Chevrolet unveiled their all-new 2017 Sonic at the 2016 New York Auto Show. In the world of automotive design, the most recent Sonic redesign was from 2010, which is quite old. So, while the car’s chassis remains the same as it did in 2010, the exterior and interior have been completely redesigned for the 2017 model year. We’re confident that the 2017 Sonic will do just as well as its slightly less cool predecessor. Because the engine options were carried over from the previous Sonic, the driving experience of this lovely little vehicle is relatively similar.
Exterior design
The 2017 Chevrolet Sonic‘s body metal is completely new and unique. The Sonic features some new Chevrolet styling trademarks. We’ve seen those before, for example, on the eco-friendly, efficient 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV hatchback, another fantastic and fun vehicle from Chevrolet.
The new hood is noticeably different from the previous one. Unlike the previous hood, which was very steep, round, and short, this one is longer and more straight. The lower air vent is significantly larger, with a stretched hexagonal shape and a chrome outline. The large foglights have been replaced with smaller round lamps, which are housed in a chrome-outlined niche next to the air vent. The grille is still small, but it has a nice light V shape to it. The grille seamlessly transitions into the redesigned headlights. Instead of two individual round lamps and a turn signal, the headlights now include two less impressive LED lights, a turn signal, and some curved lights. The creases on the hood of the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic are carried over.
To the side, there isn’t much of a difference between this Sonic and the previous one, except that the crease on the lower side of the fascia is now a little more pronounced.
More modifications can be found on the back of the car. For starters, the dual exhaust has been replaced by a single angular exhaust in a matte silver-colored material. The lower back is also longer than on the predecessor.
The air vents above the lower bumper have been removed, and the vehicle now has two small reflector stripes. The car also has more defined edges from the rear bumper to the redesigned taillights. These have the same overall shape, but the LEDs have been replaced, and the internal shape is significantly different.
The wheels are available in 15-, 16-, or 17-inch sizes with dark or light chrome finishes, and four new exterior colors have been added.
Interior design
The interior of the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic looks fantastic. It appears to be similar to the 2016 interior, which was very modern and high-class, so it’s understandable that Chevrolet decided to carry over the majority of it. The chrome outline around the infotainment screen is the most noticeable difference. In addition, the digital gauges now include a speedometer in addition to the tachometer, which was missing in the 2016 model.
A seven-inch infotainment screen and a four-speaker audio system are standard on the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. A USB port and an auxiliary jack are also included, as are clothed seats and a three-spoke steering wheel.
Leather seats, a heated steering wheel, and different dashboard insert colors are optional or standard on higher trims. A six-speaker audio system is also available as an option on higher trims.
Engine specs
The engine of the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic is another carryover. The standard engine is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder with 138 horsepower. This engine is available with a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.
The 1.4 liter turbocharged four cylinder engine produces 138 horsepower as well. This engine is available with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.
Both engines have a top speed of 108 mph (173 kph), and the 1.8 has a 0-60 time of 9.7 seconds, while the 1.4 takes 7.8 seconds.
Tech specs
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can control the infotainment screen. Bluetooth audio streaming and phone connectivity are standard across the board. All trims also include Hill Start Assist and a rear vision camera. Aside from these fantastic standard features, the Chevrolet Sonic also includes an OnStar Wifi hotspot and a 4G connection. Finally, all Sonics come with a three-month subscription to Chevrolet’s extensive car safety guidance system, OnStar Guidance Plan.
The optional Driver Confidence Package includes Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, and Rear Park Assist.
Price and sale date
Prices begin at $15,145 for the base sedan LS and $16,895 for the base hatchback LT. The Premier sedan and Premier hatchback, the highest trim levels, starts at $19,720.
In Europe, the Chevrolet Sonic was known as the Chevrolet Aveo. Chevrolet, on the other hand, has stopped releasing models in Europe since December 31st, 2015, in order to give European brands Opel and Vauxhall a chance to develop. We haven’t heard any rumors about the new 2017 Chevrolet Sonic being adapted for the European market, so we don’t expect an Opel or Vauxhall Sonic or Aveo to be released there.