Chevy goes nuts, adds optional power seat to 2017 Sonic
Redesign brings hatch in line with Cruze, Bolt and Trax
The 2017 Chevrolet Sonic slipped out today ahead of its New York auto show reveal. The little scooter gets a bunch of new tech, a refreshed design and two familiar engines.
Let’s
dispense with those powerplants right now. The base engine is a
naturally aspirated 1.8-liter four, which made 138 hp and 125 lb-ft of
torque last year, and we have no indication of any changes. The
“upgraded” engine, 1.4-liter turbo, makes the same 138 hp with 148 lb-ft
of torque. Chevy says
mileage, 35 highway for the 1.8 with a manual, 40 highway for the 1.4
with a manual, will stay about the same for the new model year, though
they haven’t been certified by the EPA yet. A six-speed automatic is
optional, sending power to the front wheels.
The Sonic gets a new front end, new hood, new front fascia and new headlights, bringing it more in line with the globally sold Cruze, Bolt and Trax.
Projector headlights are standard; LED daytime running lights are
optional. The Sonic also gets three new wheel designs in 15-, 16- and
17-inch sizes along with four new colors: orange burst metallic,
brimstone (yes, brimstone), Cajun red tintcoat and arctic blue metallic.
Options
include a power driver’s seat -- Chevy says it’s the first in the
segment to have it -- keyless entry and start, heated seats and wheel
and 4G LTE Internet. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available with a
new 7-inch infotainment screen.
Chevy is also jumping on the
emergency braking bandwagon early by offering forward collision alert.
Lane departure warning is also optional, while 10 airbags are standard.
Pricing
hasn’t been announced yet, but the 2016 model started at about $15,000.
We wouldn’t expect this to stray too far from there.
