2016 Spark - First Sighting

[carsNskis]

I'm hoping if the 2017 get sonic gets an update they take some cues from the new spark

I think this is a huge improvement over the last one, the front end was super awkward

.....drive it like you still owe the bank money

 

[eggsalad]

I would have bought a Spark, but here's the problem...

I want cruise control. To get cc in a Spark, you need a 1LT package. That's $15,600.

You can get dealer-installed cc in a Sonic LS. A Sonic LS is $15,800 + $340 for cc.

Where's the value in a Spark?

 

[Swordsmith]

That is an astonishingly large improvement in looks.

BUT I love the way the unique front end of the Sonic looks, and I would be very sad if they did the same thing to ours. Maybe there are folks who love the look of the old Spark?

I was interested in the Spark but it had too little cargo room for my needs, and very very low hp and TQ, except in the electric model, which is not available anywhere near me and has a range about 1250 miles per charge lower than I would need. Which is to say I was not interested in the Spark. Forgot to mention, its bug eyes also bothered me. So at least they fixed that part!

 

[The Champ]

I would have bought a Spark, but here's the problem...

I want cruise control. To get cc in a Spark, you need a 1LT package. That's $15,600.

You can get dealer-installed cc in a Sonic LS. A Sonic LS is $15,800 + $340 for cc.

Where's the value in a Spark?

Comparing an Sonic LS to a Spark LT is apples and oranges.

A Spark LS is over $2000.00 less than a Sonic LS. Add an aftermarket CC to the Spark and you have a huge price difference and a more fuel efficient vehicle.

With that Spark LT, you also get alloy wheels, XM radio, power windows, power locks, theft deterrent system, keyless entry, fog lamps, etc....

 

[Natesriv]

I liked the look of the old sparks, especially in a silver color with the alloy wheels... they weren't more efficient though (IMO)

I'll have to look at the newer one to see if they've improved the interior feel... doesn't bode well for the Sonic though....no news at all as far as I can tell on any improvements...

 

[TheGreenDragon]

doesn't bode well for the Sonic though....no news at all as far as I can tell on any improvements...

That spark is sporting the same 'facelift' everyone was going bonkers over in the "is this the new 2016 sonic?" thread. Chances are, if they've finally facelifted the Spark, the 2017 Sonic will also get the 'facelift'.

That is, unless they decide to kill it altogether.

 

[bluejay]

unless the car ppl thought was a 2016 sonic was really just a 2016 spark and everyone got it wrong lol

 

[dannyg]

That is an astonishingly large improvement in looks.

BUT I love the way the unique front end of the Sonic looks, and I would be very sad if they did the same thing to ours.

Agreed, new Spark looks good! But for Sonic, I hope they keep the four round headlights on the next version...assuming there is one...and the digital speedo which I've grown to really like.

 

[TheGreenDragon]

unless the car ppl thought was a 2016 sonic was really just a 2016 spark and everyone got it wrong lol

Nope. There definitely was a Sonic version of the facelift. One of the cars shown was a sedan. The Spark doesn't have a sedan version.

My profile picture is a photoshop of the facelift sonic with the original round headlights. Sadly, the facelift has standard boring headlights.

 

[bluejay]

are you able to post the pics of the two so i can see the difference ? i googled but all i get are pics for the spark rs and sonic's with the current body style .

 

[MattintheHat]

I originally wanted a spark. But being 6-5 I didn't fit in the car. So I went with a sonic. Which in the end was a much better choice for many reasons.

 

[eggsalad]

Comparing an Sonic LS to a Spark LT is apples and oranges.

A Spark LS is over $2000.00 less than a Sonic LS. Add an aftermarket CC to the Spark and you have a huge price difference and a more fuel efficient vehicle.

With that Spark LT, you also get alloy wheels, XM radio, power windows, power locks, theft deterrent system, keyless entry, fog lamps, etc....

I see your point, certainly. But after a major debacle with aftermarket cruise in my last car, I only want a car with factory cruise.

I agree with you 100% - the Spark 1LT has way more features than a Sonic LS.

But I only want one feature: Cruise Control. And I stand by my statement that a Sonic with Chevrolet-installed cruise control is only a few hundred dollars more than a Spark with Chevrolet-installed cruise control.

 

[Natesriv]

Looks better in person, but the car is noticeably smaller than the Sonic.

However the new Cruze hatchback is coming out, it's not much larger than a Sonic (7" longer wheelbase.....), more Focus sized really...which puts our Sonic in a tough spot.

http://www.chevrolet.com/cruze-hatchback.html

Everyone's buying CUV's and SUV's not small hatches... there's no profit...so from a business standpoint, it's hard to market the Sonic here (it has a better chance abroad, where small cars are the norm)..

Where's the Spark made?

 

[The Champ]

Spark is built in Korea by Daewoo - in Korea it's called the Matiz.

The Sonic is built at GM's Orion plant in Michigan.

As far as the future of the Sonic goes, it's slated for a freshening in 2017 and a redesign in 2019.

Lots of good info here:

http://www.autonews.com/article/20150720/OEM04/307209977/big-year-ahead-for-chevrolet-cars

 

[Natesriv]

Been reading about that rumor for a while. .... 2019 is quite a ways away

 

[carsNskis]

Spark is built in Korea by Daewoo - in Korea it's called the Matiz.

