Even though it has been available in other regions including Europe and Asia since 2009, Chevrolet’s latest city car, the Spark, will make its North American debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show on November 16.
The five-door, four-seat subcompact hatchback will be available in the U.S. and Canada with a single engine option, a 1.2-liter four-cylinder with an output of 85HP that turns the front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox or, optionally, a four-speed automatic transmission.
“The new Spark is for buyers who want much more than a ‘cute’ small car – they want a car that can be personalized, is dynamic and fashionable, and delivers a lot of value for the money,” said Chris Perry, vice president, global Chevrolet marketing and strategy. “[The] Spark’s vibrant exterior and interior colors make a fashion statement, but it is also affordable, safe, maneuverable and very fuel-efficient.”
GM claims that, despite its compact dimensions, the Spark offers more room for passengers and their luggage than other mini cars offered in the States such as the Fiat 500, Scion iQ and Smart ForTwo.
Unlike all of the above models, the Spark gets five doors, although Chevrolet designers have “hidden” the rear door handles in the C-pillar area to make the mini look a tad sportier.
The European version of the Spark achieved a four-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash tests, scoring very high in the adult and child protection categories (81% and 78% respectively).
The North American version promises to be even safer, offering 10 airbags as standard as well as the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system that are missing from the European version.
The updated Spark is equipped with GM's OnStar system, which uses GPS and cellular phone technology to automatically call for help in the event of crash.
In the cabin, the MyLink infotainment system is standard on the 1LT and 2LT specification models. This system allows for the easy transfer of music libraries, access of Pandora and Stitcher internet radio and navigation through Bluetooth-connected smartphones and, when the car is stationary, projection of videos and photo albums on its 7-inch screen.
“This level of infotainment and connectivity was unheard of in this segment, until now,” said Perry. “We know Spark buyers do not want to give up personalization just because they drive a smaller car.”
8 Comments:
“We know Spark buyers do not want to give up personalization just because they drive a smaller car.”
True so why did GM remove the “Auto
climate control” option available in other markets! The
engineering is paid for, why not offer all the available features
worldwide! Sonic offers this feature in other markets as well, but not
the US! Cruze and Malibu do but it’s still not available in Impala, and
Camaro, why?? All Caprice models have it standard including PPV in the
US and UAE regular production models.
Spark looks well executed, could use more power, overall nice little car, as always the US buyers come
last in availability and equipment. Also note Fiat 500 and Smart offer
this feature!
I speak for all cars!
It probably has more to do where where it is manufactured. This car sells for under $9,000 in some places. The US version is going to get a lot of extra technology, but I have a feeling climate control was not high on the list. It isn't like it is that hard to set the temperature at something manageable.
Really looking forward to the Spark becoming available for sale in the U.S. Hard to believe it's been around in Europe and Asia since '09. I'm looking forwarding to seeing it at our dealership.
These city cars ought to be getting 40 MPG city/50 MPG highway, but for what ever reason continues to disappoint.
That's the perfect girl car.
The Chevrolet Camaro is an amazing car that surely appeals to everyone who likes things that are understated with a touch of elegance, an appeal that is extremely dynamic and appealing and a product that certainly worth the money with all the features, added technology and the emblem of Chevrolet that assures any car owner of the quality and value for money for a sleek and stylish luxury car. The overall design of the Camaro is very smooth, dynamic and will certainly appeal to city dwellers.collision repair
pity about the awful looks.
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.car gps
Post a Comment