- Chevrolet has unveiled the redesigned Sonic.
- It’s a global model designed for emerging markets.
- Sports new bowtie and styling cues from Equinox EV.
Chevrolet has unveiled the redesigned Sonic in Brazil and it’s a far cry from the model that exited America in 2020. Instead of being offered as a sedan and hatchback, the vehicle has been transformed into a crossover that the company optimistically calls a coupe.
We’ll spare you the marketing nonsense and note the Sonic has an expressive front fascia that features a split grille and lighting units. Up top, there are slender LED daytime running lights that also function as turn signals. They’re joined by mid-mounted projector beam headlights, which promise to be approximately 20% brighter than traditional lights.
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The Sonic is also notable for introducing Chevrolet’s updated bowtie logo. It features a black finish as well as a “more horizontal” design. An illuminated logo is available as one of the crossover’s more than 70 accessories.
Continuing towards the rear, we can see plastic body cladding and black accents on the RS variant. They’re joined by adventurous bodywork and a roof rack that can hold up to 110 lbs (50 kg). Designers also gave the model 17-inch wheels, which have a design that is unique to each trim.
The rear end draws inspiration from the Equinox EV and has a pronounced spoiler as well as an angular rear window. Further below, there’s a full-width light bar as well as black badging and a bulky rear bumper.
The crossover apparently rides on the Global Emerging Markets platform and measures 166.5 inches (4,230 mm) long, 69.7 inches (1,770 mm) wide, and 60.2 inches (1,530 mm) tall. That’s pretty small as the crossover is 7 inches (178 mm) shorter than the Trailblazer found in America. However, it’s been designed to fit in between the upcoming Onix Activ and existing Tracker.
Chevrolet only gave a brief glimpse of the interior, but said the model has a “virtual cockpit system.” It combines a digital instrument panel with “advanced multimedia connectivity.”
Additional details are limited, but the automaker mentioned soft-touch accents and piano black inserts. We can also expect “premium seat covers” as well as “exclusive finishes and a level of sophistication similar to that of the brand’s larger utility vehicles.”
Powertrain details are virtually non-existent, but Chevrolet implied the crossover will be turbo-only – at least in Brazil. Plenty of questions remain, but we’ll likely get answers soon as sales begin in May.
While the company wasn’t ready to talk numbers, they said the Sonic was “developed entirely in a virtual environment” and “born from a process driven by artificial intelligence.”
