The first generation Onix was available in three trim levels with two 4-cylinder engines, the 1.0-liter producing / and 1.4-liter / offering automatic or five-speed manual transmission. In Brazil the 4-door sedan variant was known as the Chevrolet Prisma. For 2017, the Onix and Prisma received a facelift, along with interior improvements. A touchscreen was added with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support. The LS trim level kept the original front end and became known as the Onix Joy and Prisma Joy, leaving the LT as the base trim for the updated Onix/Prisma. A crossover-like version called the Onix Activ was also added, with raised suspension, plastic body cladding, and roof rack. In late 2019, the Onix and Prisma were replaced in Brazil by the second-generation Onix and Onix Plus, respectively. However, the Onix Joy and Prisma Joy remained available, and were renamed Joy and Joy Plus, respectively.
Technical details
Specs include front-wheel drive, MacPherson strut front and twist-beam rear suspension, and dual air bag, ABS and power steering. In February 2013, the new Prisma, the sedan version of the Onix, with a trunk of 500 liters, was launched. The 1.0 versions are fitted with 14" wheels, with 15" fitted to the 1.4 models.
Safety
In December 2014, the Chevrolet Onix was evaluated under the Latin NCAP assessment and achieved a 3-star safety rating for adults and 2-star safety rating for children:
Test
Score
Points
Adult
62.76%
10.67 out of 17
Children
41.10%
20.14 out of 49
In May 2017, the Chevrolet Onix was re-evaluated under the Latin NCAP assessment, using the 2016 Assessment Protocol, and achieved a 0-star safety rating for adults and 3-star safety for children.
Test
Score
Points
Adult
0.00%
0.00 out of 34
Children
55.88%
27.38 out of 49
Gallery
Second generation (2019)
In April 2019, a new sedan named the Onix was launched in China, different from both the Onix and Prisma from Brazil. The Onix replaces both the Sonic and Cavalier in the Chinese market, and is slightly larger than the Prisma/Onix sedan. It uses the GEM platform. The Onix is offered in China with a turbocharged, direct-injected 1.0-liter 3-cylinder engine, rated at and torque. Fuel economy is rated at. A naturally aspirated 1.0 L 3-cylinder engine is due to follow. Brazilian versions resort to port-injection for both the turbocharged and the naturally aspirated versions. The first version of the Onix to debut was the Onix Redline. It features black exterior trim with red accents, and a two-tone interior.
Brazilian market
In Brazil, the new sedan debuted in September 2019 as the "Onix Plus", while the hatchback went on sale in November 2019. In addition to the LT and LTZ trim levels from the previous generation, a new top-level Premier level was added. The Onix Plus was rated 5 stars by Latin NCAP. All versions of new Onix and Onix Plus have 6 airbags, ABS brakes and electric stability control. In 2019, the Chevrolet Onix was the best-selling car model in Brazil, for the fifth consecutive year, with a total of 268,066 sales. It was also the best-selling model in Latin America.
Mexican market
The Onix will be launched in the Mexican market in spring of 2020 as well to place itself between the Cavalier and the Sail, the latter being known as Aveo in that country. Two new motors were announced for the Onix by GM of Mexico for the Mexican market prior to its March 2020 launch. LT and LS trim lines will use a 1.0-litre motor able to generate 85 kW and 120 lb-ft, with an option of a 5-gear manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Its top trim line, Premier, will use a 1.2-litre motor able to generate 96 kW and 141 lb-ft, only offered with a 6-speed automatic transmission. All motors are turbo-powered. All versions will have 6 airbags, ABS brakes and electric stability control. In addition, other things are included, such as a 7" infotainment system screen, OnStar services, reverse sensor with camera, leather interior skin, and others.
Colombian market
The second generation Onix was launched in Colombia as the "Onix Turbo" in March 2020. The first generation Onix is still on sale there.
