Which Chevrolet Sonic engine is the most efficient?
The Sonic never quite got the attention it deserved before Chevrolet left the country. If you're looking for cost-effective, reliable motoring, the Sonic is worthy of your attention. Let's check out which model offers the best combination of power and efficiency.
The Chevy Sonic can be bought relatively cheaply in the used-car market, but mileage is mostly on the high side. We spotted a few pre-loved Sonics with less than 70 000 km in our sales section. You can filter the listings from the lowest to the highest mileage to find what you're looking for, and save yourself some precious time in the process.
The Sonic can be had in hatch or sedan guise, with a naturally aspirated 1.6- or 1.4-litre engine, or a 1.4-litre turbo. Trim levels comprise LS and L, while the 1.4T Chevrolet Sonic wears the RS badge for those who seek extra power. One should bear in mind that this engine hardly turns the RS model into a hot hatch; but it's better-equipped with safety features, such as stability control.
Chevrolet Sonic Engines
1. The naturally aspirated 1.4-litre engine has an output of 74 kW and 130 Nm. Fuel economy, according to Chevrolet, is 5.8 litres per 100 km.
2. The 1.6-litre engine has 85 kW / 155 Nm on tap. On the combined cycle, fuel usage is rated at 6.5 litres per 100 km. This engine is also utilized in the bigger Chevrolet Cruz, which is also a good used buy. (The Cruze hatchbacks sold surprisingly badly, but it's a sensible, safe car that's comfortable to drive and ideal for families, given its massive boot and space on the rear bench. Read our Top 3 Chevrolet Cruze articles on AutoTrader, here. )
3. The 1.4-litre turbocharged engine in the Sonic RS model has a more energetic 103 kW with 200 Nm. Fuel economy is an impressive 6.6 litres per 100 km. The Sonic RS may not be a real hot hatch, but I'd say it's warm, like a Habanero. With a 0-100 km per hour sprint time of 9.5 seconds, it's not so powerful that your fuel bill will reach new heights. (Please note that the figures quoted above are according to the manufacturer, and will surely be higher under real-life driving conditions.)
Verdict
It's not brain surgery to conclude that the 1.4T model gets the efficiency prize. We reviewed the Chevrolet Sonic RS, here.
As for the 1.6-litre model, I know this power plant well, as I drove a Chevy Cruze sedan for a while which was fitted with the same unit. The Cruze is a much more voluminous car and the 1.6 never felt underpowered. If you can't find a Sonic RS model, the 1.6-litre model should also be to your liking. The LS trim offers the best value.
