New Chevrolet Sonic arrives in South America for US$26,000

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GM is investing in a mid-tier model for the Latin American mass market, in a segment currently dominated by Fiat and Volkswagen

by Turboway

Published 09.05.2026

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The new Sonic is manufactured in Brazil on the same platform as the Chevrolet Onix (GM/courtesy)

Chevrolet presented in Brazil its new creation: a crossover based on the compact Chevrolet Onix, both models developed by GM in the country. The new Sonic will be distributed to Argentina and Colombia, and will soon also reach Chile and Ecuador.

What is the Sonic?

Novo Sonic: preços, motor e concorrentes do novo carro da Chevrolet

The Sonic revives the name of a model that was sold throughout Latin America in the past decade and was manufactured in Mexico. Only the name remains the same, as the car is entirely different.

Built on the same platform as the Onix, the model follows the strategy that traditional automakers have been using to increase revenue in Latin American countries: they leverage the architecture of successful popular models and create taller variants with more equipment and added technology. Even if this technology is not particularly advanced—such as driver assistance systems and digital air conditioning, for example.

The Sonic arrives at a time of tight competition for Chevrolet in South America. Before it, Chevrolet launched a small pickup called Montana in an attempt to challenge Fiat’s overwhelming dominance in the region, but it failed.

The new Sonic was developed by GM in Brazil (GM/courtesy)

Another major issue faced by Chevrolet, specific to Brazil, involved the oil-bathed timing belt engine. The brand bet on this mechanical solution and ended up facing several issues with vehicles experiencing breakdowns. In response, it kept the system but made adjustments and extended the warranty period to restore its image.

The engine is a 1.0-liter turbo with 115 hp (3-cylinder) paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. It is a setup that is popular in Latin American markets, where buyers seek economy and reliability. The problem is that competitors Fiat and Volkswagen—regional market leaders—offer very similar models with slightly more powerful engines. It is a new challenge for GM, which continues to fight for ground in South America.