CHEVROLET Sonic RS Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Chevrolet added more flair to the subcompact Sonic and introduced a sporty version named RS as a 2013 model year, with a European turbocharged heart and a few other tidbits to show its upgraded character.

Aimed at the same customers as Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris, the small-sized Sonic made its debut on the American market in 2011, based on the Gamma II platform. It was more or less a badge-engineering product, sharing a big chunk of its parts with the European Chevrolet Aveo or the Australian Holden Barina. But the RS version was different.

The Sonic RS featured an enhanced front fascia than the rest of the range. It sported chromed trims around the grille and the lower-mounted side scoops hosted the foglights. From its sides, the 17” light-alloy wheels. At the back, the roof spoiler and the rectangular exhaust tip adorned and completed the sporty image of the vehicle.

Inside, the carmaker placed an RS-badged flat-bottom steering wheel. The black leather with red stitching and the aluminum sport pedals inspired a racy atmosphere. But these were no sports seats.

In the engineering department, Chevrolet upgraded the old platform with stiffer suspension that promised to allow higher cornering speeds than its non-RS version. Under the hood, the carmaker planted a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine that provided about the same power as the naturally aspirated version of the Sonic. Yet, it offered a better torque. The transmission for this sporty-looking small-sized hatchback was a six-speed manual.