Chevrolet has launched the Sonic five-door hatch, its latest product to compete in the hotly contested B-segment of the local market. CAR’s associate editor Gareth Dean is currently attending the local media launch, which is being held in Cape Town in the Western Cape, so be sure to check in soon for a driving impression.
The Sonic, which is the first car to be based on Chev’s global five-door, front-wheel-drive Gamma platform, slots in above the Aveo in the company’s local line-up and, with fresh styling, is sure to be a hit with fashion-conscious buyers.
Powertrain options include 1,4- and 1,6-litre petrol engines. Both are mated with five-speed manual transmissions. The 1,4-litre unit develops 74 kW at 6 000 r/min and 130 N.m of torque at 4 000 r/min. It returns a fuel consumption figure of 5,8 litres/100 km on the combined cycle. The 1,6-litre engine develops 85 kW at 6 000 r/min and 155 N.m of torque and returns a figure of 6,5 litres/100 km.
According to Chevrolet, a lot of development work and effort went into providing the Sonic with a sophisticated cabin and ride quality. We’ll have to wait and see whether these efforts have had the desired effect.
Prices start at R155 000 for the 1,4 LS and the 1,6 LS costs R168 000.