2018 sonic spy shots

[Toadz]

It is unfortunate the Sonic keeps the old powertrain for 2018. Looks like I'll be trading in for another brand at this point, especially after my dealer refused to replace a defective turbo under warranty. Done with GM!

 

[Natesriv]

I don't look for any more changes to the Sonic. The small car market is dwindling...and they are already shuttering the plant for periods of time since inventories are so high.

 

[albuquerqueith]

Chevy Sonic Won't Be Redesigned For Years | GM Authority

 

[dannyg]

Happened to see that 2018 1.8L has slightly better MPG than 2017 1.8L:

Compare Side-by-Side

That's good, but does anyone know why the 5sp is up to 35 from 33 MPG hwy? Seems to be same tranny. Just curious...

 

[Natesriv]

continuous improvements, little bits add up.

 

[dannyg]

continuous improvements, little bits add up.

I hope you're right! I don't think the EPA tweaked the test again, did they?

My 2015 1.8L 5sp is now rated at 34MPG with the tweaked test, it was rated 35MPG before. I can easily hit 40MPG on the highway, with little AC and keeping it at 75MPH...


Compare Side-by-Side

 

[JTee2017]

We just picked up our 2017 Sonic RS Hatch w/1.8L auto last week. We had to drive 72 miles back from the dealer we bought it from and did some weekend driving. We filled up after about 280 miles of city and rural highway driving and calculated 36MPG so far. We did have A/C on quite a bit since it was almost 90F a few of the days.

Happy with this MPG so far with an engine that isn't broken in yet.

 

[Looking4NewCar]

Anyone know when they are releasing the 2018's in Canada? I see them on the US website, but not on the Canadian one. I've talk to the local dealership and they don't know either. I can't find a 2017 in my color and trim, so I'm hoping the 2018's will come out soon.

 

[suitcasejefferson]

I bought my 2013 used basically because my sister cannot drive anymore, and needed to get rid of it. I would not consider another Sonic unless GM were to build a true two door hatchback. No more four doors for me. My next car is likely to be a used Mustang, Camaro, or Challenger. Or possibly a Subaru BRS or Scion FRS. I would not have bought my sister's Sonic if GM hadn't hidden the rear door handles.

 

[Pak4now]

My owner just came back from the Chevrolet Dealer meeting in Las Vegas and said they told him this:

GM Kills Chevrolet Sonic Subcompact Car | GM Authority

 

[RMinNJ]

Judging by the cars at the NY auto show we Americans seem to want large SUVs and pickups ..the larger the better. I could not believe the size of say the new Rav4 and Forrester.. Hyundai and Toyota seemed to be expanding their hatchback offerings.

 

[Natesriv]

Too bad, the Sonic's a great car for the price (Turbo models only). Avoid 2012's though!

 

[JTee2017]

My owner just came back from the Chevrolet Dealer meeting in Las Vegas and said they told him this:

GM Kills Chevrolet Sonic Subcompact Car | GM Authority

Then there is this from Korea. . . Spark may die there. Does that mean the vacant Sonic production at Lake Orion would go to making more Sparks???
Wondering. . . since GM Korea is on the rocks and GM has strongly hinted of moving out of Korea.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-gm-souhthkorea-spark/gm-korea-says-it-may-drop-spark-replace-with-crossover-idUSKBN1HG190

 

[Pak4now]

Then there is this from Korea. . . Spark may die there. Does that mean the vacant Sonic production at Lake Orion would go to making more Sparks???
Wondering. . . since GM Korea is on the rocks and GM has strongly hinted of moving out of Korea.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-gm-souhthkorea-spark/gm-korea-says-it-may-drop-spark-replace-with-crossover-idUSKBN1HG190

He said Sonic would go first, followed by Spark. Impala has a 75% chance of being gone in 2020. But 2 new small SUV will be brought in to fill the holes created. The small SUV market is the hottest segment in the US right now and for the next couple of years. Ford will be downsizing production of the Fusion and Taurus lines in the near future. Watch for more E-Assist and electric vehicles from GM.

 

[6speedti]

2019, bye bye Sonic, Impala and all manual transmissions. Malibu and Cruze not putting out good numbers. Unless fuel prices spike and stay high this trend will continue. It's not about fuel economy, it's about size. American consumers want big vehicles and are willing to finance above their means. Big vehicles for big people.

 

[JTee2017]

Yes and now I read the Cruze will be using the (dreaded in my opinion) CVT at least in some trim levels. A 6 speed auto may be an option upgrade.

I knew GM was "perfecting" a CVT, but wasn't sure when we would start to see them.

https://www.autoevolution.com/news/2019-chevrolet-cruze-gains-cvt-as-standard-optional-15-liter-turbo-engine-122410.html

https://s1.cdn.autoevolution.com/images/news/gallery/2019-chevrolet-cruze-gains-cvt-as-standard-optional-15-liter-turbo-engine_16.jpg

 

[dannyg]

This guys says the Cruze will still have manual tranny for the diesel (only) next year:

https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/2019-chevrolet-cruze-sedan-hatchback/

So there's contradictory info out there. If anyone spots the official Order Guide, please let us know. I might be interested in a Cruze hatch, which will be available in base LS trim in 2019, but only with manual tranny...and I'd much prefer a Sonic!

If I were GM I'd keep Sonic around for another year just in case their factories in Korea--where they make Spark/Trax/Encore--go up in smoke...

GM Korea's Future Looks Bleak | GM Authority

 

[dannyg]

Looks like zero manual trannies on the 2019 Cruze, even the base LS. They did add deactivation for the Start/Stop, which is good, but no way I’m getting a new Cruze without the manual. So I’ll be checking out a 2019 Sonic LS with 1.4T this fall...or just stick with my 2015!