Photo: AutoUSA
Old hatchbacks used to be a lot taller and tougher than they are right now. But to improve the style, handling and fuel consumption, ground-hugging bodies have been introduced. However, several manufacturers are now making soft-road versions of their A- and B-segment cars, and Chevrolet is about to join the party with a Sandero Stepway rival.
The company presented a concept called Beat Activ during the recent Delhi Auto Expo in India. However, "Beat" is just the local market name for the car sold globally as the Spark. Chevy's smallest vehicle is developed by GM Korea and that's where the Spark Activ has been spied testing for the first time.
The photos that were shared by AutoUSA present a taller Spark that features typical black bag camouflage that's used by all Korean automakers. Judging from the state of the prototype, we'd wager that it will be ready for production in only a couple of months. Considering the same factory also makes the Opel Karl and Vauxhall Viva, they too may have soft-roading versions soon.
The changes being made to the body are obscured by the camouflage, but you can already see the new color combination on the side skirts and wheel arches. Matte black plastic is combined with fake brushed metal to give it a tougher appearance. The designers have also fitted roof rails that are painted silver. There are not just for show, as they have little slots designed to make crossbar installation very easy. Bicycles, skiing equipment or a Thule box can all be fitted by Spark-owning weekend adventurers.
Inside, we see that the seats have been branded "Activ." The rest of the cabin is a standard Spark setup and includes Apple CarPlay connectivity through its 7-inch MyLink infotainment system. We also see a lot of convenience features borrowed from the Opel Corsa, including the City Steering system and the heated steering wheel.
Depending on the market, the Spark Activ will come with either a 1.0-liter 3-cylinder unit making 75 PS or a 1.5-liter rated at 100 PS. Two transmission choices will be available, namely a standard 5-speed manual and an optional continuously variable transmission.
The photos that were shared by AutoUSA present a taller Spark that features typical black bag camouflage that's used by all Korean automakers. Judging from the state of the prototype, we'd wager that it will be ready for production in only a couple of months. Considering the same factory also makes the Opel Karl and Vauxhall Viva, they too may have soft-roading versions soon.
The changes being made to the body are obscured by the camouflage, but you can already see the new color combination on the side skirts and wheel arches. Matte black plastic is combined with fake brushed metal to give it a tougher appearance. The designers have also fitted roof rails that are painted silver. There are not just for show, as they have little slots designed to make crossbar installation very easy. Bicycles, skiing equipment or a Thule box can all be fitted by Spark-owning weekend adventurers.
Inside, we see that the seats have been branded "Activ." The rest of the cabin is a standard Spark setup and includes Apple CarPlay connectivity through its 7-inch MyLink infotainment system. We also see a lot of convenience features borrowed from the Opel Corsa, including the City Steering system and the heated steering wheel.
Depending on the market, the Spark Activ will come with either a 1.0-liter 3-cylinder unit making 75 PS or a 1.5-liter rated at 100 PS. Two transmission choices will be available, namely a standard 5-speed manual and an optional continuously variable transmission.
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