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The 2016 Chevrolet Spark has 2015 Mazda2-Inspired LED Daytime Running Lights – Video

With the all-new generation Chevrolet Spark, the golden bowtie manufacturer didn't do too much in order to differentiate it from the European-spec Opel Karl and Vauxhall Viva. For starters, the 2016 Spark is still underpinned by the GM Gamma (Global Small Vehicle) platform, which was introduced 15 years ago.
2016 Chevrolet Spark vs 2015 Mazda2 LED daytime running lights comparison 1 photo
Photo: image edited by autoevolution
Of course, the GSV that's used by the 2016 Chevrolet Spark has been updated to 2015 standards. But still, if the 2016 Volt, Camaro, Malibu and Cadillac CT6 were given all-new vehicle platforms, is it too much to ask to give the same treatment to the fourth-gen Spark?

The backbone of the small city car doesn't bother me, nor the fact that GM Korea handles production. On the good news front, the asthmatic 1.2 of yesteryear has been replaced by a 98 horsepower 1.4-liter EcoTEC mated to either a five-speed manual or a CVT. Furthermore, the 2016 model year features a longer wheelbase and fairly modern exterior aesthetics. But there's one detail that really grinds my gears...

Could someone tell Chevy that those LED daytime running lights resemble those of the 2015 Mazda2, 6 and CX-5 facelift? Just look at the collage above and try to fool yourself into thinking that Chevrolet offered an original design. I certainly can't do that. To boot, the promo video below is GM Korea's way of showcasing the 2016 Spark. Truth be told, I haven't seen anything so boy racer-ish since Need for Speed: Underground.

Drag racing in the city on fast-forward, vinyl roof and door stickers, what were they thinking when they had the pitch for this promotional clip? What's known as The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift seems likely...

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About the author: Mircea Panait
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After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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