Local is lekker: new Chevrolet Spark is built in SA for South Africans
- Investment in local manufacture strengthened by new Spark range
- Tailored models to suit South African tastes and purposes
- New Spark Pronto is the perfect small business solution
- Spark Campus is great for budget-minded students
Following a R1-billion investment in its local manufacturing plant in Port Elizabeth, General Motors South Africa’s (GMSA) locally-produced Chevrolet Spark celebrates its first year of South African production this May. With five different and distinct models to choose from, each designed around their uniquely South African consumers, the new Chevrolet Spark is the personification of that age-old adage: ‘local is lekker’.
Fast-paced businesses do it Pronto
Harking back to vehicles which have been absent from the South African market for some time now, the new Spark Pronto – which is fully classified as a commercial vehicle and offers VAT exemption to VAT-registered businesses – is the perfect solution to the delivery or cargo-carrying needs of any small business. Looking smart, being light on its feet, able to carry 275 kg of goods and offering a generous cargo volume of 876-litres, the new Spark Pronto means dealing with smaller items is now a breeze.
From couriers and florists to security companies and medical laboratories – the new Spark Pronto serves brilliantly as a practical and versatile city runabout. Not forgetting passenger and driving comfort, the Spark Pronto still features the same high levels of passenger comfort and safety as found in other Spark models, with dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, power steering, remote central locking and air conditioning all available as standard, along with speakers and audio wiring in place should the optional radio be fitted.
The Spark Pronto also features the same economical 60 kW/ 108 Nm 1.2-litre petrol engine and five-speed manual gearbox as found in all other Spark models, bringing with it excellent fuel efficiency (5.4-litres per 100 km on the combined average cycle and 129 g/km CO2). All for R101 500 inclusive of VAT.
“Thanks to the flexibility afforded to us due to the local manufacture of the ever-popular Chevrolet Spark, we have been able to tailor the local range and offer South Africans really unique options to suit their tastes. The new Spark Pronto fills a gap in the market where small businesses may not have been able to afford or require a bona fide bakkie like the Chevrolet Utility – now they can enjoy a purpose-built compact commercial vehicle which not only offers generous practicality but also comes with the verve offered by other Spark derivatives,” comments Chevrolet Brand Manager, Tim Hendon.
Creating a Spark on Campus
Launched towards the end of 2012 as part of the local production programme, the Chevrolet Spark Campus is just another example of how GMSA has taken advantage of their investment in the Spark. With the Spark already featuring as a prominent choice for student consumers in South Africa – thanks to its youthful looks, attractive pricing and ‘cool’ connotations linked to the original Chevrolet Beat concept car which featured in the Transformers movies – the Spark Campus is the perfect option for those budget-mindedstudents who require a cost-effective car which still looks fun and funky.
Carrying a sticker price of just R106 100 and still featuring all the essentials like air conditioning, remote central locking, a radio-ready audio setup which allows for youth-typical audio system customisation, ABS with EBD and dual front airbags, the Spark Campus presents a no-compromise budget-friendly value option. Its fuel economy also adds to the value proposition where students who operate on a tight budget can rest easy without exorbitant fuel expenses.
Revised range now comprehensive with an option for everybody
Complementing the Spark Pronto and Campus models, the revised range is completed by the new Spark, Spark LS and Spark LT derivatives, each of which offers enhanced levels of specification and added allure. Building on the generous standard equipment list, the affordable and well-priced Spark range is further enhanced by the new premium look and feel of the LS and LT models, which continue along the strong lines created in the A-segment by the original Spark L and LS models.
From the new R113 600 Spark which gains enhanced features like roof rails, an alarm and immobiliser combination and a comprehensive audio system with CD, MP3, USB and auxiliary support, to the R123 000 Spark LS which sees the addition of chrome detailing, 14-inch alloy wheels, electric front windows and mirrors, auto-locking doors and steering wheel-mounted audio controls, to the range-topping Spark LT (R136 500) which sports 15-inch alloy wheels, extra colour-coding on the body, electric windows at the rear, side airbags, rear parking sensors and an optional decal package – there really is a Spark to suit any South African pocket and taste.
“We really believe the revised Chevrolet Spark range appeals to many different South Africans on many different levels. With such a vast array of models on offer and with very keen pricing to boot, the Chevrolet Spark will continue to serve as one of the most popular vehicles in the entry level segment. Being able to tailor the Spark line-up to suit the needs and wants of our local consumers is something we are very proud of at GMSA. After the Spark was honoured as 2011’s top performing passenger vehicle in South Africa according to the Synovate Quality Awards, we are wholly committed to maintaining the excellent quality of a proudly South African product,” said Alastair Ironside, General Manager of Marketing at GMSA:
The comprehensive new Chevrolet Spark range comes standard with a 5-year/ 120 000 km warranty and comprehensive Roadside Assistance, as well as five years’ anti-corrosion cover. A service plan is available on all models as an optional extra on purchase.
