CHEVROLET SONIC COMING TO SOUTH AFRICA (UPDATE)

The Chevrolet Sonic sub hatch is definitely headed for Mzansi this year, according to official documents received from General Motors. Sonic will sell alongside the Aveo, and will compete in features and prices with names like Mazda2, Volkswagen Polo, Renault Clio and Toyota Yaris. Sonic was first shown at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

In terms of engine technology, the US Sonic is one of the most advanced in its class with its  1.4-litre turbo engine that makes a nice 103kW and 200Nm of torque. Said motor is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. A second engine is produced, displacing 1.8-litres but remaining naturally aspirated. It produces 101kW and 168Nm and comes with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. These two engines are not necessarily the same ones Mzansi will get though.

Two body styles are being produced, a 5-door hatch and a 4-door sedan. The hatchback is 4 metres long, while the sedan is notably longer at 4.4m in length. In South Africa we aren’t sure which of the two will be brought in, although it may very well be both. As stated before, we are also not sure which engine(s) is/are coming either.