Spark!Spark!Spark!
by Qingqing Luo EditorThe little Spark has been somewhat of a surprising
entry in the modern Chevy lineup in the US. Given its diminutive
stature, you might have expected the slightly larger Sonic to cannibalize the tiny sibling's
sales, but that hasn't happened. The Bowtie moved 39,159 Sparks in the US in
2014, a 14.7 percent boost from the previous year. Now at the 2015 New York Auto Show, the
latest generation is being unveiled with a new engine and much improved styling.
Replacing the current 1.2-liter four-cylinder is
an all-aluminum 1.4-liter unit making 98 horsepower. That still doesn't sound
like much, but it's 16 percent more than the 2015 Spark.
The new mill can be connected to either a five-speed manual or a continuously
variable transmission with which Chevy estimates 40 miles per gallon highway fuel economy.
The 2016 Spark also gets a longer wheelbase and
1.6-inch lower overall height. Combined with more elliptical headlights at the
front, the changes make for a somewhat more sleek appearance than the current,
boxy model. The platform underneath is more rigid as well, and Chevy claims the
latest underpinnings mean better handling and lower NHV levels inside. The
little hatch isn't growing up too much, though, and gets a trio of new colors
that sound like jellybean flavors: Toasted Marshmallow, Kalamata and Splash.
Chevy is packing the interior with better
quality materials and improved tech. Chevy's latest seven-inch MyLink system
sits in the center stack with a capacitive touch
screen, and it now comes with a physical volume control and other buttons
for easier use. All models also get a rearview camera, and a LCD instrument
cluster remains in front of the driver. The available suite of safety systems
includes Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning and Side Blind Spot
Alert.
As one of Chevrolet's most
global vehicles, the 2016 Spark will be offered in more than 40 markets around
the world.
"Chevrolet is fast becoming one of the world's most important mini- and
small car manufacturers, offering customers around the globe a new road to the
refinement, efficiency and connectivity features that resonate with them,"
said Alan Batey, president, GM North America and Global Chevrolet.
"The redesigned 2016 Spark builds on a strong legacy and takes the segment
to a higher level with features and technologies not typically offered."
The new Spark has a sleeker appearance, thanks to a slightly longer wheelbase,
and an overall height about 1.6 inches (40 mm) lower than the current model.
The lower profile reduces aerodynamic drag to help improve efficiency and
interior changes maintain the Spark's traditionally generous headroom.
It is also built
on an all-new, more robust architecture that serves as the foundation for its
more sophisticated driving experience. The stronger body structure enabled
engineers to tune ride and handling more precisely, for greater feelings of
control and refinement, while fostering a quieter ride.
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