At the 2016 New York Auto Show Chevrolet presented their all new 2017 Sonic. The latest Sonic redesign was from 2010, which is quite old in the automotive designing world. So even though the chassis of the car is still the same as the one from 2010, the exterior and interior received a stunning update for the 2017 model year. Since the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic just hit dealerships we decided to do an extensive review of this small, efficient and especially fun car. We are sure that the 2017 Sonic is going to sell just as well as its slightly less cool predecessor. The driving experience of this lovely little vehicle is relatively similar to the last Sonic, since the engine options carried over.
Exterior design
The body metal of the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic is completely new and different. Some new Chevrolet styling trademarks are present on the Sonic. We saw those before on for example the eco-friendly, efficient 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV hatchback, another great and fun vehicle by Chevrolet.
The new hood looks entirely different from the last one. Whereas that hood was very steep, round and short, this one is longer and more straight. The lower air vent is much larger and has a stretched hexagonal shape and a chrome outline. The large foglights were replaced with smaller round lamps and are positioned in a chrome outlined niche next to the air vent. The grille is still relatively small, but has a nice light V shape. The grille flows smoothly into the redesigned headlights. Instead of two individual, round lamps and a turn signal, the headlights now consist of two less outstanding LED-lights, a turn signal and some curved lights. The creases on the hood are carried over on the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic.
2017 Chevrolet Sonic side and rear
To the side there is not much difference with the last Sonic, although the crease on the lower side of the fascia now is a little more pronounced.
On the back of the car, more alterations can be found. For one, the double exhaust is now a single angular exhaust in a matte silver-coloured material. The lower part of the back is also longer than on its predecessor.
The air vents right above the lower bumper have been left out and the car gained two small reflector stripes. The car also has more defined edges that run from the back bumper to the redesigned taillights. These have the same overall shape, but have been replaced by LEDs and the internal shape is a lot different.
The wheels come with a choice of 15-, 16- or 17-inch in dark or light chrome finishes and four additional exterior colours were added.
The profile of the Sonic looks like the less conspicuous exterior of the 2017 Kia Rio hatchback, a car that is also in the same price range as the Sonic.
Interior design
The 2017 Chevrolet Sonic interior looks great. It looks a lot like the 2016 interior, which was very modern and high-class, so it’s understandable that Chevrolet decided to carry most of it over. The biggest difference is the chrome outline around the infotainment screen. Also, the digital gauges returned with a speedometer besides the tachometer, which wasn’t present in the 2016 model.
Standard 2017 Chevrolet Sonic equipment is a seven inch infotainment screen and a four speaker audio system. Also, a USB-port and auxiliary jack, clothed seats and a three spoke steering wheel.
Optional or standard on higher trims are leather seats, leather and heated steering wheel, different colours for the dashboard inserts. Also, a six speaker audio system is optional on the higher trims.
Engine specs
Another carry-over area is the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic’s engine. The standard engine is the 1.8 liter four cylinder that makes 138 horsepower. This engine can be paired with either a five speed manual or a six speed automatic transmission.
The 1.4 liter turbocharged four cylinder also rates at 138 horsepower. This engine comes with a six speed manual or a six speed automatic transmission.
For a car with a higher output, the 175 HP four cylinder engine of the 2017 Ford Fusion sedan could be a good alternative to the Sonic.
Maximum speed for both engines is 108 mph (173 kph) and the 1.8 has a 0-60 time of 9.7 seconds, whereas the 1.4 is 7.8 seconds.
Tech specs
The infotainment screen can be operated by Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Bluetooth Audio streaming and phone connectivity is standard on all trims. Also, Hill Start Assist and a rear vision camera comes with all trims. Besides these wonderful standard options, the Chevrolet Sonic also comes standard with an OnStar Wifi hotspot and 4G connection. Lastly, all Sonics get a three month subscription to OnStar Guidance Plan, Chevrolet’s extensive car safety guidance system.
The Driver Confidence Package is optional and features: Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning and Rear Park Assist.
Price and sale date
The 2017 Chevrolet Sonic is now available in dealerships across the United States. Prices start at $16,020 for the lowest trim sedan (LS) and at $18,455 for the lowest trim hatchback, the LT. The highest trim sedan, the Premier, starts at $21,290. The highest trim hatchback has a price of $22,090.
In Europe the Chevrolet Sonic was on the market under the name Chevrolet Aveo. However Chevrolet stopped releasing their models on the European market since December 31st, 2015 to offer the European brands Opel and Vauxhall a chance to develop. No rumours about the new 2017 Chevrolet Sonic being adapted for the European market have been heard, so we don’t think an Opel or Vauxhall Sonic or Aveo will be released there.
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