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2016 Chevrolet Spark

Chevrolet completely overhauls (redesigns and re-engineers) the Spark city car for the 2016 model year, delivering an all-new vehicle with higher levels of safety, efficiency, technology and refinement that haven’t been seen in the city/mini car segment before.

“Chevrolet is fast becoming one of the world’s most important mini- and small-car manufacturers, offering customers around the globe a new road to the refinement, efficiency and connectivity features that resonate with them,” says Alan Batey, president, GM North America.

The 2016 Spark represents an all-new, second generation of the Chevy Spark nameplate. While the first-generation Spark was a very competitive and capable mini/city car, the second-generation model improves on its predecessor.

The new Spark has a sleeker appearance, thanks to a slightly longer wheelbase, and an overall height that’s about 1.6 inches (40 mm) lower than its predecessor. The lower profile reduces aerodynamic drag to help improve efficiency and interior changes maintain the Spark’s generous headroom.

The 2016 Chevy Spark is also built on an all-new, stronger and more robust architecture that serves as the foundation for its more sophisticated driving experience. The stronger body structure enables engineers to tune ride and handling more precisely, for greater feelings of control and refinement, while fostering a quieter ride.

New phone integration technology displays content from Apple iPhone 5 or later models on the multicolor screen through the Apple CarPlay features; supported apps for the systems include phone, messages, maps, music and compatible third-party apps. Android users can take advantage of Android Auto.

“At its core, the new Spark is still the fun, agile urban car that made the first-generation model so popular, but it delivers that fun driving experience with greater sophistication,” said Sam Basile, executive chief engineer. “And while it’s a truly global car, it is targeted for more developed vehicle markets, allowing engineers to focus more precisely on the materials and technologies that resonate with customers in those markets.”

Additional new and enhanced vehicle features include:

  • All-new Ecotec 1.4L I-4 engine with manual and continuously variable (CVT) transmissions – delivering a GM-estimated 40 mpg on the highway with the available CVT
  • New available safety features including Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Alert
  • Next-generation Chevrolet MyLink with 7-inch-diagonal color touch screen
  • Advanced dot-matrix LCD instrument cluster display
  • Comprehensive lineup of accessory packages for unprecedented personalization options
  • Instantly-recognizable face of a contemporary global Chevrolet distinguished by a sleeker proportion and more sophisticated aesthetics

The Spark is sold in more than 40 markets around the world. Global sales have topped 1 million units.

The lower roof height of the 2016 Spark reduces the characteristic upright look of many mini-cars, while a “shrink-wrapped” body – with the wheels pushed to the edges of the fenders – contribute to a more substantial, firmly-planted, and confident presence.

An evolution of Chevrolet’s signature dual-port grille is flanked by large, elliptical headlamps that sweep back into the front fenders. The headlamps have a highly detailed appearance that contribute to the Spark’s more sophisticated design.

“In short, the Spark has grown up,” says Michael Simcoe, GMIO vice president of design. “It retains a youthful flair, but it’s a more refined design that reflects the maturation of the global mini-car market and customers’ desires for richly styled and highly contented choices.”

A palette of bold exterior colors remains, with three new colors – Toasted Marshmallow, Kalamata and Splash – added to the mix, depending on the market.

The 2016 Chevrolet Spark is available as a five-door hatchback. 

A more rugged variant called Beat Activ was announced in early 2016, along with a four-door sedan variant called Essentia. To note, the Spark is sold as the Chevrolet Beat in India.

Inside, designers matched the lowered roof height by adjusting the hip-point dimensions for the seats, maintaining the ample headroom of the previous model and offering comparable spaciousness with a more engaging driving position.

“In addition to maintaining the Spark’s signature roominess, the new seating position contributes to its more sophisticated driving experience,” Simcoe says. “You have a greater feeling of sitting in the seats rather than on them.”

There’s also a more sophisticated look and feel to the interior, thanks to upgraded materials and greater attention to detail, including everything from the higher-quality fabrics to higher-density seat foam that enhance comfort and durability.

The cabin of the 2016 Spark is not only of a higher quality, but it also is a more contemporary environment thanks to an all-new instrument panel design – with an advanced LCD display – and a prominent “center stack” for the infotainment and climate system controls. The Spark’s signature color-matched instrument panel décors are updated with this new model and the previously-round air outlets are now trapezoidal, adding to the more contemporary design.

The Spark’s all-new MyLink radio features a capacitive-touch color display, with a simple and intuitive icon-based interface similar to what most customers are used to with their smartphone and other electronic devices. And like a smartphone, the capacitive-touch display allows them to swipe, pinch and perform other similar gestures for quick, easy operation.

New volume control and other physical buttons reduce complexity and enhance the system’s intuitiveness.

