AUTOMOBILE magazine reviews the RS

[laborsmith]

Here is another look at the 2013 Sonic RS. It shows a higher MSRP which is probably more realistic than others have shown.


On steering, the article says, "One improvement that the Sonic RS does net is heavier and more direct-feeling steering. Chevrolet says that it only slightly changed the calibration of the electric power steering, but the over-assisted feeling of other models has subsided. Although better weighted, the steering is still rather artificial, a common complaint with electric power assisted systems. The RS also uses a flat-bottomed wheel wrapped in leather and sueded microfiber.

The top-of-the-line model also gets rear disc brakes in place of the other models' rear drums. Chevrolet says that they only marginally improve braking performance; they're really there for appearance. As in other Sonics, pedal feel is a bit vague but the 10.9-inch vented front and 10.6-inch rear discs never feel overwhelmed.

Read more: 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS - First Drive - Automobile Magazine

Laborsmith

 

[rdss]

That's a pretty good article. I hope they release the springs for us non-RS guys. I don't think I want the 1.5-2" drop from the Pedders and Eibach, I wish they were 20mm (.78") vs 10mm (.39") though. I might just have to save my lunch money and get the Pedders coil overs some time down the road.

 

[Sonny@bnr]

Im holding out on price till Chevy says what price is, 22k would put that In range of a few hot hatches that all have more hp for same price or 2gs more

 

[rdss]

I think they should have bumped the power a little bit with a tune and possible a factory performance exhaust and intake. It would have made it more feasable for people to pay the extra price with those other cars right above the RS and also added more GM aftermarket parts for the parts counter to make them money on. I know a lot of owners out there that would pay more money for performance parts (PCM flash, intake, exhaust, springs, ect...) that we wont have to worry about the Dealers voiding the warrenty.

 

[Screamer4]

I'm still hoping this thing comes in at under $20k with the manual trans. The LTZ w/manual is around $18k, so even if this carries a $1500 premium it still could make it.

If it really costs $22k... I don't think it will sell. That's in spitting distance of the excellent Focus ST, and right in line with the more powerful Veloster Turbo... not to mention the upcoming Fiesta ST which is supposed to make over 170hp.

Not sure why they didn't give it a power boost. 150-160hp would make this look a lot more attractive on paper. We probably won't see that until a future version of this engine with direct injection.

 

[rdss]

They may come out with the Z-Spec when the Fiesta ST comes out and tune it up to where Trifecta is getting them and like I stated above, that's when we will probalby start to see factory upgraded tunes (staged like the Cobalt SS) and aftermarket performance parts.

 

[laborsmith]

If Chevy does, I expect they will use the "Z-Tech" label.

A slight change, but I think a more fitting one.

Laborsmith

 

[Screamer4]

If Chevy does, I expect they will use the "Z-Tech" label.

A slight change, but I think a more fitting one.

Laborsmith

That's way too close to Ford's "Zetec"

 

[laborsmith]

You may be correct. Does Ford still use that term?

I know Ford uses Eco-Boost. Is that the new name for the Zetec?

Hey, I am perfectly happy knowing as little about Ford as I can get away with! GM is in Warren and on the Detroit River and on the east side of I-75 and Ford is in Dearborn on the west side of I-75 - it is almost as if they are in separate countries.

Laborsmith

 

[Alan]

Chevy needs to stay way south of $22k to make this appealing. Given the lack of difference between the LTZ and the RS I would find it very hard to justify paying more than about $1500 over the LTZ. Curious to see where Chevy will price this car.

Ford abandoned the Zetec line of engines a while ago (at least in the US) and replaced with the Duratec line of motors. Not sure if they are still called Duratec these days.

 

[laborsmith]

Looking at two recent postings of the pricing of 2013 pre-orders, I speculate the RS will come in at 19,995 including destination charge. An auto trans and/or a sunroof will be additional costs.

Laborsmith

 

[Sonny@bnr]

Looking at two recent postings of the pricing of 2013 pre-orders, I speculate the RS will come in at 19,995 including destination charge. An auto trans and/or a sunroof will be additional costs.

Laborsmith

19 would be a good price lets hope

 

[laborsmith]

Just looked it up, the MSRP for a manual transmission Sonic RS including destination is $20,995. Missed it by a thousand.

Laborsmith

 

[JimmyBuckets]

Where did you find it? Seems like too much money. The LT turbo for me was the best bang for the buck and still seems to be.

 

[laborsmith]

I found the MSRP at cars.com research a specific vehicle.

The interior is an area I feel could be better and the RS version does it.

I have already proven to myself that available to me performance enhancement do the trick. It is the interior (including the audio system) that is both lacking and difficult for me to do anything about.

I have grown to like MyLink based on what I have read.

And I especially like the Alacantara-like inserts. Obviously I think the RS is worth it.

Laborsmith

 

[Dragcamaro]

20200 is msrp for a stick rs, only options are block heater and sunroof other than color choice
21495 i think was msrp for the auto

Thats what my dealers orrder sheet says

 

[laborsmith]

$20,200 + $795 (Destination Fee) = $20,995.

Laborsmith

 

[Screamer4]

Where did you find it? Seems like too much money. The LT turbo for me was the best bang for the buck and still seems to be.

^^Yeah, this... though when I buy I'm probably going to go with the LTZ (or RS) for the seats. I have a young son who likes to make messes, so the leatherette seats are appealing to me.

I'm still holding off on pulling the trigger until I can see what kind of deal I can get OTD on an RS. Not in a hurry to buy. If I can haggle them down to $19k on an RS I'll probably go with that.

 

[CoHPhasor]

^^Yeah, this... though when I buy I'm probably going to go with the LTZ (or RS) for the seats. I have a young son who likes to make messes, so the leatherette seats are appealing to me.

I'm still holding off on pulling the trigger until I can see what kind of deal I can get OTD on an RS. Not in a hurry to buy. If I can haggle them down to $19k on an RS I'll probably go with that.

You might get them down around there - the margin on Sonics is only ~$700-$1000.
If you're a qualifying credit union member you'll get a lower price, though I'm unsure of what it'll be for the RS.
(The regular Sonic showed it getting as low as 19.7k for an LTZ (auto))

 

[gsxr1000]

I think they should have bumped the power a little bit with a tune and possible a factory performance exhaust and intake. It would have made it more feasable for people to pay the extra price with those other cars right above the RS and also added more GM aftermarket parts for the parts counter to make them money on. I know a lot of owners out there that would pay more money for performance parts (PCM flash, intake, exhaust, springs, ect...) that we wont have to worry about the Dealers voiding the warrenty.

it kinda makes my wonder if GM is worried about a weak link showing up... maybe the 6 speed tranny.... it you made that car a super unleaded it would not take much of a tune for 15-20 hp...... still hope they plan on a 1.8T RS then that would go head to head with the GTI