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The Chevrolet Sonic RS breathes new life into an already popular-selling vehicle.
What's New With You?
Sometimes, when people ask each other: “What's new with you?” the response can be, “Oh, not much.” But if you ask the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS the same question, its answer will not be as short-winded. In fact, this new trim adds a lot of new and cool features to an already darling little hatchback and takes its presence to a new level.
Without creating a laundry list of the factoids that comprise its newness, here are a few features that set it apart, physically, from other Sonic family members. First off, there's the new front fascia with a revised fog lamp design, there's an RS-specific grille, a new rear fascia, a sport exhaust with a chrome outlet, rear spoiler and unique 17-inch 5-spoke wheels.
Motorcycle Inspired
The cockpit of the RS is lively and infused with style. The new front leather seats, flat-bottom steering (complete with red stitching), aluminum sport pedals and standard MyLink stereo system make it a winning combination.
The instrument cluster ahead of the driver was inspired by the designs found on motorcycles and further ads to the sporty dynamics of this hatchback.
Turbocharged? Yes, Please
Optional on LT and LTZ trims, the RS features as standard fare the turbocharged 1.4L, 4-cylinder engine that produces 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. Needless to say, this Sonic has pep coming out of the yin-yang. And it's darn fun to drive.
The pumped up ponies can either be reined in via a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. Either one is a good choice. Of the two, the manual has my heart, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much the automatic impressed me. Although I'm not a huge fan of its ‘manual' mode just being a small +/- button on the gear selector - it was a little awkward for me to use - keeping it in D was just peachy.
Drive Time
Driving along the sinuous roads that comprise a lot of northern California's commuting routes gave me a chance to test out the lowered and stiffened suspension with performance-tuned dampers. It feels firmly planted and, thanks to the unique ride and handling package (its suspension is also 10 mm closer to the ground), it's ready to attack.
I was also pleasantly surprised as to how tight the steering felt. It wasn't limp nor was it too heavy to carry the RS through the turns. The flat bottom steering wheel felt nice in the hands and performed to the task. Whether driving monotonously on a highway stretch or enjoying the roller coaster-like switchbacks of the various streets, a good time was had.
Combined with more aggressive gear ratios in the manual, it made for an engaging experience that I'd like to have more of in the future.
Fuel economy and pricing for the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS is TBD.
 |
What's New With You?
Sometimes, when people ask each other: “What's new with you?” the response can be, “Oh, not much.” But if you ask the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS the same question, its answer will not be as short-winded. In fact, this new trim adds a lot of new and cool features to an already darling little hatchback and takes its presence to a new level.
Without creating a laundry list of the factoids that comprise its newness, here are a few features that set it apart, physically, from other Sonic family members. First off, there's the new front fascia with a revised fog lamp design, there's an RS-specific grille, a new rear fascia, a sport exhaust with a chrome outlet, rear spoiler and unique 17-inch 5-spoke wheels.
Motorcycle Inspired
The cockpit of the RS is lively and infused with style. The new front leather seats, flat-bottom steering (complete with red stitching), aluminum sport pedals and standard MyLink stereo system make it a winning combination.
The instrument cluster ahead of the driver was inspired by the designs found on motorcycles and further ads to the sporty dynamics of this hatchback.
 |
| The cockpit of the RS is lively and infused with style. (Photo: Alexandra Straub) |
Turbocharged? Yes, Please
Optional on LT and LTZ trims, the RS features as standard fare the turbocharged 1.4L, 4-cylinder engine that produces 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. Needless to say, this Sonic has pep coming out of the yin-yang. And it's darn fun to drive.
The pumped up ponies can either be reined in via a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. Either one is a good choice. Of the two, the manual has my heart, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much the automatic impressed me. Although I'm not a huge fan of its ‘manual' mode just being a small +/- button on the gear selector - it was a little awkward for me to use - keeping it in D was just peachy.
 |
| The RS features as standard fare the turbocharged 1.4L, 4-cylinder engine that produces 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Alexandra Straub) |
Drive Time
Driving along the sinuous roads that comprise a lot of northern California's commuting routes gave me a chance to test out the lowered and stiffened suspension with performance-tuned dampers. It feels firmly planted and, thanks to the unique ride and handling package (its suspension is also 10 mm closer to the ground), it's ready to attack.
I was also pleasantly surprised as to how tight the steering felt. It wasn't limp nor was it too heavy to carry the RS through the turns. The flat bottom steering wheel felt nice in the hands and performed to the task. Whether driving monotonously on a highway stretch or enjoying the roller coaster-like switchbacks of the various streets, a good time was had.
Combined with more aggressive gear ratios in the manual, it made for an engaging experience that I'd like to have more of in the future.
Fuel economy and pricing for the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS is TBD.