New for the 2016 Spark, Chevrolet’s new MyLink infotainment system with a 7-inch-diagonal color touchscreen gives owners a smart and simple way to access Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Each system builds off of the features smartphone users rely on most, with many controlled via voice commands through a button on the steering wheel. That helps drivers spend more time with eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

Android Auto is built around Google Maps, Google Now and the ability to talk to Google, as well as a growing audio and messaging app ecosystem that includes WhatsApp, Skype, Google Play Music, Spotify, and podcast players. A full list of supported apps is available at Android.com/auto.

Apple CarPlay puts iPhone features on the vehicle’s display in a smart, simple manner, allowing drivers to make calls, send and receive messages and listen to music right from the touchscreen or by voice via Siri. Apple CarPlay-supported apps include Phone, Messages, Maps, Music and compatible third-party apps.

Using either application is simple. A “Projection” icon on the MyLink screen is visible when a phone is not connected and changes to indicate CarPlay or Android Auto when a compatible phone is connected via a USB. Android Auto requires a phone running the Android Lollipop 5.0 operating system or above, while Apple CarPlay requires an iPhone 5 or later.

Engine

The 2016 Spark is powered by GM’s-new 1.4-liter, four-cylinder engine (production code LV7) that is part of GM’s new, global family of Ecotec small-displacement engines. It offers an estimated 98 horsepower (73 kW) – a 16-percent increase over the previous model.

Engineered to deliver strong performance with excellent efficiency, the new Ecotec engine family represents a clean-sheet design and engineering process, leveraging the diverse experience of GM’s global resources.

“The new Ecotec architecture represents the most advanced and efficient family of small-car gas engines in GM’s history,” said Tom Sutter, global chief engineer. “Along with performance and efficiency targets, we’ve also aimed for segment-challenging refinement with low noise and vibration – and we’ve hit the bulls-eye.”

Spark’s new 1.4L features an aluminum cylinder block and head, which helps reduce the vehicle’s overall mass to enhance performance and efficiency. The cylinder head also incorporates an integrated exhaust manifold, which further reduces weight – an attribute that contributes to increased vehicle efficiency and a more favorable front-to-rear weight balance, for a more responsive driving experience.

Engine efficiency is also enhanced through reduced friction, including low-friction piston rings, a low-friction camshaft drive and a low-friction oil pump.

Transmissions

The 2016 Chevy Spark offers a choice of two transmissions:

  • 5-speed manual (production code MR7) is standard
  • Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) (production code MR8) is available

Drivetrain

Like all units of the second-generation Spark, the 2016 Chevy Spark is available exclusively in front-wheel-drive.

The first-generation Spark EV will continue being available for the 2016 model year. However, we second-generation Spark will not receive an electric variant. Instead, that segment will be filled by the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV.

The 2016 Chevy Spark has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of:

  • Manual transmission: 30 MPG city and 41 MPG highway
  • CVT transmission: 31 MPG city and 41 MPG highway

The 2016 Chevrolet Spark builds on the previous model’s reputation for delivering excellent passenger safety in the mini-car segment. In fact, in the United States, the 2015 Spark was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety.

A stronger body structure is at the core of the new Spark’s safety prowess. It’s complemented by a wider array of passive and active safety features. Ten standard air bags include driver/front passenger knee air bags, roof rail side air bags and seat-mounted thorax/pelvic air bags. A rollover sensing and protection system is also offered.

Additionally, new active safety features can help drivers avoid collisions through camera-based technology that provides alerts to possible collision threats, including Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning.

A rear-vision camera system is standard and rear park assist is offered.

The 2016 Chevrolet Spark is produced with globally-sourced parts at GM’s award-winning Changwon, South Korea, assembly facility.

The 2016 Chevrolet Spark was unveiled at the 2015 New York International Auto Show in April 2015.

Globally, the next-gen Spark will compete in the mainstream city car/mini car/A-Class segment against the:

  • New Ford Ka
  • Volkswagen Up!
  • Seat Mii
  • Fiat 500
  • Smart ForTwo
  • Scion iQ

2016 Chevy Spark trim levels and starting prices for the United States market are as follows:

Model Year Brand Model Trim Level Starting MSRP (USD)
2016 Chevrolet Spark LS Manual $13,535
2016 Chevrolet Spark LS Automatic $14,635
2016 Chevrolet Spark 1LT Manual $15,560
2016 Chevrolet Spark 1LT Automatic $16,660
2016 Chevrolet Spark 2LT Manual $17,060
2016 Chevrolet Spark 2LT Automatic $18,160

Starting MSRPs include a destination freight charge of $875.

The 2016 Chevy Spark launched in North America in the fourth quarter 2015, followed by other global markets served by the Chevrolet brand.

The 2016 Chevrolet Spark uses GM’s new G2XX platform, which is the successor to GM’s Gamma 2 platform.

G2XX is shared with the following vehicles:

In most markets where Chevrolet does business, it sells this vehicle under the Spark moniker. However, there are two vital exceptions to this rule.

