Spark: Chevy’s practical mini

The new Spark is longer, wider, and lower than previous iterations.

The thousands of visitors of the recently concluded Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City were not just treated to the latest and best vehicles on display. They were also offered most tempting deals by the exhibitors, so what they saw in the booths wouldn’t necessarily stay in the booths.

One of these car dealers was TCCI (Chevrolet Philippines), which offered exclusive sales promos for its vehicles on display at its Chevrolet Play Hub booth: the all-new 2018 Malibu, Trailblazer LTX, Colorado LTX, Colorado Hot Wheels, Trailblazer Z71, Colorado LTZ, Sail, Trax and Spark.

For test drive, six vehicles were also made available: the Trailblazer Z71, Trailblazer LTX, Colorado LTX, Sail LTX, Trax LT, and Spark LTZ.

Post-MIAS, TCCI disclosed to Inquirer Motoring that it had received a number of positive feedback on its all-new Malibu, the Colorado LTX, and Trailblazer LTX.

The Spark also earned a closer look from visitors.

A week before MIAS, I tried out the Spark LTZ, the same top-of-the-line Spark variant displayed in MIAS.

The instrument panel features upgraded technology.

If you’re seeking that no-fuss everyday-drive hatchback that can make do with the tightest of parking spaces, with a sizeable 1.4-liter gasoline engine, but with a frugal fuel consumption of 18 km per liter in moderate-to-light highway traffic, then this car deserves your time for a test spin, MIAS or no MIAS.

In fact, in large swathes of Asia, Europe and South America, the Spark is the most visible Chevrolet brand.

Chevrolet introduced the world to Spark 10 years ago. To the Philippine market, the next-generation Spark was unveiled by TCCI in 2011.

The all-new Spark was officially launched in 2017, also at the MIAS, and wasted no time collecting accolades, winning the 2017 Car of the Year-Philippines in the Basic Subcompact Car category, and the Auto Focus Media’s Choice Award for Best Design (mini category).

The new Spark sports a brand-new look with seven fun-looking, outlandishly named colors (Mint My Mind, Brimstone, Pull Me Over Red, Son of a Gun Gray Metallic, Black Meet Kettle, Summit White, and Switchblade Silver), LED daytime running lights and 15-inch alloy wheels.

It’s longer, wider, and lower than previous Spark iterations, and boasts a sportier stance highlighted by Chevrolet’s signature dual-port grille flanked by large sweptback projector-type headlamps with LED daytime running lights.

A no-fuss everyday-drive hatchback that can make do with the tightest of parking spaces

The three Spark variants and their prices are: 1.4L DOHC VVT, LT 5-speed MT (P694,888); 1.4L DOHC VVT, LT CVT (P734,888); and 1.4L DOHC VVT, LTX CVT AT (P859,888).

In a press statement, TCCI said it aims to achieve more brand engagement opportunities, especially from the younger segment who are potential buyers of the Spark, Sail sedan, and Trax SUV.

As of press time, the TCCI national sales team said it was still consolidating the number of inquiries, reservations, and sales it got during the 4-day MIAS.