Chevrolet’s Sonic subcompact hatch and sedan are entering the 2017 model year with a facelift that brings freshened up looks and new tech features.
On both body styles, out goes the quirky front end design with the round headlamps, and in comes a softer and more generic styling that echoes the global Chevrolet cues seen on vehicles ranging from the Cruze and Trax all the way up to the Impala. Beyond the redesigned hood and front bumper, the new headlamps can now incorporate available LED daytime running lamps.
Similarly, the round lighting units at the back have been replaced with rectangular-shaped inner fixtures, with Chevrolet also re-profiling the rear bumper.
Four new exterior colors have been added to the palette for 2017, called Orange Burst Metallic, Brimstone, Cajun Red Tintcoat and Arctic Blue Metallic (late availability).
We’ll have to wait for the 2017 Sonic’s New York Auto Show debut next Wednesday to catch our first glimpse of the subtly updated interior, but Chevrolet said that it gains “a new, detailed gauge cluster incorporating an analog speedometer”, and new comfort and convenience features that include a power driver’s seat, Keyless Open and Start, heated cloth seats and new heated steering wheel.
There’s also a new 7-inch infotainment system supporting the latest connectivity technologies, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot.
Power will come from a standard 1.8-liter four-cylinder unit, and an available 138hp 1.4-liter turbocharged four offered with either six-speed automatic or manual transmissions.
The 2017 Sonic will reach North American showrooms this fall in LS, LT and Premier trims with an available RS package on sedan models, while the hatchback returns exclusively in RS guise, offered in LT and Premier trims.
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