Chev reveals 100kW Sonic RS
2011-12-22 09:34
HOT HATCH POTENTIAL: With a turbocharged 100kW powerplant, tweaked suspension and steering the new Sonic RS could have hot hatch potential when it's officially launched in 2012.
It looks like an Aveo with a sporty body kit, has the benefits of the Spark’s funky interior, and is a lot more fun to drive than a Cruze; Chevrolet’s Sonic arrived in South Africa in October 2011.
Now the US automaker has revealed a sportier version of its new hatchback: the Sonic RS is set to make its debut at the Detroit auto show from January 14-22, 2012.
The new model, based on the 2010 concept design, has a number of exterior and interior changes and is powered by a turbocharged 103kW/200Nm 1.4-litre engine.
NEW DESIGN
The Sonic RS has a redesigned front and rear compared with the standard model. Changes include a new grille, rear spoiler, exhausts and 17-inch wheel design.
The turbocharged engine is mated to either a six-speed manual or auto transmission, while the suspension has been stiffened and the car's ride height lowered.
Inside the Sonic RS features sports seats and steering wheel, aluminium pedals and RS-specific trim colours. Instrumentation clusters are redesigned and the new model has sporty inserts.
