Because who wouldn't want a butched-up subcompact with crossover styling cues?
2017 Chevrolet Spark ACTIV
Chevrolet's diminutive Spark is a decent-handling subcompact and, with its light weight and 1.4-liter turbo, can be a real hoot to drive. But despite this fact, like all other small cars, two-dollar-a-gallon gasoline has dampened enthusiasm for it as more U.S. buyers are drawn to an ever-expanding lineup of crossovers.
So what's GM's solution to the problem? Spiff up the Spark so that if you squint real hard from, say, 100 yards or so, it'll almost look like a crossover. Maybe.
"The new Spark ACTIV is all about adventurous fun and style," said Steve Majoros, Chevrolet director of Car and Crossover Marketing. "It has an attitude, while still offering the sophisticated, efficient and connected driving experience customers have come to love."
In order to acquire this "attitude", Chevrolet has added a number of "trail-inspired accents" to the Spark's exterior that include more aggressive front and rear fascias that incorporate "accents influenced by off-road skidplates." The Spark ACTIV also gets a revised suspension with no particulars on the revisions that were made other than an increase in ride height by 0.4 inches.
As you might imagine, a lot of thought went into the requisite exterior enhancements which include an ACTIV-specific grill affixed with the requisite badge and a healthy dose of black cladding on the front and rear fascias as well as the lower rocker panels and wheelhouse moldings.
Roof rails are also standard.
Inside, standard equipment includes air conditioning, power windows, cruise control, remote keyless entry, rear view camera, leatherette trim and a leather-wrapped steering wheel containing controls for a Bluetooth phone and the audio system.
Speaking of infotainment, a 7-inch touchscreen is standard along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. There's also a free 3-month trial of SiriusXM satellite radio and OnStar Guidance along with a 3-month/3GB data trial of 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot service.
2017 Chevrolet Spark ACTIV pricing and availability
Sitting between the 1LT and 2LT trim levels, 2017 Spark ACTIV pricing (MSRP) is as follows:
$16,945 with a 5-speed manual transmission
$18,045 with a CVT automatic transmission
The pricing for both models includes a destination charge. The Chevrolet Spark ACTIV should reach dealer showrooms sometime during the first quarter of 2017.
