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Preview: 103kW Sonic RS in SA

•    1.4-litre turbo petrol engine for great performance and fuel efficiency
•    Tuned suspension ups handling prowess
•    High-level specifications add value

Chevrolet is kicking off its 2014 SA model offensive with its new 103kW/200Nm Sonic RS. We have specs, details and gallery images! Plus we're at the event...

Wheels24's JANINE-LEE GORDON will get to grips with the new RS-badged hatchback on February 5 2014. Ahead of our Speed Queen's launch report we give you details, specs and, most important the price of Chev's turbo-charged Sonic RS.

IMAGE GALLERY: Chevrolet Sonic RS

The Sonic RS has a 103kW/200Nm 1.4 turbocharged petrol mated to a six-speed manual driving power to the front wheels. It can sprint to 100km/h in 9.5sec and on to its top speed of 197km/h. Fuel consumption is listed as 6.6 litres/100km with emissions of 155g/km.

The RS is lower, has a stiffer suspension and performance-tuned shock-absorbers than its vanilla Sonic sibling. The exhaust system has also been tuned.

'HOT CHEVY'

Chevrolet brand manager Tim Hendon said: “The RS moniker forms the first level of performance-orientated nomenclature in the Chevrolet product portfolio.

“Originally applied to the Chevrolet Camaro RS (Rally Sport) in 1967, with this badge we are now providing a sportier, more athletic Sonic hatchback for performance-minded South Africans, the B-segment benefiting from a ‘hot Chevy’ for the first time."

DESIGN

The RS has sporty design changes compared to the standard model. At the front you can spot assertive bumper design and angular fog lights with chromed details. It has grey "17 alloys in a five-spoke design along with chunky new side skirts and black-painted side-mirrors with integrated LEDs.

The Sonic RS sports a roof spoiler, diffuser and trapezoidal exhaust tip along with Sonic RS badging.

The interior benefits from red accents, RS emblems, leather steering wheel, aluminium pedals, RS floor mats and an upgraded rev counter.

MYLINK

The Sonic RS has Chevrolet's MyLink infotainment system on an 18cm touchscreen. The system integrates multimedia and smartphones and allows voice control, Bluetooth audio streaming, playlist customisation, video playback and smart dialing.

It can be ordered as an option.

In terms of safety, the car has anti-lock brakes, electronic brake pressure distribution, electronic stability control and wheelspin control, IsoFix child-seat anchors and four air bags.

The Sonic RS will retail for R225 300 and is sold with a five-year or 120 000km warranty and a three-year or 60 000km service plan. Service intervals are 15 000km.
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