Chevrolet announced last week that the only sub-compact car built in the United States, the Sonic, will have a base price of $14,495, including the destination charge, for the LS sedan and $15,395 for the LS hatchback.? That places the Sonic at $500 more than the Ford Fiesta S sedan and $475 less than the Honda Fit hatchback.

The Sonic is expected to deliver 40 mpg highway with class-leading acceleration when paired with the 1.4L Turbo and six-speed manual transmission.

Sonic comes with the most standard safety equipment in the sub-compact class, including 10 air bags. Air conditioning, power door locks, remote keyless entry and 15″ alloy wheels also are standard.

Sonic will offer two powertrain choices including the standard 138-hp, 1.8-liter Ecotec four-cylinder with a five-speed manual transmission, with a six-speed automatic transmission as a $1,070 option. The optional ($700) engine is a138-hp, 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with a six-speed manual transmission.

?Sonic shares the spirit of Chevrolets like the Corvette by delivering athletic and agile performance,? said Rick Scheidt, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. ?Today’s customers have high expectations for small cars. Sonic comes with an unexpected level of standard equipment so that every customer will have comforts and amenities they desire.?

The 2012 Sonic will be for retail sale this fall in three models with two body styles:

Sonic LS starting at $14,495 sedan, $15,395 hatchback, including:

• Standard 1.8L Ecotec engine and five-speed manual transmission
• Class-exclusive standard 15-inch alloy wheels
• The most standard safety features in the segment, with 10 air bags, StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover sensing, traction control, anti-lock brakes, collapsible pedal system and power rear-door child safety locks
• Standard OnStar, with a six-month subscription including Turn-by-Turn navigation
• Standard convenience features, including air conditioning, power door locks with remote keyless entry and tilt/telescoping steering wheel

Sonic LT starting at $15,695 sedan, $16,495 hatchback, including:

• Six-speaker premium sound system with CD player, XM Radio with three-month trial subscription
• Power windows with driver’s express up/down
• Power, heated side mirrors

Sonic LTZ starting at $17,295 sedan, $17,995 hatchback, including:

• Connectivity package with a USB port, Bluetooth for select phones and music, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls
• Heated leatherette front seats
• Cruise control
• Fog lamps
• Standard 17-inch alloy wheels

Production of the Sonic begins this fall at the General Motors Orion Assembly Center in Michigan.

For more information about the Sonic go to http://www.chevrolet.com.