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Chevrolet Sedan Undergoes Changes in Design, Finishing, and Engine, Improves Fuel Economy and Handling, but Still Lacks Safety Technologies Present in Direct Rivals.
The Onix Plus 2026 arrives with project adjustments and small improvements in finishing, fuel economy, and comfort, but maintains limitations in active safety items.
The sedan gained a redesigned bumper that raised the approach angle to 18º and retired the front air deflector, reducing strikes on ramps and potholes.
According to a report published by Autoesporte, the change eliminates one of the most criticized points since the debut of the second generation in 2019.
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Changes in Design and LED Lighting
The design of the front bumper is the most relevant change in functional aspect, as it improves the car’s approach to the ground on inclined entries.
The removal of the old deflector — which often detached and became an item hanging from many specimens — also helps to avoid scrapes, although it does not eliminate the chance of contact with more aggressive potholes.
On the side, the model displays new 16” diamond-cut wheels in the higher versions.
It is important not to confuse them with the wheel covers that imitate diamond finishing in the entry configurations.
The chrome trims on the door handles and at the base of the side windows remain.
At the rear, the taillights now have a grayish tone and LED lighting, aligned with the style seen in the Tracker 2026.
According to findings from Autoesporte, the lighting set represents a practical advance, as the previous headlights had sophisticated projectors but illuminated less than simpler versions.
Updated Interior with New Screens
Inside, the Premier received new finishing, with matte blue appliques on the dashboard, doors, and seats, and air vents in orange.
The dual screens integrated in the same frame — 8” digital panel and 11” multimedia — improve readability and modernize the environment in versions from the LT onwards.
Yet, usability requires attention.
The alternation of displays allows three graphics, but two options do not show the tachometer.
Those wanting to check onboard computer data also lose visibility of the RPM.
Another issue is the access to shortcuts.
The quick menu of the center may be partially hidden by the steering wheel rim, requiring more taps.
On the other hand, the system includes Android Auto and Wireless Apple CarPlay, controls the automatic air conditioning, and features a USB-C port upfront.
The wireless charging pad remains vertical and is small for current smartphones.
Horizontally, it would better accommodate large devices.
Safety Maintains Limited Package
The safety list remains the same in hatch and sedan in top configurations.
In addition to mandatory items, the Onix Plus offers six airbags and blind spot monitor.
It lacks features that are now common among direct competitors, such as autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control.
Autoesporte also pointed out that the absence of these systems reinforces the model’s obsolescence against direct rivals, which already offer the advanced assistance package.
1.0 Turbo Engine Loses Power and Maintains Efficiency
The 1.0 three-cylinder turbo engine went through calibration changes over the past few months.
After reaching 121 hp with ethanol to meet Proconve L8, the 2026 line now records 115/115 hp (ethanol/gasoline).
The recent change relates to the Green IPI, which considers power for calculating rates.
The torque remains at 16.8/16.3 kgfm (E/G).
Unlike the Tracker, which uses direct injection and delivers 18.9 kgfm, the Onix continues with indirect injection.
The automatic transmission with six gears remains paired with the 1.0 turbo in the evaluated Premier.
With the latest adjustments, the sedan became 0.3 s slower from 0 to 100 km/h, recording 10.6 s.
In compensation, fuel consumption showed balanced numbers: 13.5 km/l in the city and 18.5 km/l on the highway, maintaining an efficiency advantage for the category.
Revised Oil-Bathed Timing Belt
Chevrolet revised the oil-bathed timing belt that drives the double variable timing.
The part now has a larger amount of fiberglass to increase resistance, especially in scenarios using lubricant outside specifications.
The use of oil without the correct additives can dry out the rubber and generate particles that block the engine’s lubrication ducts and the brake vacuum pump.
In extreme situations, the assembly loses lubrication, and the brake loses assist, requiring reconditioning of the engine and replacement of the pump, which has no repair.
According to the automaker in an interview with Autoesporte, the new belt was designed not to release large particles even under stress, mitigating the risk of blockages.
The lifespan remains at 240,000 km, with warranty coverage throughout this period.
Recalibrated Suspension Improves Comfort
On the road, the current generation has always stood out on highways for its firm suspension, a characteristic that penalized comfort on bad surfaces.
This calibration has changed.
Springs and shock absorbers received a new setup, making the behavior more pleasant on urban roads and bumpy stretches.
The engine isolation seems better, with less noise intrusion during accelerations.
However, wind noise from the underside of the body still bothers at highway speeds, a point that could have been addressed in this update.
Front Seats with Internal Improvements
The front seats remain narrow and short, but have undergone internal changes in foam and structure to improve lumbar support for the driver and passenger.
The changes respond to criticisms gathered in long-term tests.
Although they do not transform the support on long trips, they represent an advancement in driving posture.
Versions and Equipment
Starting from the LT, the Onix Plus gathers an 8” digital panel, 11” multimedia, and wireless connectivity.
The entry versions maintain the set with analog instruments and an 8” center.
At the top, the Premier adds the finishing package with matte blue and orange details, full-LED headlights, LED fog lights, and 16” diamond-cut wheels.
Despite the innovations, the safety content remains below the current standard of the segment.
While the evolution in appearance, ergonomics, and efficiency is clear, the absence of advanced assistance retains the main criticism of the project.
In your opinion, does the current package compensate for the lack of ADAS, or should Chevrolet prioritize these systems in the next updates of the Onix Plus?
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