1 Attachment(s)
GM fights back: $9995 2016 Chevrolet Spark Canada's cheapest new car
Attachment 1865
Apparently GM doesn't like being the butt of jokes. (Have you seen the Spark's sales numbers??) So they've just dropped a bombshell: they're taking the fight to Micra and Mirage.
Quote:
Chevrolet announced at the Montreal International Auto Show that the all-new 2016 Spark will start at just $9,995 plus freight – the lowest MSRP of any car in Canada, all while being packed with standard features.
Source: http://media.gm.com/media/ca/en/gm/n...114_Spark.html
Before this announcement, you would be forgiven for wondering why GM even bothered with Canada's subcompact segment. Just to re-cap...
Canadian sales...
And this isn't just fresh lipstick on an old pig, either. The $9995 starting price comes attached to a completely redesigned Spark, with a bunch of features that Nissan & Mitsubishi don't have.
Big standard equipment differences from the Micra, just from a quick look at the base Spark:
- 10 airbags
- reverse camera
- 7-inch touchscreen infotainment with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- in-car Wi-Fi hotspot via OnStar
- 6-way adjustable driver's seat
- rear spoiler
The Spark's engine is a 1.4L with 98 hp. I dunno how much the new Spark weighs, but the old one was pretty portly and had even less power, giving it the worst power:weight ratio in our Micra comparison.
Like the Micra, you can't add A/C to the base Spark trim. So the big question is: how much for a Spark with automatic & A/C? Because that's what most people will probably buy.
The gloves are definitely off -- this is pretty unprecendented. In addition to the Mirage's perpetual manufacturer discount (which appeared to compete with the Micra), that makes THREE subcompacts available for under $10k + shipping.