Chevrolet has taken to the Los Angeles motor show to unveil the Spark Activ; a high-riding city car priced from US$16,945.
With the compact utility vehicle (CUV) market segment exploding in recent years, Chevrolet arrived at the LA show with a slightly more rugged, slightly taller Spark variant.
Chevy has added 10mm to the ride height through tinkering with the suspension, and added some rugged-look plastic body panels, a redesigned front grille, 15-inch alloys, fog lights and roof racks.
While this may not be one of the most exciting cars to be unveiled at the LA show, it may prove significant from an Australian perspective as it could theoretically make its way to Australia to bolster the Holden Spark range.
For the price point, the Spark Activ is generously equipped, with power windows, air-conditioning, keyless entry, rear-view camera, cruise control and a 7.0-inch touch-screen MyLink system with smartphone connectivity all as standard.
The Spark Activ takes its powertrain from the regular Spark, consisting of a 1.4-litre petrol engine producing 73kW/127Nm, driving the front wheels; there’s no AWD option. GM claims the manual Spark Activ will sip petrol at a rate of 8.1L/100km in the city and 6.3L/100km on the highway, while the CVT auto option is rated at 7.8L/100km (urban) and 6.3L/100km (highway).
General Motors says the 2017 Chevrolet Spark Activ will go on sale early in 2017 in the States for a starting price of $16,945 for the manual variant, with the CVT option priced from $18,045.
Considering the recent success of CUVs like the Mazda CX-3, it seems reasonable to assume that General Motors could get a foothold in a very popular market segment if it were to bring the Spark Activ to Australian shores, if the pricing is good.
