GM about $15,000 to start – prices Chevrolet Sonic subcompact

GM about $15,000 to start – prices Chevrolet Sonic subcompact, GM announced today that the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic subcompact due this fall will start at $14,495 plus shipping for the base LS sedan. The base hatchback LS will be $15,395-plus and the better-equipped LT trim will start at $15,565 for the sedan and $16,495 for the hatch. The top-of-the-line LTZ models will start at $17,295 and $17,995.

It is expected to be rated at least 40 mpg on the highway.

The Sonic replaces the South Korean-built Aveo in the Chevy lineup and will be built at GM’s Orion plant in Michigan. It’s designed to be a global product and a Korean-built version is already on sale there, still as the Aveo. The new Sonic name was created for North America. Sonic’s being built here under terms of GM’s bankruptcy deal with the government, which called for the company to build the U.S. a small car rated at least 40 mpg on the highway and for the UAW to make certain wage concession to help make a U.S.-built subcompact profitable.

The engines will be the same 1.8-liter base model and 1.4-liter turbo that power the Chevy Cruze. They should fun in the smaller, lighter Sonic.

Key features in the trim levels:

The base Sonic LS still will come with some more upscale features, including standard 15-inch alloy wheels (no ugly plastic fake-wheel hubcaps — others take note!!!), 10 air bags, power door locks with remote and a six-month OnStar subscription. Moving up to the LT adds a six-speaker sound system, power windows and heated mirroes
And the LTZ will include a connectivity package with a USB port; 17-inch allow wheels, Bluetooth for select phones and music, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, heated leatherette front seats, cruise control and fog lamps.