In the face of cheap gasoline and a stampede of buyers to crossover and trucks, Chevrolet today introduced the 2017 Spark ACTIV, a claimed “sportier take” on the brand’s mini-car. It has “trail-inspired accents and upscale features that complement its urban-chic design.”
Starting at $16,945 manufacturer’s suggested retail price with manual transmission or $18,045 manufacturer’s suggested retail price with continuously variable transmission, Fuel economy is GM estimated at 29 city and 37 highway with the manual transmission, and 30 city/37 highway with the CVT.
Spark is a relative bargain in the B-car segment. It’s fun to drive and put together reasonably well. But tiny car means tiny sales. Year-to-date Spark sales at 30,000 are flat compared with a year earlier, while Suburban (45,932), Tahoe (62,802) and Trax (81,976) sales are up 15% to 22%.
The car depression is widespread at the Detroit Three. GM has just announced plans to cease third shift operations in January at Lordstown (Chevrolet Cruise) and Lansing Grand River (Cadillac ATS and CTS, Chevrolet Camaro) due to waning demand. More than 2,000 employees will be out of work.
The trend to watch is the ongoing decline of passenger car sales at 526,000 in October, down a breathtaking -15% y-o-y in what could track as the second best-selling year in history. Light truck sales increased to 846,00, a relatively tepid~1% increase. Pickups and crossovers took 61.2% of all sales, up 1.6% from October 2015. Analysts were mixed on how to interpret all this: Has the industry plateaued at a comfortable level or is this a warning sign of an impending recession? – the same question posed for months now. (Chilly September as U.S. Light Vehicle Sales Slow, Asian Brands Dominate U.S. August Sales, US August Sales Continue Truck, Crossover Boom)
Trim Package in Search of Buyers?
Spark ACTIV has different front and rear fascias with accents prompted by off-road skidplates, as well as a new 15-inch wheel design and a revised suspension that increases the ride height by 0.4 inch (10 mm).
Additional Unique Content
- Specific grille pattern with ACTIV nameplate
- Round fog lamps and fog lamp housings integrated in the front fascia
- Contrasting wheelhouse moldings and hatchback cladding
- Rocker moldings
- Roof rails
The interior has standard black, heated leatherette front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Also Included
- Chevrolet MyLink with a 7-inch-diagonal color touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility (subject to their terms, privacy statements and data plan rates, as well as a compatible smartphone)
- Rear-vision camera system
- SiriusXM satellite radio (three months)
- OnStar Guidance Plan (three months)
- 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot (three-month/3GB data trial)
- Air conditioning
- Cruise control
- Remote keyless entry
- Steering wheel controls for phone and audio system
- Power windows with Express Up/Down
