Sonic Dusk, left, and Sonic RS Sedan, right, join the Sonic RS Hatch, center, in 2014.
Chevrolet just stepped up the battle for young buyers with the introduction of two new Sonic models: the RS and Dusk at the L.A. Auto Show.
The RS is the lineup’s performance model, while the Dusk offers a stylish, more upscale look.
“Keeping the Sonic lineup fresh and offering consumers more choice is a priority for Chevrolet,” said Cristi Landy, marketing director for Chevrolet small cars. “The Sonic RS and Dusk sedans offer all of the great attributes that have made the Sonic a popular choice in the subcompact segment and they add performance and design cues.”
The RS sedan joins the RS hatchback in the lineup for 2014. It’s powered by the Ecotec 1.4-liter turbo engine that developes 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. Unique transmission gearing in the six-speed manual, or a 3.53 final drive ratio for automatic-equipped models, along with a sport-tuned suspension and lowered ride height, enhances the car’s performance feel, according to Chevy.
The 2014 Chevrolet Sonic RS sedan joins the Sonic lineup in Spring 2014 at a starting price of $19,705.
The RS isn’t all about “feeling” performance ready, but it also looks the part inside and out. With a deep air dam and vertical intakes on the fascia gives the RS an aggressive, ground-hugging look.
On the interior, it has aluminum sport pedals, a sport three-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel with a flat-bottom design and leather-appointed front bucket seats with red RS accents.
All of this sportiness comes with EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings that are the same as the Sonic RS hatchback – 27 mpg city and 34 mpg highway with the manual transmission.
The Sonic RS sedan will initially be available in three color combinations: Black Granite Metallic, Silver Ice Metallic or Summit White, all with Jet Black leather-appointed interiors.
Conversely, the sedan-only Sonic Dusk, which initially debuted at the 2011 SEMA show, comes in one color: Ashen Grey Metallic. It’s accent with a distinctive matte appearance on the upper and lower grilles, door handle inserts and rear license plate trim.
(Chevrolet working to change perception with new products. For more, Click Here.)
Sonic Dusk features ground effects, a rear spoiler and large, 18-inch aluminum wheels.
Stainless steel lower window moldings add an upscale accent to the body. Inside are Jet Black leather-trimmed seats with sueded microfiber accents and Mojave tan inserts.
Using the same 1.4-liter, 138-hp engine, although tuned different, the Dusk’s EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings are 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway, with the manual transmission. An automatic transmission is also available with the Dusk.
(Click Here to see GM’s plans to have eight models getting 40 mpg or better.)
The suggested retail price for the 2014 Sonic RS sedan starts at $20,530 including $825 destination. Sonic Dusk starts at $20,945 including destination. Title and license fees are extra.
Also new in 2014, Chevrolet is introducing performance parts that enhance Sonic’s handling, braking and performance. The Chevrolet Performance parts include:
- 1.4-liter Turbo Stage Kit with high-flow exhaust boosting the car up 10 horsepower and 15 lb-ft of torque
- Cold-air induction
- Suspension kit with lowered ride height
- Brake package with Wilwood front calipers
- 18-inch wheel-and-tire package.
These parts join appearance accessories announced in 2013.