Despite falling fuel prices, 2016 promises to be a banner year for fuel-sipping vehicles.
Chevrolet, in particular, is relaunching the tiny hatchback Spark, along with the compact Cruze sedan and the electric Volt. There's even a hybrid variant of the 2016
Malibu and a fuel-stretching turbocharged four-cylinder version of the Camaro. Those moves represent a not-insignificant level of commitment to saving money at the pumps, as well as cutting pollution.
The stubby little made-in-Korea Spark has been a surprise hit since its 2013 model-year debut, with more than one million cars sold around the world. Now, a clean-sheet replacement that's just arrived in Canada improves on the original in both style and substance.
As the Bowtie division's least-expensive vehicle, the Spark remains both thrifty and spacious, although there's a bit less of the latter, owing to a more slimmeddown design and a lower (by four centimetres) roofline.
All other key measurements - length, width and distance between the front and rear wheels - differ only slightly. Both passenger and cargo space are down a touch, but that's a small price to pay for a more mature-looking car that should appeal to more buyers, especially in North America where we tend to lean toward the mainstream for appearance.
What should also resonate with the small-car crowd is the Spark's new four-cylinder engine. The 1.4-litre unit makes 98 horsepower and 94 foot-pounds of torque. That compares to 84 h.p. and 83 foot-pounds for the previous model's 1.2-litre powerplant. The output is still modest, but then again there's only about 1,020 kilograms of curb weight to deal with, which is about 450 less than a base Corvette.
Note that the electric Smart EV continues unchanged into the 2016 model year.
As with the previous-gen Spark, the engine connects to a five-speed manual transmission, or optional continuously variable unit (CVT). As with most cars in the Spark's diminutive size range, it's likely that going with the manual gearbox is the best way to wring out maximum thrust when needed. It's also more fun to drive. Either way, fuel economy is about the same, no matter the transmission: 7.8 (litres/100 kilometres) city and 5.8 on the highway with the stick; or 7.6/5.7 with the CVT (the 2015 Spark's best numbers were 7.5/6.0 with the CVT).
There's enough interior room to comfortably fit four adults and their gear, although there's a middle seatbelt in back for those times when you absolutely must transport a fifth.
Chevrolet assures that all aboard will be treated to a quieter and more comfortable ride, thanks to strengthened body structure and added sound-absorbing materials.
The interior also receives completely revised instrument and control panels along with upgraded seats, about which the Spark's lead designer says: "You have a greater feeling of sitting in them rather than on them."
At $11,600 (including destination charges), the base Spark LS comes out of the gate with a 17.7-centimetre touchscreen display with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capability, a rearview camera, front disc brakes and a total of 10 airbags.
Unfortunately, you do get shorted on air conditioning and power windows, which are standard with the 1LT trim, along with fog lamps and fancier exterior/interior trim.
Moving up to the top-end 2LT adds such niceties as 15-inch alloy wheels (wheel covers are standard), up-level audio system, heated front seats and keyless remote entry with push-button start. Also included is park assist that sounds a warning when you're closing in on an object while moving forward or backward.
On the options list is a sunroof, navigation system and a Driver Confidence Package that includes the latest in crash-avoiding technology, including lanedeparture warning and forward collision alert.
In this time of cheap gas, it will be interesting to see how the Spark and similar models such as the Nissan Micra, Mitsubishi Mirage and Mercedes-Benz Smart will fare. However, for zipping around town and looking good doing it, isn't the Spark appealing anyway?
THE SPEC SHEET
TYPE: Four-door, front-wheeldrive sub-compact hatchback Engine: 1.4-litre DOHC I4 (98 h.p.)
TRANSMISSION: Five-speed manual; optional CVT
POINTS: Redesign gives the car a more grown-up look; base four-cylinder engine makes more power but is more fuel efficient; upgraded interior reduces cost-cutting impressions.
SAFETY: Front airbags; front/rear side-impact airbags; side-curtain airbags; front knee airbags; traction control.
FUEL ECONOMY (l/100 km city/hwy): 7.6/5.7 (CVT)
BASE PRICE: (including destination) $11,600
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