The all-new Chevrolet Spark was completely redesigned for the 2016 model year. Although there may not be thousands of these vehicles rolling through your bays, the Spark is sold in more than 40 markets around the world, with global sales of more than 1 million.
The new Spark has a sleeker appearance, thanks to a slightly longer wheelbase, and an overall height that’s about 1.6 inches lower than the previous model. It is built on an all-new, more robust architecture.
Additional new and enhanced vehicle features include:
• All-new Ecotec 1.4L I-4 with manual and continuously variable transmissions
• New available safety features include Side Blind Spot Alert, Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Alert
• Next-generation Chevrolet MyLink with 7-inch-diagonal color touchscreen and phone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Comprehensive lineup of accessory packages for unprecedented personalization options
The 2016 Spark is powered by an all-new 1.4L engine that is part of GM’s new, global family of Ecotec small-displacement engines. It offers an estimated 98 horsepower — a 16 percent increase over the previous model. The new Ecotec engine family represents a clean-sheet design and engineering process.
Spark’s new 1.4L features an aluminum cylinder block and head, which helps reduce the vehicle’s overall mass to enhance performance and efficiency. The cylinder head also incorporates an integrated exhaust manifold, which further reduces weight — an attribute that contributes to increased vehicle efficiency and a more favorable front-to-rear weight balance, for a more responsive driving experience.
Engine efficiency is also enhanced through reduced friction, including low-friction piston rings, a low-friction camshaft drive and a low-friction oil pump. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a dual-range continuously variable transmission is available.
The new Spark is available in three trim levels and 10 eye-catching colors, such as Salsa, Toasted Marshmallow and Splash.
A 2016 Spark carriers a starting MSRP of $12,660. A top-of-the line Spark, with an automatic transmission, ground effects and a power sunroof, carries a price tag of about $20,350.
Servicing the Spark
When the “% CHANGE” message displays in the driver information center, drivers should have the engine oil and filter changed within the next 600 miles (1,000 km). If driven under the best conditions, the engine oil life system may not indicate the need for vehicle service for up to a year. The engine oil and filter must be changed at least once a year, and the oil life system must be reset.
NORMAL MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km):
• Check engine oil level and oil life percentage. If needed, change engine oil and filter and reset system.
• Rotate tires
• Check engine coolant level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Visually inspect windshield wiper blades for wear, cracking or contamination
• Check tire inflation pressures
• Inspect tire wear
• Visually check for fluid leaks
• Inspect engine air cleaner filter
• Inspect brake system
• Visually inspect steering, suspension and chassis components for damaged, loose or missing parts or signs of wear
• Visually inspect fuel system for damage or leaks
• Visually inspect exhaust system and nearby heat shields for loose or damaged parts
• Lubricate body components
• Check starter switch
• Check automatic transmission shift lock control function
• Check ignition transmission lock
• Check parking brake and automatic transmission park mechanism
• Check accelerator pedal for damage, high effort or binding; replace if needed
• Visually inspect gas strut for signs of wear, cracks or other damage; check the hold-open ability of the strut
Every 22,500 miles (36,000 km) or every two years:
• Replace passenger compartment air filter
Every 45,000 miles (72,000 km):
• Inspect evaporative control system
Every 45,000 miles (72,000 km) or every four years:
• Replace engine air cleaner filter
Every 97,500 miles (156,000 km):
• Replace spark plugs; inspect spark plug wires
• Check water pump/generator belt for proper tension and wear
Every 150,000 miles (240,000 km):
• Check A/C compressor belt for wear
Every 150,000 miles (240,000 km) or every five years:
• Drain and fill engine cooling system
Every three years:
• Replace brake fluid
SEVERE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km):
• Check engine oil level and oil life percentage. If needed, change engine oil and filter and reset system.
• Rotate tires
• Check engine coolant level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Visually inspect windshield wiper blades for wear, cracking or contamination
• Check tire inflation pressures
• Inspect tire wear
• Visually check for fluid leaks
• Inspect engine air cleaner filter
• Inspect brake system
• Visually inspect steering, suspension and chassis components for damaged, loose or missing parts or signs of wear
• Visually inspect fuel system for damage or leaks
• Visually inspect exhaust system and nearby heat shields for loose or damaged parts
• Lubricate body components
• Check starter switch
• Check automatic transmission shift lock control function
• Check ignition transmission lock
• Check parking brake and automatic transmission park mechanism
• Check accelerator pedal for damage, high effort or binding; replace if needed
• Visually inspect gas strut for signs of wear, cracks or other damage; check the hold-open ability of the strut
Every 22,500 miles (36,000 km) or every two years:
• Replace passenger compartment air filter
Every 45,000 miles (72,000 km):
• Inspect evaporative control system
• Change automatic transmission fluid
Every 45,000 miles (72,000 km) or every four years:
• Replace engine air cleaner filter
Every 97,500 miles (156,000 km):
• Replace spark plugs; inspect spark plug wires
• Check water pump/generator belt for proper tension and wear
Every 150,000 miles (240,000 km):
• Check A/C compressor belt for wear
Every 150,000 miles (240,000 km) or every five years:
• Drain and fill engine cooling system
Every three years:
• Replace brake fluid
FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
Motor Oil: dexos1 SAE 5W-20; capacity with filter is 4.2 quarts (4.0 liters)
Engine Coolant: Dex-Cool; capacity is 5.0 quarts (4.8 liters)
Brake Fluid: DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid
ATF: ACDelco CVT Fluid S
[[At a Glance: 2016 Chevrolet Spark
Motor Oil: dexos1 SAE 5W-20
Capacity: 4.2 quarts (4.0 liters)
Coolant: Dex-Cool
Capacity: 5.0 quarts (4.8 liters)]]
