Chevrolet Sonic gets $14,495 base price

The new Chevrolet Sonic small car--which replaces the Aveo in Chevy's lineup--carries a base price of $14,495 for the sedan and $15,395 for the hatchback, including shipping charges, when it goes on sale this fall.

The 2012 Chevy Sonic sticker price is a jump of $2,249 to $3,005 above the 2011 Aveo, but the Sonic is a new design that includes more standard equipment. It rides on General Motors' new Gamma platform.

The base engine is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder rated at 138 hp, which is also used in the Chevrolet Cruze. It's mated to a five-speed manual transmission, with a six-speed automatic optional at a cost of $1,070.

Standard equipment on the base Sonic LS trim includes 15-inch alloy wheels, 10 airbags, stability control, power door locks with keyless entry and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel.

Sonic LT trim adds a premium audio system, power windows and mirrors, cruise control, heated front seats and 17-inch alloy wheels. It stickers at $15,695 for the sedan and $16,495 for the hatchback.

Chevrolet said there will also be a Sonic LTZ trim level, but the company did not provide details.

A turbocharged, 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine, also rated at 138 hp, is available on the LT and LTZ trim levels for an additional $700.

Production of the Chevrolet Sonic begins this fall at the Orion Assembly Center in southeast Michigan.

By Dale Jewett