We're getting Karl! Well, kinda Karl. The new Chevy Spark is based on its Opel sibling, and that means a new chassis and a new engine, plus scads of standard tech. It also comes in a color: Toasted Marshmallow. Yum.
Aside from the new sheetmetal that's about 1.6-inches lower and gets a small boost in wheelbase, the biggest upgrade is the Ecotec 1.4-liter four cylinder that bangs out 98 horsepower. Fitted with the CVT, GM claims it'll hit 40 MPG on the freeway and slightly less with the standard five-speed manual.
The interior's been given a makeover, with better fabrics, upgraded plastics, and more foam in the seats. Chevy is so proud of it that they… didn't release any photos. Odd…
The MyLink system also gets an upgrade, with a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen and a real, honest volume knob. Every Spark now comes standard with a back-up camera, while forward collision alert, lane departure warning, rear park assist, and blind spot alerts are optional.
Chevy will be selling the new Spark in 40 different markets and production is set to begin in GM's South Korea factory before sales begin later this year.
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