The fourth generation of Spark was introduced in 2015, and it doesn’t lack in any of the ambitions of the past model, and now even with something new to spice things up as Activ version will become available in 2017. The evolutionary progress of Daewoo Matiz hasn’t hurt Chevrolet Spark sales so far, and it hasn’t stopped the third generation to be sold 1.1 million units globally so new additions to the lineup can only further increase already great figures. We could sense that things are developing in this manner when Chevrolet Beat Activ Concept was shown trying to bring us closer to the idea that city car could and should have off-road aspirations.
LOOKS
Well, 2017 Chevrolet Spark Activ is definitely trying to bring a touch of fun to the Spark looks, but it didn’t go as far as some people would expect. Seeing it passing near you on the street can make it hard for you to comprehend what are the changes exactly. Compared to standard model alterations include new fog lights which are in round shape now and replaced front and rear bumpers with dark plastic areas trying to enforce off-road looks to the city car.
It even has skid plates or at least something that resembles it since their real world usability is very questionable. We haven’t finished yet, since it also features a pair of roof rails, a new set of 15-inch wheels, and a revised suspension that increases ride height by 0.4 inches, making it closer to SUV appearance, at least on paper. But, does it in the real world?
CABIN
Inside not much has changed. Leather wrapped steering wheel and imitation of leather for seat upholstery, coupled with some extra bits and pieces come as standard.
Furthermore, features such as seven-inch touchscreen display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay phone connectivity, a backup camera, cruise control and keyless entry. Interesting is a free three-month trial of Sirius XM Radio, OnStar Guidance Plan, and 4G LTE Hotspot, although limited to three-gigabyte.
HEART
In engine department unsurprisingly there is nothing new. So 1.4-liter unit with 98 hp and 94 lb-ft of torque is your option, coming with five-speed manual or CVT transmission.
Zero to 60 acceleration of 10 seconds is not bad, for the segment in question, and top speed is 110 mph. Simply put, there is nothing special to be said about that.
COST
Be prepared, since willingness to operate stick shift knocks out $16,945 from your pocket, but if your laziness is wishing for automatic CVT that will ask for additional $1,100, and that is before taxes, delivery, and extras. So it means that Activ is $3,945 more expensive than the regular version, but bringing with it some equipment extras and definitely funkier looks.
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2017 Chevrolet Spark Activ VERDICT
Lets put it this way, no amount of off road lookalike bumpers, skid plates or increased height, will create enough self-confidence for you to really venture into the wild with this guy. On the other hand paying extra for getting more equipment and coupled with special looks will separate you from the others in same class and maybe confuse somebody that you really have ability to leave pavement. Anyway, who goes off-roading these days, at least nobody who owns city car.
