Chevy Spark introduced with Prices starting at $12,995

April 5, 2012  -  New Canaan, CT

Chevrolet will bring the Chevy Spark minicar to market in July 2012 with a starting price of just $12,995 including destination charges.  This will make the Spark the lowest cost new car in a rapidly growing segment.

The new Chevrolet Spark minicar will be offered in one body style - a 5-door hatchback - and three trim levels along with minimal other options.  Prices start at just $12,995.

The Spark price, released by General Motors today, is less than those of other minicars. For example, the Scion iQ’s sticker price is $15,995, the Smart ForTwo’s is $13,240 and the Fiat 500’s is $16,200, all including shipping.

Here at Karl Chevrolet, we expect to have new Spark models available for test drives and purchase by June 2012.  If you would like to be among the first to see and drive the Spark, please contact Steve Karl by email at skarl@karldirect.com or by phone at 203.966.9508 x129.

GM will offer the Spark in three trim levels and only a few options in an effort to provide “a new, simpler approach to pricing and packaging,” the automaker said in a statement.

All trim levels will get the Spark’s 1.2-liter, four-cylinder engine combined with a five-speed manual transmission. A four-speed automatic transmission can be added to any trim level for $925.

Here are details on the trim levels:

• LS, $12,995: The base model offers air conditioning, power windows, 10 airbags, electronic stability control and other safety features.

• 1LT, $14,495: The midrange model adds Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system, which includes a seven-inch color touch screen, Bluetooth, a USB port and Sirius XM radio.

• 2LT, $15,795: The top trim level adds leather heated seats, 15-inch alloy wheels and some exterior flair, including silver-painted roof rails and beltline molding.

Other available options are a $75 engine block heater and black granite paint for $195.

“We wanted to make the process of choosing a Spark as simple as possible by reducing the number of stand-alone options and providing more standard content to each trim level at a competitive price,” Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet global marketing, said in a statement.

We expect the new Spark to be a perfect fit for many of our Connecticut and New York customers looking for an economical car for commuting, around town driivng, or any other local use.  It's small size wil allow owners to park in the smallest of parking spaces and the affordable purchase price coupled with outstanding operating effiicency make it easy to own.

The Chevy Spark is currently sold in Europe, Asia and other overseas markets.  We expect an Electric version to debut within a year, providing our customers with a pure EV alternative.

The new Spark adds another fuel efficient vehicle to the great choices within Chevrolet's product line-up, including the over 30 mpg club:

Chevy Malibu ECO - 37 mpg highway

Chevy Cruze ECO - 42 mpg highway

Chevy Sonic - 35 mpg highway

Chevy Equinox - 32 mpg highway