In addition to the 2016 Malibu, Chevrolet->ke199 also introduced a redesigned version of the Spark->ke3267 city car at the 2015 New York Auto Show->ke226. Updated to Chevy's revised design language, the 2016 Spark is now more aerodynamic, more powerful and better equipped, thanks to a range of extensive updates inside and out. Production will commence in South Korea later this year, with U.S. sales to begin in the fourth quarter of 2015.

The Spark started life in 1998 as a Korean-designed city car powered by a 0.8-liter, three-pot and assembled in nine countries. Launched as the Daewoo Matiz, it was sold under different names globally, including as the Chevrolet Matiz, Chevrolet Spark or Pontiac->ke70 G2. Revised in 2003, the subcompact retained most of its styling features and drivetrain components until 2007, when a brand-new model was developed on GM’s Gamma platform. The new Spark came to the U.S. for the 2010 model year, receiving an electric drivetrain later on.

The new Spark has pretty big shoes to fill, as its predecessor has been a massive success, with more than 1.1 million units sold globally since 2009. With the new model, Chevrolet hopes to draw young and first-time car buyers into its U.S. dealerships.

Updated 04/02/2015: The new generation Chevrolet Spark made its world debut at the 2015 New York Auto Show.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2016 Chevrolet Spark.

Exterior

The most obvious exterior change is the new front fascia, which updates the Spark to Chevrolet's current styling language. Gone are the massive headlamps that stretched from the upper edge of the lower grille all the way to the A-pillars, replaced by sleeker, horizontal units that remind me of the Malibu and Impala. The trademark "dual-port" grille has been restyled into a sportier element with chrome surrounds. The lower piece stretches lower into the apron, replacing the previous thin air dam. The foglamps retained their positions at the sides of the bumper, but received redesigned surrounds.

Rear fascia changes are equally dramatic, starting with a completely redesigned hatch that now has a smaller glass area and more angular taillights. The bumper no longer features the diffuser-like element of the previous car, but sports a trapezoidal character line and a small splitter underneath.

On the sides, the city car gained a new character line across the front door and handle, while the rear-door crease defining the shoulders is more prominent and it extends into the taillights. The biggest news here, however, is that Chevy lowered the Spark's height by 1.6 inches, which resulted in reduced aerodynamic drag and improved fuel efficiency, on top of making the hatch look a lot sleeker. I definitely prefer this new body over the previous box-on-wheels design.

The Spark also received three new "bold colors" with the new styling: Toasted Marshmallow, Kalamata, and Splash.

Interior

Although it has yet to release photos of the interior as of 04/02/2015, Chevrolet says the cabin features "upgraded materials and greater attention to detail, including everything from the higher-quality fabrics to higher-density seat foam that enhance comfort and durability, add sophistication." The all-new instrument panel includes an advanced LCD display, while the center stack, likely as tiny as in the previous model, incorporates an upgraded infotainment system and climate system controls. The round air outlets have been replaced by trapezoidal ones for a more dynamic appearance.

The 2016 Spark also got a new MyLink radio with a capacitive-touch display that allows smartphone-like swiping, pinching, and other gestures for easier operation. The already familiar OnStar with 4G LTE built-in Wi-Fi hotspot can be had as an option.

Despite lowering the roof, Chevy claims it managed to maintain the ample headroom of the previous model and comparable roominess front and rear.

A range of new safety features are also offered, including Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Side Blind Spot Alert, a rear-view camera system and rear park assist (optional).

Drivetrain

Under the hood, the 2016 Spark comes with a new Ecotec, 1.4-liter, inline-four rated at 98 horsepower (torque figure isn't yet available). The 1.4 replaces the previous 1.2-liter four-banger with 84 horses and 83 pound-feet of twist. With the added power and revised internals, the Spark should now be able to hit 60 mph in about 10 seconds, a half-second quicker than last year's model.

Transmission options include a five-speed manual and a CVT. GM estimates the CVT-equipped Spark will return 40 mpg on the highway versus the 39 mpg of the previous car. While it's nothing to sneeze at, it's still significantly less than the Ford Fiesta's 45 mpg highway.

Drivetrain Specifications

Prices

Pricing is not yet available as of April 2015, but Chevrolet will probably stick close to the Spark’s current base price of $12,270, as it keeps the subcompact in a very competitive place for least-expensive new car sold in the U.S.

Competitors

2014 Ford Fiesta

The Ford->ke31 Fiesta is a bit larger than the Spark, but still solidly competes with it. Base power comes from a 1.0-liter EcoBoost in-line three that somehow manages to make 123 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. EPA estimates for the Fiesta are listed 32 mpg city, 45 mpg highway and 37 mpg combined -- the best non-hybrid numbers on the market today.

Base price for the Fiesta is $13,925 for the sedan and $14,425 for the hatchback version. Read more about it in our full review here.

2014 Kia Rio 5 Door

The Kia->ke41 Rio is yet another smart competitor in the small-car segment. It combines the functionality of a hatchback with the tidy exterior dimensions of a subcompact. It’s powered by a 1.6-liter I-4 producing 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. That extra power doesn’t seem to hinder its EPA rating too badly at 27 city, 37 highway and 31 combined.

Starting price for the Rio is $14,000; comparable to the Fiesta, but still more than the Spark. The Kia does boast the famous Hyundai/Kia 10 year/100,000-mile warranty, and for some, that might be worth the extra buy-in price. Find out more about the Kia Rio in our detailed review here.

Conclusion

With a spacious interior and available high-tech features, the previous Chevy Spark was quite the deal for a subcompact. It was inexpensive without feeling cheap and its 1.2-liter delivered excellent fuel economy. That didn't make it perfect though, as the styling wasn't exactly appealing and the engine was rather underpowered compared to the Fiesta's. For 2016, Chevy not only improved the Spark inside and out, but also added a new engine that's both more powerful and fuel efficient than its predecessor. Yeah, it's still slower than its competitors, but the lower starting price should balance the lack of performance.

Update History

Updated 03/09/2015: Chevrolet announced that the new generation Spark will be officially unveiled in April at the 2015 New York Auto Show.

Spy shots

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