Spark Joins Chevrolet’s Canadian Small Car Lineup in 2012
Chevrolet hopes to excite first-time buyers and city residents when the Spark mini car joins the brand’s small car family next year in Canada and the United States. The Spark is a sporty five-door, four-passenger hatch that is on sale in Chevrolet markets around the world.
“For young, urban dwellers, the 2013 Chevrolet Spark can be their key to the city,” said Chris Perry, vice president, global Chevrolet marketing and strategy. “Spark’s vibrant exterior and interior colors make a statement, but it is a practical car, too. Affordable, maneuverable and very fuel-efficient, Spark will be easy to own and easy to drive.”
More details about the Spark, the smallest Chevrolet in the Canadian and U.S. lineups, will be unveiled next month at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. The first version of the Spark is being sold in Europe, Korea, India, Mexico, South America and Australia.
The Chevrolet Spark is 14 inches (355 mm) shorter than the recently launched Chevrolet Sonic. It is three feet longer (0.91 meter) than the Smartfortwo and four inches (101 mm) longer than the Fiat 500. In Canada and the United States, the Spark will be powered by a 1.2L four-cylinder engine that delivers 83 horsepower (61 kW). The standard transmission will be a five-speed manual. An automatic transmission will be available.
The Spark will offer more interior room than other mini cars, and it will be the only car in the segment to provide standard benefits such as a five-year, 160,000 km powertrain warranty and the safety and security of OnStar.
Available packages include uplevel features such as color touch screen radio; Chevrolet MyLink infotainment connectivity with Stitcher internet radio; Bluetooth; exterior enhancements such as chrome accents; heated leatherette seats and alloy wheels.
The Spark was originally seen as the Chevrolet Beat concept at the 2007 New York Auto Show. Show goers and online fans chose the Beat over two other concepts, and it was developed into an updated version of the Spark that will come to Canada and the United States.