Los Angeles 2016: Chevrolet debuts new Spark ACTIV variant

Chevrolet released a new variant for its Spark at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show. Dubbed as the Spark ACTIV, it boasts a sportier look, higher suspension, and even more upscale interior features compared to other trims of the subcompact hatchback.

As a review, the Spark received a facelift last year for the North American market. It features a small yet more aggressive looking set of headlights, a new grille, revamped taillights, added interior amenities, and a 1.4L gasoline engine. This model, however, is not yet available here in the Philippines.

The Spark ACTIV maintains the same silhouette as the 2016 model. However, it is fitted with exterior upgrades such as flat black bumpers, round fog lamps, and 15-inch alloy wheels. Aside from that, the suspension has been raised by 0.4 inches. With all the mentioned design tweaks, the Spark gets a more athletic look.   

The ‘ACTIV’ also shares many of its interior features with the Spark’s top-of-the-line variant such as the 7-inch touchscreen head unit loaded with Chevrolet MyLink, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It also has the cruise control, rear-vision camera system, steering wheel controls, and express power windows seen in the current Spark.

In addition, all 5 passengers will get to sit on leatherette seats with heated front seats. Moreover, the Spark ACTIV can haul 771L worth of storage space with the seats folded down, perfect for hauling cargo for a holiday.

The Spark ACTIV comes with loads of passive and active safety features such as 10 airbags, rollover sensing and protection system, and forward collision alert.

Under the hood is the new 98 hp Ecotec 1.4L gasoline engine found in the 2016 Spark. Owners will then have the choice of having it paired with a 5-speed manual transmission or a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). 

The Chevrolet Spark ACTIV will be available in the U.S. with a price tag of $16,945 (around P835,134) for the MT while the CVT variant has an SRP of $18,045 (around P889,348).

Chevrolet Philippines hasn’t said anything about bringing in the 2016 Spark locally, but wouldn’t it be nice to see it on our roads soon? More so, the Spark ACTIV?