CANBERRA: Chevrolet revealed that the new Spark will come with a simpler design and tons of feature upgrades from the existing model. Among them is the new 1.4L 4-cylinder engine that replaces the old 1.2L. With it, the Spark is able to generate a decent 98hp while also returning 40mpg.
The news of an Australian debut follows speculation that Holden could instead look to the new Opel Karl (also known as the Vauxhall Viva) as a replacement for the current Spark.
“It is very exciting to see the future of Holden’s smallest model,” Holden sales boss Peter Keley said today.
“It’s easy to see why we are so confident the all-new Spark will stand out from the competition and continue to attract a younger set of buyers to the Holden brand.”
As a replacement for the heavily angled Spark currently offered in Australia, the new model introduces a more organically styled look.
The Spark also shares a number of styling cues with the Karl, including identical winows, door panels and rear-end styling.
“The Spark has grown up,” said Australian-born Mike Simcoe, former Holden design boss and now GM’s global vice president of design.
“It retains its youthful flair, but reflects the maturation of the global micro-car market and customers’ desire for richly styled and highly contented choices.”
The new Spark rides on a slightly longer wheelbase than the current model, while sitting 40mm lower to deliver a more sporting look and greater fuel efficiency through an improved aerodynamic profile.
A new architecture, shared with the Opel Karl, underpins the new Spark, promising a stronger structure, more dynamic handling and a quieter ride.
Holden says it has also been working on the new Spark locally, tailoring its suspension and steering for local conditions and tastes.
