2014 Chevrolet Sonic RS and Sonic Dusk Sedans join the lineup

Ready to add a bit more spirit and a touch more style to the family, the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic RS and Sonic Dusk sedans quietly made their first appearance at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show. Although relegated to a support role behind the world debut of the all-new 2015 Chevy Colorado mid-size pickup, these variations on the Sonic 4-door theme promise to inject a bit of welcomed new excitement to the model mix. 

Available in Black Granite Metallic, Silver Ice Metallic or Summit White, the Sonic RS Sedan borrows a page from the playbook of its existing Sonic RS 5-door sibling with respect to its bespoke cosmetic and functional tweaks. The key visual cues include a unique front fascia treatment with a deeper air dam and standard fog lamps plus all the requisite RS/Turbo badging. A tauter sport-tuned suspension drops ride height by about half an inch, and the RS Sedan also is fitted with unique 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 205/50 all-season tires.

Also: More first looks from the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show

Under the hood, the 2014 Sonic RS Sedan matches its standard 138-horsepower/1.4-liter turbocharged Ecotec 4-cylinder engine with either a 6-speed manual transmission or 6-speed automatic. While both ship power to the front wheels via a deeper performance axle ratio, the latter transmission features revamped internal gearing, also aimed at sharpening off-the-line quickness and upgraded 4-wheel disc brakes to more adroitly handle stopping duties. Inside, the Sonic RS Sedan boasts front buckets trimmed in black leather with red RS accents, a leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel and aluminum sport pedals. 

Originally presented in concept form at the 2011 SEMA Show, the 2014 Chevy Sonic Dusk offers a slightly more sophisticated interpretation of this compact 4-door. Available exclusively in Ashen Grey Metallic, it features a unique finish on the upper/lower grille inserts, door handles and rear license plate trim set off with stainless steel lower window moldings. The Dusk also comes with a subtle ground-effects package and rear spoiler plus an upsized 18-inch wheel/tire fitment. No changes to the standard 138-horse Ecotec turbo engine or 6M/6A transmissions, but like the RS Sedan, it does benefit from the aforementioned enhanced stopping power. Inside, the new Sonic Dusk features Jet Black leather-trimmed seats with sueded-microfiber accents and Mojave tan inserts.

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Chevy also used the introduction of these newcomers to announce a selection of performance oriented accessories would be available for the Sonic line, including a cold-air induction kit, a Turbo Stage Kit that adds 10 horsepower and 15 lb-ft of torque, sport suspension kit, a brake package with Wilwood front calipers and the 18-inch wheel/tire upgrade used on the Dusk.

Starting price for the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic RS Sedan is $20,530 while the new 2014 Sonic Dusk opens at $20,945. Both models will go on sale in the spring. 

More small sedans…

The Kia Forte Sedan gets a full makeover for 2014 

Has the new 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class earned its three-pointed star? 

The 2014 Nissan Versa Sedan remains the most affordable new car

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