General Motors subsidiary Chevrolet has revealed the all-new Spark ahead of its international debut at the New York Auto Show later today.
Essentially sharing a platform with the Opel Karl, which has yet to be introduced to the South African market, the 2016 Spark boasts an evolutionary design that’s particularly evident at the front with traditional, horizontal, headlamps, and more prominent dual grille. The wheelbase is longer than that of the Spark’s predecessor and the overall height is 40 mm lower.
Along the profile there are now distinct character lines on the front and rear doors, as well as a roofline that slopes toward the rear after the A-pillar. A new tail lamp design, integrated roofspoiler and new rear bumper (park distance sensors feature in the images provided) transform the rear end.
The new Spark will be powered by 1,4-litre Ecotec four-cylinder engine that produces 73 kW and is capable of a combined fuel consumption figure of 5,8 litres/100 km. Torque is sent to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox or CVT.
While details on the cabin are sparse, from the video it seems that there’s been an increase in premium materials used.
“In short, the Spark has grown up. It retains a youthful flair, but reflects the maturation of the global minicar market and customers’ desires for richly styled and highly contented choices,” says Michael Simcoe, GM international vice president of design. “
The Spark will be a global model and sold in more than 40 countries around the world.