Chevrolet Sonic 2012

The RS trim adds a long list of visual touches and mechanical upgrades over the LTZ model. The 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is untouched, which means output remains the same at 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. Chevy fitted the RS' standard six-speed manual transmission with more aggressive gear ratios, and the change is noticeable. During Car of the Year testing, we felt the Sonic LTZ's gearbox zapped much of the engine's fun factor due to its super-tall gearing and vague shifter. The RS now feels quicker off the line, and there's no need to constantly downshift to find optimum power. For example, at 60 mph in sixth gear, the engine revs at much more usable 2000 rpm compared to a tad over 1800 rpm with the standard turbo Sonic. Unfortunately, clutch feel is still soft and the throws are still long and rubbery. (An optional six-speed auto carries over from the standard turbo model.)

Other performance upgrades include a slightly stiffer suspension, rear disc brakes, and a 10mm lower ride height. The 17-inch rims are visually different from the LTZ, but the rubbers are identical. As a result, the Sonic RS isn't significantly more athletic than the LTZ. The chassis does communicate more road feel, but body roll is still noticeable when aggressively attacking corners. On the upside, the RS is remarkably quiet. Sit a blindfolded passenger in the front seat and you could easily convince him he's riding in a Buick.
Speaking of the front seats, the ones in the RS look fantastic, upscale, and sporty. They're wrapped in leather with microfiber accents, which Chevy claims is a first for the segment. The seats also feature an RS badge on the seat back and RS stamping on the edge of bottom cushion. The seats could use a bit more side bolstering, but we wouldn't call them. The interior color palette is tried-and-true black with red contrast stitching used on the seats, shift knob, floor mats, and the flat-bottomed steering wheel.
Outside, the front fascia features a lower and enlarged lower air dam; an RS-specific grille; and larger, contoured foglamps instead of the round units used on lower trims. From the side, the Sonic RS gets unique side-view mirror caps and rocker moldings. The back is treated to "RS" and "Turbo" badges, a rear fascia, and a trapezoidal exhaust tip that's purely for looks. We would have liked a throatier and louder exhaust note, but the only exciting bit of powertrain noise is the faint turbo whine.