Chevrolet reveals sporty Sonic RS

Chevrolet reveals sporty Sonic RS<br />
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Sonic RS is motivated by a 103kW/200Nm 1.4 turbopetrol engine.

Let's put the word 'hotter' in context here. Your immediate assumption when seeing this tarted up, body-kitted and turbocharged Chevrolet Sonic would be that GM has created a hot hatch here - but the RS is no Polo GTI rival.

Instead, it's presumably positioned as a more affordable alternative to hot hatches, complete with racy styling and warm performance.

We say warm, because it is powered by GM's 1.4-litre Ecotec turbopetrol engine, which is good for 103kW and 200Nm, but no performance figures have been quoted as yet. The engine's mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox.

The mechanical changes are rounded off by lower and stiffer suspension and disc brakes on all four wheels.

Showing off its performance potential is a new front bumper with bespoke 'RS' grille, rear spoiler, rocker mouldings, unique mirror cap finish, chrome exhaust pipe and a set of 17-inch alloys.

Inside you'll find new 'sport themed' seats and steering wheel, alloy pedals, bespoke instrument cluster and RS-specific interior trim colour theme for the instrument panel and door trim inserts.

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The RS also packs in GM's MyLink infotainment system, complete with a seven-inch colour touch screen radio and internet radio and navigation via your smartphone connection.

The Sonic RS will be unveiled for the first time at the Detroit Motor Show in early January. According to GMSA, there are currently no plans to launch the Sonic RS in South Africa, however the company says it'll continue to look for opportunities to expand its Chevrolet line-up. Could that be stretched to a maybe?