As South Africans rushed to fuel pumps ahead of yet another fuel-price increase, General Motors South Africa launched a potential reprieve by announcing the addition of a new 1,3-litre turbodiesel engine option to its Chevrolet Sonic hatch range.
The new turbocharged and intercooled common-rail unit delivers 70 kW at 4 000 r/min with 210 N.m of torque at a low 1 750 r/min. Mated exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission, this combination delivers a claimed combined average fuel consumption of just 4,6 L/100 km.
The newest member of the Sonic hatch range joins its 1,4-litre and 1,6-litre petrol-powered siblings on the local market and, as with these other models, is offered in comprehensive LS specification.
Aimed at broadening the audience base, a new sedan version of the Sonic has also been launched into the local market. In a global first for Chevrolet in the small car market, the new four-door Sonic is now offered with a six-speed automatic transmission mated with the more powerful (85 kW 1,6-litre) of the two available petrol engines. As with the hatch range, a 74 kW 1,4-litre petrol option is also offered.
Chevrolet Sonic pricing
Sonic Hatch 1,4 LS M/T R156 990
Sonic Hatch 1,6 LS M/T R168 570
Sonic Hatch 1,3 Diesel LS M/T R178 730
Sonic Sedan 1,4 LS M/T R156 990
Sonic Sedan 1,6 LS M/T R168 570
Sonic Sedan 1,6 LS A/T R178 570