With no additional power over the regular Sonic fitted with Chevy’s turbocharged 1.4-liter  engine, the new 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS is more trim level than standalone model but we’re sure this won’t put off too many buyers.

That’s because the Sonic RS comes pretty well-equipped, and in light of the $14,995 starting price of the base Sonic, it could make an argument as a true budget hot-hatch.

The car’s peak output stands at 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque, with drive going to the front wheels via a standard six-speed manual transmission (a six-speed auto is optional) with unique gear ratios.

Enjoy out live photo gallery of the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS following its debut today at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, and look out for the car in showrooms later this year.

For more details check out our previous post and for the rest of our coverage, direct from the auto show floor, click here for our dedicated show page.