boasts 268-horspower total system power. With a 13.4-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the 2025 Hyundai Tucson plug-in hybrid takes less than 2 hours to charge on a level 2 charger.  All hybrid models come standard with all-wheel drive. 2025 Tucson 2.5L models will arrive at U.S. dealerships in June, while 1.6L turbo hybrid and plug-in hybrid models will be available late summer. View full article
  • Who's Online (See full list)

    • There are no registered users currently online
  • My Clubs

×
×
  • Create New...

Hey there, we noticed you're using an ad-blocker. We're a small site that is supported by ads or subscriptions. We rely on these to pay for server costs and vehicle reviews.  Please consider whitelisting us in your ad-blocker, or if you really like what you see, you can pick up one of our subscriptions for just $1.75 a month or $15 a year. It may not seem like a lot, but it goes a long way to help support real, honest content, that isn't generated by an AI bot.

See you out there.

Drew
Editor-in-Chief

Write what you are looking for and press enter or click the search icon to begin your search

Change privacy settings