The Chevrolet Sonic RS amplifies the Sonic's young style and driving experience with unique exterior and interior features matched with an fuel-efficient 1.4L Eco-tec turbo engine. The 2012 Chevy Sonic is the only vehicle in its segment to offer a turbocharged powertrain.

"The new Chevrolet Sonic RS pushes Chevrolet's performance heritage in a new direction for a new generation of drivers” says Chris Perry, VP of Global Chevrolet Marketing.

The 2013 Chevy Sonic RS is offered exclusively in the 5dr body style and powered with a 138-hp engine with 148 pound-feet of torque. Available with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, the Chevy Sonic's unique gear ratios for the six-speed manual transmission and unique final drive ratio for the automatic give the Sonic RS a sportier drive than base Chevy Sonic models.

Underneath is a MacPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and stabilizer bar, semi-independent torsion beam axle-mount compound link-type rear suspension with gas-charged shocks. The front and rear tracks are identical at 1509 mm for stability and balance.

The RS is the only Sonic model offered with 4-wheel disc brakes, which are partnered with a 4-channel anti-lock braking system. Electric power steering is standard.

One of the more dramatic cues from the concept carried into the production model is the RS’s front fascia, which has a deep air dam design that enhances the car’s lowered stance. Vertical intakes at the edges of the fascia reinforce the wide, low proportion and house the fog lamps. Other unique body mods include a new RS-specific grille, new rear fascia, rear spoiler and rocker mouldings, a retuned sport exhaust with chrome outlet, 17-inch five-spoke wheel design and lowered and stiffened suspension with performance-tuned dampers.

Interior features include front sport seats, thicker sport steering wheel with flat-bottom design, new shifter knob for manual transmission versions, aluminum sport pedals, specific instrument panel cluster graphics and RS-specific interior trim colour for the instrument panel and door trim inserts.

The Chevy Sonic RS's interior is a connected environment, with the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment 7in colour touchscreen radio. This system allows customers to bring customized music libraries into the vehicle and use their smartphones and Bluetooth connectivity to access Internet radio. While parked, the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS buyers can project video and even personal photo albums onto the screen from their phone.

Source: Chevrolet Sonic RS Preview - National Post