2017 Chevrolet Sonic Preview

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Introduction

Quirky and goggle-eyed, the Chevy Sonic has, since it debuted for 2012, successfully drawn new and younger customers to Chevrolet showrooms. A safe and affordable car, the Sonic has set itself apart from other cheap sets of wheels with distinctive design cues inside and out, as well as with the types of technology youthful buyers want.

For 2017, the Sonic grows up. The styling matures, the instrumentation is conventional, and the car gets a technology upgrade. It continues in 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback body styles, but the trim lineup is revised.

Sonic sedans are offered in LS, LT, and Premier trim, and an optional RS package provides a sportier look for the LT and Premier versions. Sonic hatchbacks come in LT and Premier trim, and the RS treatment is standard for 2017.

Look for the new 2017 Sonic to roll onto Chevy showroom floors in the fall of 2016.

Exterior Features

The most noticeable change to the 2017 Sonic’s appearance is evident in front, where a new hood, headlights, and front fascia align the car with other small Chevy models. Around back, a new bumper cover and freshened taillights spruce up the appearance.

New wheel designs also debut, ranging in size from 15 inches to 17 inches in diameter. Aluminum wheels feature machined-finish or trendy blacked-out appearances. New paint colors include Orange Burst, Brimstone, Cajun Red, and Arctic Blue.

Interior FeaturesInside, the new 2017 Chevy Sonic has a new analog speedometer, and a next-generation MyLink infotainment system is standard, featuring a 7-in. touch-screen display. Versions equipped with the RS package have piano black trim, RS floor mats, and a flat-bottom steering wheel.

Optional Features

Chevrolet has announced several new options for the 2017 Sonic. They include LED running lights, power driver’s seat, keyless entry with push-button engine starting, heated cloth seats, heated steering wheel, and rear park-assist sensors. Sonics with the RS package can be fitted with red cloth seats.

Under the Hood

Chevrolet confirms that the Sonic will continue to offer a choice between two engines. A 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine is standard, with a turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder available as an option.

Each makes 138 horsepower, but the turbocharged engine generates more torque and makes its power lower in the rev range in order to feel more responsive. A 6-speed manual gearbox is standard, with a 6-speed automatic transmission available.

Safety

Equipped with 10 air bags, the 2017 Sonic gains a reversing camera as standard equipment. The car also comes with OnStar services, and with an active subscription it includes an automatic collision-notification system that can automatically contact emergency rescuers in the event of a collision.

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Technology

New options for 2017 include a forward-collision warning system and a lane-departure warning system.Chevrolet’s latest version of MyLink infotainment features faster response to inputs as well as smartphone-projection technology that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto platforms. OnStar provides access to a subscription-based 4G LTE Wi-Fi connection, one that accommodates up to seven connected devices.