Nissan holds the sticker price steady on its 2012 Versa hatchback

Nissan said on Monday that the sticker price for the base version of the 2012 Versa hatchback will be the same as that of the 2011 model--$15,140, including shipping charges.

The 2012 Versa S hatchback comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission. A four-speed automatic adds $1,000 to the sticker.

The upgraded Versa SL hatchback, which is equipped with a continuously variable transmission, is priced at $19,150 for the 2012 model. That's $980 more than the 2011 model, but the 2012 includes the formerly optional premium package, which was priced at $980.

Traction control, which was previously only standard on the SL, is now standard across the line.

The 2012 Versa hatchback remains unchanged from the 2011 model, using Nissan's B-car platform. The 2012 Versa sedan, which goes on sale this fall, is redesigned and moves to Nissan's new, lower-cost V platform.

By Julie Alvin