Chevrolet Sonic Gets More Expensive in October, Facing Tougher Battle Against VW Tera and Fiat Pulse

The Chevrolet Sonic has received a price hike of up to R$ 1.400 in October, making the compact SUV even pricier as it faces off against competitors like the VW Tera and Fiat Pulse. Built in Gravataí (RS) and sharing its underpinnings with the Onix, the compact crossover is currently offered in just two top-tier trims: Premier and RS. Following the General Motors price adjustment, the Premier trim climbed from R$ 134.990 to start at R$ 136.390, while the sporty RS version jumped by the same margin from R$ 140.990 to R$ 142.390. Under the hood, the Sonic packs a CSS Prime 1.0 Turbo engine featuring direct fuel injection, pushing out 115 horsepower.

Torque figures stand at 18,3 kgfm on gasoline and 18,9 kgfm when running on ethanol. Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Because of its lightweight construction, the Sonic delivers brisk performance and moderate fuel economy, helping it carve out a solid market position. However, since it is currently restricted to its two highest trims, the model has yet to tap into its full sales potential.

Industry watchers note that introducing more affordable variants like a base 1.0 Turbo, LT, and LTZ could drop starting prices down to R$ 119.990 or less, opening doors to rideshare drivers, taxis, commercial fleets, and PCD buyers. Alongside potential entry-level trims, future updates could see the adoption of a mild-hybrid MHEV system running on 12V or 48V architecture to capture tax perks and boost efficiency. Inside, the cabin features a digital instrument cluster alongside a central infotainment screen. The crowded compact SUV segment also sees the Sonic battling rivals such as the Renault Kardian, entry-level priced SUVs, and incoming Chinese hybrid and electric models.