Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - April 5, 2015
2016 Chevrolet Spark – Pricing TBA – EPA stated at 40 mpg highway for the CVT.
New York, New York -- Following up on the 2016 Spark Preview we posted earlier last month (Chevrolet: One Million Sparks And Counting), Chevrolet revealed their all-new 2016 Spark on stage and the upgrades to the micro are impressive.
Outside the new Spark has a slightly longer wheelbase, 1.6 inch lower height and the wheels have been pushed out even further to the edges of the fenders. A lower Cd improve NVH and aerodynamic drag that help to improve fuel efficiency. Chrome door handles and a lower DLO chrome trim add an upscale look to the lowest scale segment. Nobody in this segment offers this.
It is also built on an all-new, more rigid chassis that improves ride, handling and crash survivability.
Inside the all-new Spark receives upgraded materials including higher-quality fabrics to higher-density seat foam that enhance comfort and durability.
An all-new instrument panel design with an advanced liquid crystal display (LCD) features a prominent “center stack” for the infotainment and climate system controls. The Spark’s signature color-matched instrument panel décors are updated with trapezoidal air outlets compared with round outlets on the current model.
On the infotainment front, the Spark will offer GMs latest MyLink 7-inch-diagonal capacitive-touch color display, with an icon-based interface similar to smartphones and other electronic devices. And like a smartphone, the capacitive-touch display allows swiping, pinching and other gestures for quick, easy operation.
Complementing MyLink to enhance Spark’s connectivity is available OnStar with 4G LTE built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. It provides a mobile hub for drivers and passengers to stay connected. The hotspot is on whenever the vehicle is on.
No mention of the $50 BringGo app was provided. Too bad as this was a great inexpensive addition to the current Sparks repertoire if it was indeed canceled.
On the prolusion front, the old 1.2L is gone. GM is providing an all-new modern drivetrain consisting of a 98 1.4L I4 mated to either a 5-speed MT or a CVT, the latter is said to deliver 40 mpg on the highway rating.
The 1.4L features an aluminum cylinder block and head. Engine efficiency has been improved with reduced friction, including low-friction piston rings, a low-friction camshaft drive and a low-friction oil pump.
The current Spark’s 10-airbags including front, side, knee(s), side curtain and outboard rear side airbags helped it earn an IIHS Top Safety Pick rating. Safety has been improved further with a standard back up camera, optional rear park assist and optional Blind Spot Alert, Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Alert system although I am not sure about the upcharge will be. Nobody in this segment offers this level of equipment. Period.
From the door handle detail and profile pics, it appears that GM has added a Proximity key with push button start to the diminutive 2016 Spark.
The 2016 Chevrolet Spark will be produced from globally sourced parts at GM’s Changwon, South Korea assembly facility. It goes on sale in the United States in the fourth quarter of 2015.
I am one of the few that enjoyed driving the 2014 Spark. Yes it had short comings but its price for a new car was right and the 2016 appears to be even better. Along with the luxury turbo diesels on the high end of the spectrum, we will be watching this affordable for everyone micro just as closely.
2016 Chevrolet Spark Preview
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