2016 Chevrolet Spark Unveiled, It Still Uses the GM Gamma Platform

It’s a bit curious that for the 2016 Spark, General Motors just reengineered the GM Gamma platform, also known as the GM Global Small Vehicle architecture. Care to guess how many years have been since the original GM Gamma entered production? A whopping fifteen years!

I am well aware that over the years, the Detroit giant updated its subcompact vehicle skeleton continuously, but something needs to be pointed out. After developing the D2XX, Alpha, E2XX and Omega, why couldn’t GM find a spare $200 million to materialize a successor for the Gamma?

Chevy promises that the 2016 Spark is “built on an all-new, more robust architecture.” Being the sister model of the Gamma-underpinned Opel Karl, how come the 2016 Spark’s architecture is all-new, dear GM? Some say that talk is cheap...

For 2016, the “all-new” Chevrolet Spark is more mature. In comparison to its predecessor, you could even say that it became a more desirable city car. From my point of view, the design language of the Karl is more pleasing to the eye. Speaking of the Euro-spec model, the 2016 Spark (and the Vauxhall Viva) will too be made in South Korea.

Slated to go on sale in the United States at the end of the year, the 2016 Chevrolet Spark will come in three different guises called LS, 1LT, and 2LT. Offered as standard with a 5-speed manual, customers can also equip it with a CVT.

Regarding the engine, an all-new 1.4L EcoTEC four-cylinder is the sole powerplant. It offers “an estimated 98 HP (73 kW)" and “an estimated 40 mpg (5.8 l/100 km) highway” when mated to the CVT. The 2016 Spark features a slightly longer wheelbase and a 1.6-in (40 mm) lower overall height compared to the current 2015MY Spark.

If you can look beyond the sweptback elliptical headlamps and the redesigned dual-port grille, you might be interested in some of the additional new and enhanced features for the 2016 model year. Higher-quality materials, an advanced dot-matrix LCD instrument cluster, and a next-generation Chevrolet MyLink 7-inch media system are the interior’s highlights.

Of course, GM OnStar with 4GLTE and a Wi-Fi hotspot come as standard too. On the safety front, you’re offered with a standard rear-vision camera, but Rear Park Assist is an option. Forward Collision Alert, Side Blind Spot Alert and Lane Departure Warning are also available.

If you go for the mid-range 1LT, the Spark gets a 6-speaker audio system, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, remote keyless entry, power mirrors, fog lamps, buttons on the steering wheel, cruise control and 15-inch alloys.

The top-of-the-range 2LT adds chrome door handles, keyless access, push button start, the dot-matrix LCD instrument cluster, some active safety features, leather on the steering wheel, Leatherette seat trim and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Unfortunately, no intel is currently available on the soon-to-be-detailed EV version of the 2016 Spark. Last but not least, the fourth-gen Spark can be had in three new exterior colors: Splash, Kalamata and Toasted Marshmallow.