NYIAS: Chevrolet unveils the new Spark packed with gizmos

Chevrolet has unveiled their latest little Spark hatchback for 2016 at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). With a brand new design, the Spark is actually rebadged in India and in other markets as the Chevy Beat.

The Spark will now get a brand new 1.5 litre Ecotec petrol engine with an option of manual transmission or CVT in America producing 98bhp, and 17kmpl of fuel economy claimed by GM.

With a slightly longer wheelbase, and an overall height of 40mm lower than the outgoing model, Chevrolet has been able to reduce the drag coefficient to achieve a better fuel economy.

Apart from just a new engine and design for the global mini car, Chevy has taken every feature they could think of and crammed them in every little empty space they could find. For example, in terms of safety ten standard air bags include driver/front passenger knee air bags, roof rail side air bags and seat-mounted thorax/pelvic air bags are squeezed into this little car. Some more features like Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning are Side Blind Spot Alert are all camera –based technology that will prevent drivers from waking up in a tree.

On the inside, the new Spark has an all-new instrument panel with an LCD display for the infotainment and climate system controls. The Spark’s signature colour-matched instrument panel décors are updated with trapezoidal air outlets compared with round outlets on the current model. The Spark’s all-new MyLink radio will be an icon-based interface similar to smartphones and other electronic devices with a new volume control and other physical buttons. The Spark’s MyLink system also has 4G LTE built in Wi-Fi hotspot.

Chevrolet says that the 2016 Spark will be offered in more than 40 markets around the world; expect it to land in India soon. Possibly in 2016 itself.