The Sonic is built at GM's Orion plant in Michigan.

As far as the future of the Sonic goes, it's slated for a freshening in 2017 and a redesign in 2019.

Lots of good info here:

http://www.autonews.com/article/20150720/OEM04/307209977/big-year-ahead-for-chevrolet-cars

Autonews is the automotive equivalent of Fox News, it's not fact based... Many auto press agencies speculate about the future so when the real news drops they can say "we told you first."

There is no current plan for a Sonic refresh.

My speculation:
1) The 2017 Sonic could see the new 1.4 turbo (it would help with cafe standard goals) but won't likely get a cosmetic change. The Sonic maintains character in it's segment that keeps it safe.

2) the Trax was developed to avoid throwing away a great chassis and move into a more competitive segment. I think once the Cruze Hatch gains momentum they'll decide to either axe the Sonic or update the looks so the 2019 refresh makes sense.

3) With the Bolt coming soon it will add to the small car product mix and give Chevy an idea of how much interest is in the market. Early adopters are good barometers since "regular folk" follow their lead.

GM is paying more attention to Buick and GMC right now, trying to define their niche markets. Since the Cruze, Camaro, Volt, Bolt and Malibu are done they're leaving Chevy alone until the next Impala is due.

.....drive it like you still owe the bank money

 

[The Champ]

GM is paying more attention to Buick and GMC right now, trying to define their niche markets. Since the Cruze, Camaro, Volt, Bolt and Malibu are done they're leaving Chevy alone until the next Impala is due.

You missed the Equinox and Traverse.

From GM:

Following are our expectations of the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse:
Completely overhauled (redesigned and re-engineered)
Full-size dimensions measuring in at 200 inches in length with three rows of seating
Unveiled in late 2016 as a 2017 model or in 2017 as a 2018 model
All-new exterior design in line with Chevrolet’s latest design language
All-new interior that is of a higher quality and is also more space-efficient than the first-generation Traverse, resulting in more interior room from similar exterior dimensions
Based on the long-wheelbase variant of GM’s new C1XX platform; the architecture will also underpin the all-new, next-generation 2017 Buick Enclave in the same long-wheelbase form, as well as the 2017 GMC Acadia, and 2017 Cadillac XT5.
Transverse engine orientation, front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive
Thanks to the C1XX architecture, we expect the 2017 Traverse to shed roughly 300 pounds (136 kg) over its predecessor, thereby assisting it in improving fuel economy and driving characteristics such as acceleration, braking, and handling
All-new engine lineup consisting of GM’s new 3.6L V6 LGX mated to an eight- or nine-speed automatic transmission; the 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 LGW could be available as a more powerful option
The latest MyLink infotainment and active safety/driver assistance systems
Pricing could start in the mid-$30,000 range, slightly higher than the first-gen Traverse


Read more: 2017 Chevy Traverse Info, Pics, Specs, Wiki | GM Authority

The Traverse, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave are all the same basic vehicle.

2017 Chevrolet Equinox
Chevrolet will completely overhaul (redesign and re-engineer) the Equinox crossover for the 2017 model year, delivering an all-new vehicle.

While its predecessor was a “tweener” vehicle straddling the compact and midsize segments, the 2017 Equinox will be repositioned directly into the compact crossover segment.



Read more: 2017 Chevy Equinox Info, Pictures, Specs, Wiki | GM Authority

This is why the Sonic won't happen for a couple of years. The SUV market is hot and both these good selling profitable vehicles are long overdue for an update.

The new Buick Envision SUV (the import from China) is basically an SUV on a Cruze chassis. The Envision is expected to show up at the dealers later this year. This is what the new GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox will be - but they will be made in America.

 

[carsNskis]

Please don't mistake "GM Authority" for GM. Although they are correct on their assumptions they are not GM. Thus the statement "The following are our expectations"

As I've already seen test mules for the Traverse and Equinox I didn't list them because I consider them complete designs. They're doing road testing and finalizing production details so the design energy is complete. Now it's in the hands of the engineers to make it all work right.

.....drive it like you still owe the bank money

 

[Natesriv]

Don't get me wrong, I want a new or even update Sonic... I've just seen any spy pics of any test mules...

I think the design work for the next Sonic would most likely be done overseas...Korea? So next gen Sonic will need to be in some test mule stage at some not too far future point to be on time for 2019 (which means actually some point in 2018 finalized, Auto Show shown versions would already be public knowledge.....it's February 2016 already)....

 

[The Champ]

As I've already seen test mules for the Traverse and Equinox I didn't list them because I consider them complete designs. They're doing road testing and finalizing production details so the design energy is complete. Now it's in the hands of the engineers to make it all work right.

I've seen the mule shots of both a long time ago also, but they aren't ready for the buying public and most likely won't be for another year.

Very interested in seeing the new Cadillac XT5 also.

You were the one that said that GM is paying more attention to Buick and GMC right now - and the current crop of 2017 and 2018 vehicles include Chevy versions.

I think GM understands that to maintain their leadership in the automotive market, they need to constantly update their products.