Chevy Sonic RS is nearly here!

A few weeks ago we featured the brilliant little Chevrolet Sonic onthese pages. By all accounts, it was a brilliant little car. Imagine mysurprise when we heard the performance version is heading to Namibia.Yes ladies and gentlemen, the Chevrolet Sonic RS is nearly here.

Its assertive looks are noticeable, thanks especially to its larger fog lights, black mirror housings and 17-inch gun-metal alloy rims – and then the rear spoiler and new side skirts stand out too.

Chevrolet SA also explained that ‘RS’ was the entry-level branding for its sport models. ‘SS’ and ‘Z’ depicting more macho models in the range, such as the Lumina SS. It comes in several colours: white, black, blue, silver, burnt orange and a pinkish-red.

Inside, the first thing which stands out is the funky leather sports seats with RS red badging on top and even etched on each seat squab. There’s an 18cm multimedia touchscreen for the MyLink system which can play movies or picture galleries – when the car is parked. While driving you can connect your smart phone or media files via Bluetooth, iPod or the USB port in the cubby to play all your music, connect to the Stitcher app on iPhone and the radio connect app which picks up any radio station… and there’s a voice control option.

The Sonic RS comes with a turbo charged 1.4 litre plant producing 103kw and 200nm of torque. Not quite Fiesta ST territory, but more than enough power for most. It has a top speed of 197km/h and does 0-100 in 9.5sec. It’s mated to a six-speed gearbox and the instrument’s been upgraded and includes a gear shift indicator.

“The Americans have played with it. Despite the obvious steering wheel from the Camaro Z1, they’ve played around with the suspension quite a bit,” said Lunga Ntsendwana of GM South Africa.

As a new performance hatch on the market, it’s got a lot to prove, even against its own brother, the Corsa OPC, but let’s not forget, the Sonic will come in at under N$250 000. That’s great value for such a well put together little runner.