The Chevrolet Onix I (facelift 2017) 1.0, powered by a small displacement engine capable of running on gasoline or ethanol, represented an entry-level offering within the broader Onix lineup in the Brazilian and South American markets. Introduced as part of a mid-cycle refresh in 2017 and continuing through 2019, this variant aimed to provide affordable and fuel-efficient transportation for a price-sensitive consumer base. The Onix itself was a significant model for Chevrolet in these regions, consistently ranking among the best-selling vehicles due to its modern design, practicality, and competitive pricing. This specific 1.0-liter engine and five-speed manual transmission combination was positioned as the base model, offering a balance between cost and functionality.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Chevrolet |
| Model | Onix |
| Generation | Onix I (facelift 2017) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.0 (78/80 Hp) Ethanol |
| Start of production | 2017 |
| End of production | 2019 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / Ethanol – E85 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13.1 kg/Hp, 76.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 11 kg/Nm, 91.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 78 Hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 78.1 Hp/l |
| Power (Ethanol – E85) | 80 Hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Power per litre (Ethanol – E85) | 80.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 93 Nm @ 5200 rpm, 68.59 lb.-ft. @ 5200 rpm |
| Torque (Ethanol – E85) | 96 Nm @ 5200 rpm |
| Maximum engine speed | 6700 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | SPE/4 ECO |
| Engine displacement | 999 cm3, 60.96 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 71.1 mm, 2.8 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 62.9 mm, 2.48 in. |
| Compression ratio | 12.6:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.5 l, 3.7 US qt | 3.08 UK qt |
| Coolant | 5.4 l, 5.71 US qt | 4.75 UK qt |
| Kerb Weight | 1021 kg, 2250.92 lbs |
| Max. weight | 1396 kg, 3077.65 lbs |
| Max load | 375 kg, 826.73 lbs |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 280 l, 9.89 cu. ft |
| Fuel tank capacity | 54 l, 14.27 US gal | 11.88 UK gal |
| Length | 3933 mm, 154.84 in |
| Width | 1705 mm, 67.13 in |
| Width including mirrors | 1964 mm, 77.32 in |
| Height | 1475-1476 mm, 58.07 – 58.11 in |
| Wheelbase | 2528 mm, 99.53 in |
| Front track | 1487-1492 mm, 58.54 – 58.74 in |
| Rear (Back) track | 1489-1492 mm, 58.62 – 58.74 in |
| Front overhang | 825 mm, 32.48 in |
| Rear overhang | 580 mm, 22.83 in |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 123 mm, 4.84 in |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.43 m, 34.22 ft |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Disc, 240×20 mm |
| Rear brakes | Drum, 200×31.5 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 185/70 R14; 185/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 5J x 14; 5.5J x 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Onix variant is the SPE/4 ECO 1.0-liter inline-four cylinder engine. This engine is designed to operate efficiently on both gasoline and ethanol (E85), a common fuel blend in Brazil. The engine utilizes a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder. Fuel delivery is managed by a multi-port fuel injection system, a relatively simple and cost-effective technology. The engine’s 12.6:1 compression ratio is optimized for the higher octane rating of ethanol, allowing for increased power output when running on E85 – a modest increase from 78 horsepower to 80 horsepower. The five-speed manual transmission was the sole gearbox option for this trim level, prioritizing affordability and driver engagement over the convenience of an automatic.
Driving Characteristics
With only 78 horsepower and 93 Nm (68.59 lb-ft) of torque, the Onix 1.0 offered modest performance. Acceleration was adequate for city driving, but overtaking maneuvers on the highway required careful planning. The five-speed manual transmission allowed drivers to keep the engine in its optimal power band, but the engine lacked the low-end grunt of larger displacement engines. The gear ratios were tuned for fuel economy rather than outright performance. Compared to the more powerful 1.8-liter versions of the Onix, this 1.0-liter model felt significantly slower and less refined. However, its lighter weight contributed to better handling and agility in urban environments.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.0-liter Onix was typically offered as the base trim level, meaning it came with a relatively limited set of standard features. These generally included power steering, air conditioning, and basic safety equipment like dual airbags and ABS brakes. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and the dashboard featured a simple design with minimal embellishments. Optional extras, such as power windows, central locking, and a basic audio system, were available but added to the overall cost. The focus was on providing essential features at the lowest possible price point.
Chassis & Braking
The Onix I utilized a front-wheel-drive layout with an independent McPherson strut suspension in the front and a torsion beam suspension in the rear. This suspension setup provided a reasonable balance between ride comfort and handling. The front brakes were disc brakes, while the rear brakes were drum brakes – a cost-saving measure common in entry-level vehicles. The hydraulic power steering provided light and easy steering, making it well-suited for navigating crowded city streets. The relatively lightweight construction of the 1.0-liter model helped to minimize the load on the suspension and braking systems.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Onix 1.0 was well-received in the Brazilian and South American markets as an affordable and fuel-efficient option. Critics praised its practicality and modern design, but noted its lack of power and refinement compared to higher-trim models. Fuel economy was a key selling point, particularly with the availability of ethanol as a fuel source. Compared to the 1.8-liter Onix, the 1.0-liter model offered significantly lower running costs but at the expense of performance. The 1.0-liter engine was also generally considered more reliable than the more complex 1.8-liter engine, requiring less maintenance and fewer repairs.
Legacy
The Chevrolet Onix 1.0 (facelift 2017) remains a common sight on the roads of Brazil and other South American countries. The SPE/4 ECO engine proved to be a durable and reliable powerplant, and the Onix as a whole established itself as a popular and practical choice for budget-conscious buyers. In the used car market, these models are often sought after for their affordability and low running costs. While not a performance car by any means, the Onix 1.0 served its intended purpose well – providing basic, reliable, and economical transportation for a large segment of the population.
