Chevrolet Up for a Revolution: Affordable & Tech Stuffed 2017 Sonic Unveiled

MANILA: Chevrolet Sonic is not an alien name for the Philippines market. Available in both hatch and sedan body forms, Sonic was never able to create the much-expected hype in the market. Giving the Sonic tag a second chance the brand has now introduced a 360 degree revamped version of the same. Called 2017 Chevrolet Sonic the car is scheduled to make an appearance at the soon to commence 2016 New York Auto Show (along with Chevrolet Camaro ZL1). Like its ancestral version, this one too will come accompanied with a sedan and five-door hatch body style.

But our major interest area lies on the field of changes that will come glued with the all new Sonic. So, let's study each area of change in detail and see how different is the new one from the earlier version.

Performance -

2017 Model - Two engines are reported to house the new Sonic which include a 1.8L turbo engine and other will be the carry forward the Ecotech 1.4L mill. The only difference being that the 1.4L mill will now produce more power (138 hp vs 99 hp), maintaining the same EPA standards.

Existing Model - Current model comes equipped with a fuel-efficient 1.4L Ecotec mill mated to a Continuous-Variable Cam-phase and Multi-Point Fuel Injection system, generating 100 PS of power and 130 Nm of torque.

Design Language -

2017 Model - Words like athletic, expensive suits best the revamped Sonic. To the list of its changes are included revisions like new hood, projector headlamps, LED daytime running lamp, 15-, 16-, 17-inch wheels, and restyled rear end. Also, now it will be available in attractive color shades like Orange Burst Metallic, Brimstone, Cajun Red Tintcoat and Arctic Blue Metallic.

Existing Model - The existing Sonic looks more streamlined and conventional and has looks resembling a high-performance motorbike. All in all its old and highly requires an up gradation.

Cabin Look & Feel -

2017 Model: It seems Chevrolet's major focus has been on Sonic interior enhancement. The car is now loaded with some features that were never seen in this particular segment. Power driver's seat, in particular, is a feature that was never seen in this segment. In addition to this, features like keyless open and start, heated steering wheel, 7-inch infotainment system supported with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included. Connectivity front is supported with 4G LTE connection, Wi-Fi hotspot, helping passengers to engage as many as seven devices with the above-mentioned internet.

Existing Model: After reading the above-mentioned specs it's now not at all necessary write about the standard offering of the on-road Sonic. Surely it features a seven-inch touchscreen display but misses the above-mentioned connectivity features.

Safety -

2017 Model: The all-new Sonic now integrates intelligent safety features that alter drivers before hand in case of a potential crash situation. It now offers safety equipment like ten-airbags, Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Anti Lock Braking System and Stabilitrak Electronic Stability Control.

Existing Model: It carries all standard safety features that you can find in a car falling in this segment with this price tag. In short, the old Sonic holds nothing intelligent and only comes with safety features that would really protect a crash situation.

Price Old Sonic vs New Sonic -

2017 Model: Though actual price tag of 2017 Sonic has not yet been revealed but the Chevrolet Sonic PR tags it as an affordable vehicle. So, with all the up gradations we are hoping to see some minor price hike.

Existing Model: Sonic Price range falls under the affordable range of PhP 788,888 to PhP 838,000.

Also Read: Chevrolet Camaro With the ZL1 Tag, Gets Naughty & Spiced Up - Know How?