Holden Barina Spark

Since General Motors does now market the Chevrolet brand in Australia or New Zealand, it markets its mainstream vehicles under the Holden brand. Holden introduced the Chevy Spark as the Holden Barina Spark in Australia and New Zealand in 2013, and we expect that the second-generation Chevrolet Spark will continue being sold in the region under the Holden Barina Spark nameplate.

Chevrolet Beat

In India, General Motors decided to retain the Spark name for the Daewoo Latiz. As such, the vehicle that is sold as the Spark around the world is sold under the Chevrolet Beat nameplate.

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Overview

Models: Spark LS and LT
Body style / driveline: five-door, four-passenger, front-engine; front-wheel drive
Construction: body-frame integral
EPA vehicle class: mini-car
Manufacturing location: Changwon, South Korea
Key competitors: Fiat 500, Smart fortwo, Scion iQ

2016 Chevrolet Spark Engine

Engine: Ecotec 1.4L DOHC I4
Type: transverse-mounted, four-cylinder dual-overhead-cam with variable valve timing
Displacement (in / cc): 85 / 1399
Bore & stroke (in / mm): 2.91 x 3.20 / 74 x 81.3
Block material: die-cast aluminum
Cylinder head material: aluminum
Valvetrain: overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder
Fuel delivery: multi-port fuel injection
Ignition system: coil-on-plug with long-life (100,000-mile) spark plugs
Compression ratio: 10.6:1
Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm): 98 / 73 (estimated)
Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm): 94 / 128 (estimated)
Recommended fuel: regular unleaded
Emissions controls: close-coupled catalytic converter
Estimated fuel economy highway (mpg): 40 (estimated with CVT)

2016 Chevrolet Spark Transmissions

Automatic Transmission (optional)
Transmission: 2-step CVT
Gear ratio (:1):
Ratio coverage: 7.3
Pulley ratio: 2.20 ~ 0.55
Final gear ratio: 3.75
Planetary gear ratio – first gear: 1.82
Planetary gear ratio – second gear: 1.00
Planetary gear ratio – reverse gear: 1.71
Through low ratio: 15.05
Manual Transmission
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Gear ratios (:1)
First: 3.63
Second: 1.86
Third: 1.19
Fourth: 0.95
Fifth: 0.76
Reverse: 3.38
Final drive: 3.90

2016 Chevrolet Spark Chassis & Suspension

Front: MacPherson strut-type with side-load compensated strut modules and direct-acting stabilizer bar
Rear: compound crank (torsion beam) with springs and shock absorbers
Steering type: rack-and-pinion with column-mounted electric power assist
Steering ratio: 16:1
Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock (14-inch wheels): 2.8
Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock (15 and 16-inch wheels): 2.6
Turning circle, curb-to-curb (14-inch wheels) (ft / m): 31.2 / 9.5
Turning circle, curb-to-curb (15- and 16-inch wheels) (ft / m): 34.5 / 10.5

2016 Chevrolet Spark Brakes

Front type: vented disc
Rear type: drum
Front rotor diameter (in / mm): 9.3 / 236
Rear rotor diameter (in / mm): 7.9 / 200
Anti-lock braking system (ABS): four-channel with brake assist

2016 Chevrolet Spark Wheels & Tires

Wheel size and type: 15-inch steel or aluminum
Tire size: P185/55R15
Tire type: all-season

2016 Chevrolet Spark Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase (in / mm): 93.9 / 2385
Overall length (in / mm): 143.1 / 3636
Overall width (in / mm): 62.8 / 1595
Overall height (in / mm): 58.4 / 1483
Front track (in / mm): 54.5 / 1384
Rear track (in / mm): 54.5 / 1384

2016 Chevrolet Spark Interior Dimensions

Seating capacity: 2 / 2
Front headroom (in / mm): 39 / 990
Rear headroom (in / mm): 37 / 940
Front legroom (in / mm): 41.7 / 1060
Rear legroom (in / mm): 33 / 839
Front shoulder room (in / mm): 50.8 / 1291
Rear shoulder room (in / mm): 49.8 / 1264
Front hip room (in / mm): 48.2 / 1224
Rear hip room (in / mm): 48 / 1220
Cargo volume with rear seats up (cu ft / L): 11.1 / 313
Cargo volume with rear seats folded (cu ft / L): 27.2 / 771

2016 Chevrolet Spark Capacities

EPA passenger volume (cu ft / L): 83 / 2351
Fuel tank (gal / L): 9 / 35
Engine oil (qt / L): 4.2 / 4.5
Cooling system (qt / L): 4.1 / 4.4
Curb weight base with manual transmission and LS trim level (lb / kg): 2246 / 1019
Curb weight base with CVT and LT trim level (lb / kg): 2312 / 1049

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