This was evident as we were temporarily given the RS to play, fiddle and test drive. Oh man what a beauty…
The new Sonic RS exhibits performance-enhancing mechanical upgrades, superior levels of driving comfort and a high specification level which includes the all-new Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system – all presented in a sexy hatchback body and with driving enjoyment at the heart of it all.
Boasting 1.4-litre turbocharged ECOTEC® petrol engine, the new Sonic RS makes use of 103 kW at 6 000 rpm and 200 Nm at 4 000 rpm – the front wheels receiving the power through a slick six-speed manual gearbox with close ratios for sporty performance.
Audibly exciting as well, the tuned exhaust system allows the improved performance to be heard while still maintaining comfortable noise levels at all times.
Talk of noise, all and sundry relished on that environmental noise which turned heads of Chev enthusiasts.
The turbocharged performance figures include a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 9.5 seconds and a top speed of 197 km/h. All this with the car being very balanced and controllable throughout. At no time did we feel any wallowing or torque steer at all.
During the recent media advanced driving by GMSA, all kinds of Sonic RS were put to good test and it never disappointed. Albeit some of the journos chickened-out Lunga. Now the truth is out. Ahem…
It can be easily identified by the distinct yet subtle design changes found on the exterior. A more aggressive front bumper features expressive and angular fog lights with chrome detailing.
Gunmetal-painted 17-inch alloy wheels in a muscular five-spoke design are separated by chunky new side skirts and black-painted door mirrors with integrated LED indicators and at the rear, the motorcycle-inspired tail lights are joined by a new roof spoiler, an accented rear diffuser with a striking trapezoidal exhaust tip and special Sonic RS badging.
The interior continues the sporty design theme with top-quality materials used to express the RS moniker. Red accents abound – the stitching on the leather-bound, flat-bottomed steering wheel, “RS” emblems on the seats and piping on the floor mats – embodying the zestier Sonic’s personality. An upgraded rev counter also features an RS badge.
Safety equipment includes disc brakes all-round with ABS, EBD and BAS, ESC and Traction Control, a full-size spare wheel, ISOFIX child seat anchors and four airbags. Amen!
This should (by hook or crook) feature in my collection’s list for 2014, folks…
It retails for R 225 300.
The new RS Sonic comes as standard with a 5-year/ 120 000 km warranty and a 3-year/ 60 000 km service plan linked to service intervals of 15 000 km.
Verdict:
1-10 Performance 8
1-10 Petrol 7
