2016 Chevrolet Sonic in Iowa City, IA - $8,558

Chevrolet has introduced the 2017 Sonic hatchback – a more expressive, sporty take on the brand’s fun-to-drive small car. It offers big technologies such as a new MyLink system with segment-exclusive Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a fresh exterior with new LED signature lighting.

Sonic’s athletic exterior has an entirely new, expressive look echoing the global Chevrolet cues seen on vehicles such as the Cruze, Bolt EV and 2017 Trax crossover.

It is a richer, more detailed design, with the front end featuring a new hood, new front fascia and new lighting elements. Projector-beam headlamps are standard, along with available LED daytime running lamps. Likewise, the rear fascia is new.

Available exclusively in RS guise, the Sonic hatchback is offered in LT and Premier trim levels. Power is generated by the standard Ecotec 1.8L four-cylinder engine. A more powerful Ecotec 1.4L four-cylinder turbocharged engine is also available. Both engines deliver torque through either a manual gearbox or a Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic transmission.

“With its trademark wheels-at-the-corners stance, the dramatic changes to the Sonic’s design give it and even sportier stance and attitude,” said Justin Thompson, exterior design manager. There are also new 15-, 16- and 17-inch wheel designs and four new exterior colors offered in 2017: Orange Burst Metallic, Brimstone, Cajun Red Tintcoat and Arctic Blue Metallic.

Inside the passenger cabin, Sonic’s thoughtful interior retains its focus on delivering comfort, convenience and technology. A new, detailed gauge cluster incorporating an analog speedometer adds a higher degree of refinement to the cabin, complementing addition new comfort and convenience features. For 2017 Sonic becomes the first in its segment to offer a power driver’s seat.

Additional new features include: a seven-inch-diagonal infotainment system designed to support the latest connectivity technologies, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot. With the available 4G LTE connection, Sonic provides a Wi-Fi hotspot that allows passengers to connect up to seven compatible devices such as smartphones, laptops and tablets, to high-speed wireless Internet. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is subject to their terms, privacy statements and data plan rates, as well as a compatible smartphone.

Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 99.4; overall length: 159.0; width: 68.3; height: 59.3
All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 1.8L four-cylinder – 138 hp at 6300 rpm and 125 lbs-ft of torque at 3800 rpm; 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder – 138 hp at 4900 rpm and 148 lbs-ft of torque at 1850-2500 rpm.
Transmission: five-speed manual, six-speed manual, six-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 1.8L four-cylinder – 26 city/35 hwy. (manual), 25 city/35 hwy. (automatic); 1.4L four-cylinder turbo: 29 city/40 hwy. (manual), 27 city/37 hwy. (automatic)
Cargo capacity: 47.7 cubic feet

Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, dual front knee airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, traction control, StabiliTrak stability control system, hill start assist, daytime running lights, automatic headlamps, Bluetooth hands free phone system, OnStar communications system, remote keyless entry, content alarm system, battery run-down protection, rearview camera, engine immobilizer, and tire pressure monitoring system. Premier adds fog lights, rear vision camera, and remote engine start system.

Optional safety features include forward collision alert, lane departure warning and rear park assist.

Warranty
Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile
Powertrain: 5-year/60,000 mile
Roadside Assistance: 5-year/60,000 mile 24-hour

Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic hatchback starts from $17,580 for the LT manual upto $21,215 for the Premier automatic. Destination charges add $875.