- Already on sale in most other global markets, Chevrolet's new minicar reaches U.S. and Canadian dealers in mid-2012.
- Spark is powered by a 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 85 horsepower and 82 pound-feet of torque.
- The five-door hatchback seats four.
LOS ANGELES — Making its North American debut this week at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, the 2013 Chevrolet Spark minicompact will begin reaching U.S. and Canadian dealers in mid-2012 — years after its debut in most other global markets.
Engineered and built in Korea by GM Daewoo, the four-passenger, five-door hatchback was first shown in concept form as the Chevrolet Beat nearly three years ago at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. The Spark went on sale in Europe in early 2010. Versions are sold by GM around the world, in such far-flung locations as India, Australia, Mexico and Uzbekistan.
For the U.S., the Spark will be powered by a 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 85 horsepower and 82 pound-feet of torque. It comes with a standard five-speed manual gearbox; a four-speed automatic is optional.
Chevy says its new minicar is aimed at "first-time buyers and city dwellers." It plans to load even the base model up with features, including air-conditioning, power windows, 15-inch wheels and tires, and 10 airbags.
Spark 1LT and 2LT trim levels will come with Bluetooth wireless connectivity and the MyLink infotainment system, which enables the 7-inch touchscreen to display smartphone-based navigation and media and link to Internet radio.
Inside Line says: What took so long?
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pete5o5 says:
10:04 AM, 01/03/2012
I saw hundreds, probably thousands, of these new Sparks on the road while on vacation in Bogota, Colombia. When I first saw photos of the Spark, I thought it wasn't particularly good looking, but, after seeing it "in person", I think it's better looking than the Sonic, which is a good looking car.
cargpssystem says:
10:53 PM, 11/18/2011
This car will be priced below the Sonic and is actually a bit smaller. They consider it in its own class. I think this will more than likely compete with the Smart car and other mini cars out there. I really love the looks of it for being a small car gps, gone are the days of ugly looking boxes and fender covers on these high MPG eco cars. The US is just slow to the race :)
juan_mx says:
09:05 AM, 11/15/2011
@maxwellhere
I can see three headrests in the pictures, and that is the US version, maybe IL got the wrong info.
maxwellhere says:
10:11 PM, 11/14/2011
Why is it only a four passenger? No, most people wouldn't be comfortable sqeezing 3 in the back row, but that seems limiting. The Euro spec Spark seats 5. No reason why they can't put an extra belt in back.
damaje says:
04:14 PM, 11/14/2011
Actually I think the Yaris competes with the Sonic, the Spark will compete with the Scion IQ/Aston Martin Cygnet, the Smart For2 and the Fiat 500.
Though I think GM should have at least a 5 speed auto or a CVT in it, I can understand the 4speed, they are trying to compete on price. What good would it be to GM if they had to sell the car starting at 14,000 because of more expensive trannies when you can get a Versa with a decent equipment level, more power and loads more room for roughly the same price. Even if a $14,000 Versa would have less equipment than a $14,000 Spark the extra interior room would make up for the difference for most people. That being said GM really needs to keep this things price down, base model should hopefully be the same as last years base Versa at $9,995 with a loaded version costing no more than a base Sonic, doing it that way would keep them from cannibalizing each other.
openeyes1 says:
03:20 PM, 11/14/2011
@goaterguy; I'm in agreement with sniperruff on this one, its a poor decision to load this car with extra's, put in a tiny engine, and offer it with an ancient auto transmission. This is not the market niche that GM needs to sell in, they need to limit the options and strip this car down, price will be the biggest draw on selling the Spark.
goaterguy says:
01:39 PM, 11/14/2011
This car competes in a class that most manufacturers have abandoned. The only car that I can think of as real competition is the Toyota Yaris.
This car will sell well if it gets great city mpgs. It will win the hearts of teenagers everywhere infatuated with technology and screens that the Yaris can't provide.
It also looks like Chevy is trying to make itself cool again in the eyes of a younger population.
chevy598 says:
10:45 AM, 11/14/2011
You guys comparing the Spark with the Sonic are underestimating how small the spark really is. The Sonic will look like a Silverado 3500 Dually parked next to the Spark. The rear of the Spark looks extremely cut off compared to the Sonic, and the hidden back door would be hanging off the rear if it was the same width as the front door.
GM using a 4 speed automatic means the company expects this to be a city car, with little highway use.
northsparrow says:
09:03 AM, 11/14/2011
A small, four door hatchback with a small displacement engine is a welcome addition to broaden the market but you lost me with the words, "Engineered and built in Korea by GM Daewoo"
Yikes!
As a matter of fact this car reminds me of an old Ringo Starr song that went,
"No thank you please it only makes me sneeze ........"
rayzor says:
09:01 AM, 11/14/2011
I think the Ford Fiesta has better technology than the Spark but I am not sure if it is the Spark or Sonic that competes against the Fiesta?
Either wait, I like the Spark, it has a more angular, edgier look to Fiesta's more oval, smooth edge look