2018 sonic spy shots

[AJL13]

now the cruz hatchback is looking awsome. i woudnt mind if the sonic had a similar look.

It does look pretty sharp...nothing about it really stands out though, looks a lot like a Scion iM from the front and looks like it MIGHT look a lot like the hyundai hatchback (Elantra GT I think) from the back.

 

[AJL13]

same bolt pattern I suspect, but yes different style(s). Here's an example

More can be found here
2017 Sonic: Small Cars | Chevrolet

It looks like Chevy has stepped up their wheel game for the 2017 model. My main criticism is that the factory rims (even for the RS) were kind of meh on the current model.

I'm sure the new front end redesign will grow on me, but I dig the four eyes look still.

 

[KartRacer]

I don't know, think I'll wait to replace until 2021 or 22.

 

[velouriumxcamper]

Looks very generic now. That kinda bums me out.

 

[Beastlick]

I almost just wish the design team at GM would be relevant in these forums. This forum IS YOUR BUYER!!! People loved the lights on the current model, hated the huge mustache. I think they did an excellent job of hiding it on the current RS. Now they go even further and slap a sled on the front? That's the best they can come up with? just a big flat piece of plastic? IMO these elements are what make this "revision" ordinary and lame.

 

[ThatDieselGuy]

I agree that it just looks to blah now. The main reason my wife bought one was so she could stick out on the road in a basically stock car, now these new ones will look alot like all of the other hatchbacks........or maybe this is because I pay attention to other vehicles lol.......either way I still wish they could have kept the 4 eyes look at a minimum.

 

[Natesriv]

I guess it's actually a 2017 not a 2018...wrong year in my thread's title argh!

 

[dannyg]

I don't know if this has been mentioned, but it looks like Build and Price feature is up for 2017 Sonic:

2017 Sonic: Small Cars | Chevrolet

One downer, the MPG for base LS 5sp is down to 33MPG hwy from 35MPG hwy in current gen. 33MPG isn't impressive. OK the 1.4T is rated 38MPG, at least not bad. Does anyone know if the gearing is more aggressive on the 2017 1.4T, is that why the MPG is down from 40MPG hwy?

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=37906&id=37904&id=36452&id=36447

 

[KartRacer]

Also appears the RS is history, now premium, but you can add all of the old standard equipment to make the RS.

 

[Llia]

Starting to look more like the FORD Fiesta or Hyundai Elantra. I was so happy that my current Sonic strayed away from the bunch.

 

[Mad Trapper]

Was looking at a Colorado today. Took a look at the Sonic and was surprised how much better it looks in person. It's sharp.


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[dannyg]

The front end of the 2017 has grown on me a bit, although I do prefer the smaller grille of the base models to the huge grilles of the RS. Too bad all hatchbacks are now RS!

That said, to me the MPG is the real issue. No way I'm replacing my current 2015 LS in a year or two (once I've paid off the loan) with another Sonic LS if the MPG has gone DOWN. 33MPG hwy is not impressive for a small(ish) car. 38MPG hwy with the 1.4T is fine, the new Cruze is rated 39MPG hwy with the manual. But, the larger Cruze manual-tranny LS is priced around the price of a Sonic LT sedan with the 1.4T. Tough choice for me, anyway.

Here's some MPG numbers of 2017 Sonic vs. 2017 Cruze:

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=37906&id=37904&id=37911&id=37912

 

[Natesriv]

yikes... 1.8 gets 28mpg... they need to drop that engine entirely.

 

[dannyg]

yikes... 1.8 gets 28mpg... they need to drop that engine entirely.

How about current 138hp 1.4T as the base engine with updated 153HP 1.4T for Premium/RS and option on LT??? Sounds good to me...as long as price doesn't go up!

That said, I easily get 40MPG on the highway (no I don't go 90MPH) with my 1.8L/5sp, which is officially rated 35MPG highway. So I'm happy with that. But with Elantra/Fiesta/etc. all rated around 40MPG highway, 33MPG just doesn't cut it.

 

[Natesriv]

bump it up to 160hp...and you got a deal!

 

[dannyg]

Here's a 2017 in white, looks pretty good IMO:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSC6alKVew0

(But no I'm not trading in my 2015.)

 

[Natesriv]

As I've said before, ANY car will look good with the right wheels. Put some nice 17's on there, maybe lowered and some 5mm spacers... would be just fine.

 

[mitdr774]

yikes... 1.8 gets 28mpg... they need to drop that engine entirely.

That is combined economy and is only 4 less than the 1.4. The updated EPA economy method has just about everything loosing economy compared to previous model.

The 1.8 is so horrible on fuel usage that my lifetime average is only 34.4MPG over 71k miles. I still stand by my belief that the only reason the 1.4 has better economy is due to the transmission.

 

[dannyg]

That is combined economy and is only 4 less than the 1.4. The updated EPA economy method has just about everything loosing economy compared to previous model.

The 1.8 is so horrible on fuel usage that my lifetime average is only 34.4MPG over 71k miles. I still stand by my belief that the only reason the 1.4 has better economy is due to the transmission.

More on tweak to EPA test for 2017 cars:

Gas mileage ratings for some 2017 cars to fall as EPA tweaks tests

Thanks, hadn't heard about this update. It explains slight drop in mpg for 2017 Sonics. I'm able to hit 40MPG highway pretty easily with my 1.8 5sp.

 

[mitdr774]

My 2012 1.8 had no issue with breaking into the 40s on the highway and the 2017 is still too low on miles to compare.