ON FRONT PAG E N O R T H E AST V I C TO R I A , A L P S A N D H I G H CO U N T RY
NOVEMBER 18 - 24, 2016
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A TOUCH OF AUSSIE: Cute styling of the new Holden Spark isn’t the only thing you notice – it’s a surprisingly competent machine.
2016 Holden Spark
HOLDEN Spark replaces the company’s previous Barina Spark – and is significantly better thanks to having a considerable amount of Australian input. New Spark is built on an all-new, stronger platform. Engine size has increased from 1.2 to 1.4 litres; an efficient CVT automatic sits beside it, though there’s also a manual should you want one. The Holden Lang Lang proving ground south-east of Melbourne was used extensively during Spark’s design and testing stages. GM-Holden is keen to point out this facility will remain in operation as a key part of the GM global empire long after Holden’s Australian factories close late next year.
By EWAN KENNEDY
Holden Spark comes in two equipment levels, the base model LS which is priced at $13,990 with a five-speed manual gearbox or $15,690 with a CVT automatic. The higher-specced, CVT-only, LT has a recommended retail of $18,990. The LS comes with 14-inch steel wheels, the LT gets 15-inch alloys. Spark LT also has a smart key with push-button starting, cruise control, and a leather wrapped steering wheel. STYLING Holden Spark has a sleeker, more stylish appearance than the superseded Barina Spark. There’s a bold front grille and
relatively narrow A-pillars. The Spark has ‘hidden’ door handles at the top of the rear doors in an attempt to give the appearance of a three-door hatch. New Spark is lower and slightly longer and sits on an extended wheelbase. It retains the tall stance as that’s necessary to give reasonable interior room in any very small car. The double-stack GM grille works particularly well because of the tall front of the Spark. Boot capacity is always a compromise in cars in this class in order to give reasonable legroom in the back seat. There’s a luggage volume of 185 litres in the Spark, but it can expand to 985 litres with the 60/40 rear seatbacks folded.
ENGINE / TRANSMISSION The new 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine generates up to 73 kW of power at 6200 rpm and torque of 128 Nm (CVT auto) and 124 (five-speed manual gearbox), both when revving at a pretty high 4400 rpm. INFOTAINMENT A large central display unit with a 7.0inch colour touchscreen dominates the centre of the dashboard. It uses Holden’s MyLink system and is compatible with both the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems. These link through a USB cable, to project smartphone displays, including satellite navigation, onto the Spark’s touchscreen.
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five-door hatch
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