cars news 10: Refreshed 2017 Chevrolet Sonic Revealed Ahead of New York Debut

The refreshed 2017 Chevrolet Sonic has been revealed with a new look and an array of additional tech features ahead of its official debut at the 2016 New York auto show. Key changes include a new front fascia with redesigned headlights and the new Chevrolet grille that’s also found in the Spark and Bolt EV, giving the Sonic a family resemblance to the rest of the bow tie brand’s small cars. Both sedan and hatchback body styles remain available.

Both four-cylinder engines from the pre-refresh Sonic carry over unchanged with the 1.8-liter I-4 coming standard on the base model. The 138-hp 1.4-liter turbo-four is available on higher trim levels. A six-speed manual is standard while a six-speed automatic is optional. Four trim levels are available, including the base LS, mid-level LT, and the Premier, which replaces the LTZ grade. The RS model is now exclusive to the hatchback and comes only in LT or Premier trim. RS variants come with unique floor mats, piano black accents, a flat-bottom steering wheel with an RS badge, and a new red cloth upholstery option. An RS package is also available on the Sonic sedan.

Up front, the headlights now feature a more traditional look and LED accent lights. The car’s lower front fascia has also been revised and features a vertical housing for the foglights instead of a horizontal one. Chevrolet has also redesigned the car’s rear taillights and given it a more conventional appearance since it no longer looks like it’s an exposed unit with no cover over it. New wheel designs ranging 15 to 17 inches in size have also been added as well as four new exterior colors, Orange Burst Metallic, Brimstone, Cajun Red Tintcoat, and Arctic Blue Metallic.

New tech and convenience features are now available on the 2017 Sonic including heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and keyless entry/push-button start. A new version of Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system with a seven-inch touchscreen has also been added and now includes Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto compatibility. Also available is 4G LTE connectivity, which can support up to seven mobile devices. Active safety features such as Lane departure warning and forward collision warning are also available on the 2017 Sonic.

Source: Chevrolet