Turboed Chevy Sonic RS Tops Range in 2012

Chevrolet has been making an intriguing move towards compact cars in the US. This year it introduced the Sonic and next years comes the even smaller Spark. While small cars like these can sometimes be boring, Chevy is keeping the fun alive by introducing the turbocharged Sonic RS in late 2012. 

The Sonic RS will debut at the North American International Auto Show. It is powered by the turbocharged 1.4 liter, four-cylinder engine that is also found in the Cruze. It produces 138hp and 148lb.-ft. just like in the Cruze. Power is routed to the front wheels by either a six-speed manual, a first for the Sonic, or a six-speed automatic. But the Sonic RS is a bit more than a bigger engine dropped into a small car. 

This Sonic RS will be only available in the five-door model. On the exterior it gets new front and rear fascias, a rear spoiler, chrome exhaust tip, 17in wheels and a stiffened, sport suspension. It will be available in four colors: Victory Red, Summit White, Cyber Gray Metallic and  Black Granite Metallic. The interior gets an equal amount of upgrades like sport seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, aluminum pedals and specific instruments for the turbo. It will be the only Sonic model with four-wheel disc brakes. 

It is hard to say yet whether this is a hot hatch, but it is certainly at least a warm hatch. There are not a lot of these cars available in the US right now, so any time that one gets added, it should be seen as a positive. 

Chevrolet gave no word as to the price of the Sonic RS but expect more details from Detroit.