2013 Chevy Sonic Dusk: Production Model to Debut in Vegas

If you’re looking for proof that the annual SEMA Show is more than just an excuse to spend Halloween in Las Vegas, look no further than the 2013 Chevy Sonic Dusk. First introduced as a concept vehicle for the 2011 SEMA gathering, the tuned-up version of the Sonic sedan was such a showstopper that Chevrolet has now decided to go ahead with full retail production.

“The reaction to the Sonic Dusk concept last year was overwhelmingly positive and proved customers are interested in a more-refined subcompact,” according to Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. He also noted that: “We’re moving quickly to bring Sonic Dusk to Chevrolet showrooms.”

(Although exact timing, and pricing, are both TBD.)

2013 Chevy Sonic Dusk: Highlights

“With a year under our belt, we’ve learned our Sonic sedan buyers are looking at exterior styling as a key purchase driver,” said Cristi Landy, marketing director of Chevrolet small cars. “While the RS hatchback is our sporty interpretation of Sonic, Dusk is a sophisticated, well-contented option—both [are] unique to this segment. It’s all about choices and personalization.”

More specifically, the 2013 Chevy Sonic Dusk wears a fashion-forward Ashen Grey exterior finish that helps create a technical, highly engineered appearance, complemented by a ground-effects body kit and rear spoiler, 18-inch aluminum wheels finished in Pearl Nickel, stainless-steel window moldings, and matte-finished upper and lower grilles, door-handle inserts and rear license-plate trim.

The cabin gets an upscale two-tone look—mixing Jet Black and Mojave Tan—with leather-trimmed and suede-accented seats, unique door- and instrument-panel accents, and the smartphone-enabled Chevy MyLink infotainment system.

The powertrain? Owners will have a choice between six-speed manual or automatic transmissions, mated to the Sonic’s 1.4-liter turbocharged I4—which delivers a peppy 138 hp and 148 lb.-ft. of torque.

The prognosis? Sales of the Chevy Sonic already are booming—see below—and an upgraded, semi-premium model fits right in with the brand’s recent shift to more upscale products like the Chevy Cruze and Chevrolet Malibu.

2013 Chevy Sonic: Sales Recap

The U.S. subcompact segment remains in transition, still featuring a mix of old-school and next-gen vehicles, but the Chevy Sonic’s success here deserves notice. Although its sales remain well behind those of the segment’s long-time leader—the Nissan Versa—the Sonic has firmly established itself in the No. 2 position this year. Which is no small feat when you consider that the Versa Sedan, as well as the Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio, are all relatively fresh entries, and rivals like the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris have strong built-in fan bases.

Here’s the current subcompact sales leaderboard for the first three quarters of the year to put things into perspective: 

Vehicle

Sales

Growth

Chevy Sonic

64,746

+127.3 percent*

Nissan Versa

85,572

+11.1 percent

Hyundai Accent

51,438

+26.2 percent

Ford Fiesta

43,484

-24 percent

Honda Fit

38,578

-19.6 percent

Kia Rio

32,815

+137.9 percent

Toyota Yaris

23,818

+50.8 percent

*As compared to September 2011 sales of its predecessor, the Chevy Aveo.