Chevrolet’s New 2017 Sonic Offers New Styling and Technology [News]

2017 Chevrolet Sonic

Chevrolet unveiled the 2017 Sonic and gave their subcompact more mature styling and a host of new technology.

Gone are the current model’s projector-like headlights and oversize grill. The new Sonic looks more like an upsized version of the 2016 Spark, with a smaller upper grille flanked with sleek headlights above a larger lower grille.

Similarities to the Spark continue with the Sonic hatchback’s smooth side panels and hidden upper door handles. The sedan’s styling, apart from the new front end, looks closer to the styling of the current model and isn’t quite as exciting of a design as the hatchback.

2017 Chevrolet Sonic

Inside, the redesigned Sonic has a new instrument cluster with an analog tachometer. The biggest change is the available technology. The seven-inch infotainment screen features the MyLink system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It also has available keyless start and is the first car in the class to offer a power driver’s seat.

A rear-view camera is standard, and the new Sonic has new safety features like a front collision warning system and a lane departure warning system.

Under the hood, the Sonic has the same available engines. Standard is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, with a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine as an option. Both engines make 138 horsepower, but the 1.8-liter makes 125 lb-ft of torque while the turbo makes 148 lb-ft of torque.

2017 Chevrolet Sonic

The sedan is available in LS, LT and Premier trim levels, while the hatchback is only available as an RS with LT and Premier trim levels.

The new Sonic will go on sale in the Fall as a 2017 model. Pricing has not yet been released. 2017 mileage figures are unavailable, but since the engines haven’t changed, expect similar mileage to the current model.

Check out this TFLcar video of the Sonic’s big brother, the Cruze, right from the floor of the Detroit Auto Show: