Autoblog

Autoblog Podcast #319

Dan Roth — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:15:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Classics, SUV, Chevrolet, Ford, Jeep

Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Hagerty's Future Classics, Consumer Reports Brand Perception Survey

Episode #319 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff Ross talk about a team from Jeep visiting Wagonmaster for ideas to use on the upcoming Grand Wagoneer revival, Hagerty Insurance's predictions for future collectible classics, and Toyota, Ford and Honda topping the latest Consumer Reports brand perception survey. We wrap with your questions, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Keep reading for our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #319:

Topics:

In the Autoblog Garage:
2013 Chevrolet Spark
2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid

Hosts: Dan Roth, Zach Bowman, Jeff Ross

Runtime: 01:23:28

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Autoblog Podcast #319 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Chevrolet Spark gets refreshed for Europe

Steven J. Ewing — Sun, 30 Sep 2012 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM

The Chevrolet Spark minicar may just now be hitting the big roads of the United States, but the car has already been on sale in other markets, including Europe, for a while. And because of that, the Euro-spec Spark has undergone a minor facelift for the 2013 model year, showing its slight nip/tuck here at the 2012 Paris Motor Show.

You'll have to look closely to spot the differences, but changes up front include redesigned headlamp and foglamp units, as well as a lower front grille that sweeps all the way across the underside of the bumper. Out back, the LED center brake lamp has been incorporated into the rear spoiler, and inside, storage has been improved thanks to a slightly redesigned center console.

In Europe, the Spark is offered with two tiny-displacement engine configurations: a 1.0-liter inline-four producing 68 horsepower or a 1.2-liter four with a whopping 82 hp on tap.

For the full list of enhancements, scroll down to read General Motors' press release.

Continue reading 2013 Chevrolet Spark gets refreshed for Europe

2013 Chevrolet Spark gets refreshed for Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 30 Sep 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy Spark catches fire, posts strong early sales results

Jeffrey N. Ross — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Hatchback, Chevrolet

Like most other automakers, cash cows for Chevrolet typically include its trucks and SUVs, but the 2013 Spark put up some pretty big numbers in its first full month on the market in its bid for profitability. According to Ward's Auto, General Motors was only expecting to sell 1,900 of the minicars in August, and customers ended up snagging 2,630 of the South Korean-built city car.

What makes this figure even more impressive is the fact that the Spark hasn't even gotten into full stride yet, as it has only been rolled out in 18 markets across the States. Since it went on sale in July, Chicago has been the Spark's top market, accounting for almost a third of all sales, and "many" sales have come from first-time car buyers. The overall range for Spark customers thus far has been from age 19 up to 83.

Showing off a little New GM restraint, Chevy small-car spokesman Mike Weidman pledges that the automaker won't overreact to the Spark's strong initial start with increased production that could lead to an excessive inventory of models on dealer lots. The budget-priced five-door starts at just $12,995.

Along with the Spark's initial impressive showing, Chevy's other small cars, the Sonic, Cruze and Volt, all set sales records in August.

Chevy Spark catches fire, posts strong early sales results originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Sep 2012 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Chevrolet Spark

Jeff Sabatini — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM, First Drives

Who's Going To Hear Chevy's Sub-Sonic Statement?

The annals of "Hey you kids, get off my lawn!" took an interesting turn in 2005, when a British inventor developed The Mosquito, an ultrasonic alarm that can only be heard by teenagers. Deployed by convenience stores, property managers and even municipal governments, the device emits sound waves at frequencies high enough that most adult ears are no longer sensitive enough to perceive them. Young people, however, having yet to suffer the effects of presbycusis, hear the loud screeching and thus, scram.

Like every other marketer on the planet, General Motors would like to develop its own Culicidae - but one that works in the opposite fashion, attracting the young and hip while keeping those image-killing oldsters at bay. Its latest attempt is the 2013 Chevrolet Spark, an A-segment car in the fashion of the Scion iQ, but with features GM thinks millennials will find as attractive as having their parents pay their credit card bills.

Chevrolet gave us the opportunity to take a new Spark for a quick spin in downtown Detroit and we found the hatchback played a welcoming tune. Looking like a Chevrolet Sonic bred with a pygmy horse, the Spark isn't exactly cute even in Techno Pink, but at least it resembles the hippest car in the Chevy stable. We're most fond of the way the five-door Spark employs the same trick rear door handles as its big brother, hidden in the C-pillar to give the appearance a three-door. The extra set of doors certainly eases entry into the two rear seats, which Chevy says gives the Spark a distinct advantage over the minicar competition.

Continue reading 2013 Chevrolet Spark

2013 Chevrolet Spark originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Aug 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Chevrolet Spark to start at $12,995*

Chris Paukert — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 11:20:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM

General Motors is taking a big gamble in a little way with its 2013 Chevrolet Spark. The Detroit automaker is betting that high fuel prices and an increased awareness of one's ecological footprint will mean more consumers are willing to entertain a new car with an even smaller err... footprint. The Spark will join other minicars like the Fiat 500, Scion iQ and Smart ForTwo, none of which have met with significant sales volume. On the other hand, its big brother, the Sonic has performed well in the early going. In addition, the Spark offers more physical volume than its peers - as well as a set of rear doors - so practicality appears to be solidly in favor of Camp Chevy.

The five-door Spark will test America's appetites for small car life with a starting price of just $12,995 (*including delivery) when it arrives in Chevrolet showrooms later this year. Available in a trio of trims, the lineup will start with the well-equipped LS model that includes a whopping 10 airbags, air conditioning, power windows, OnStar and 15-inch alloys.

Stepping up to the 1LT trim will cost $14,495, but it adds an audio system with seven-inch color touchscreen, USB connectivity and satellite radio. Additional features include keyless entry, power mirrors, cruise control, Bluetooth ("for select phones") and mundane items like visor mirrors and floor mats. The range-topping 2LT ($15,795) will be distinguished by a unique set of 15-inch wheels, sportier body-color fascias, fog lamps and additional exterior brightwork. Inside, heated, leatherette-covered seats and a leather-wrapped wheel spruce up the cabin.

Regardless of which trim spec is selected, buyers will find a 1.2-liter Ecotec four-cylinder underhood, and a five-speed manual is standard equipment, though a four-speed automatic can be substituted for $925.

GM announced back in October that it will also bring a Spark EV to "select markets" in the U.S. sometime in 2013, though it has yet to announce pricing or an on-sale date for the pure electric runabout.

Continue reading 2013 Chevrolet Spark to start at $12,995*

2013 Chevrolet Spark to start at $12,995* originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy adding navigation to Sonic, Spark with GogoLink smartphone app

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Budget, Sedan, Technology, Videos, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM

We're already familiar with the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system that's slowly making its way across the brand's entire portfolio, but today, we were able to get our first look at the next big feature being added to General Motors' Bowtie tech. First available on the 2013 Chevrolet Spark and Sonic, GogoLink is a smartphone-based app that works with the car's touch-screen display to provide a fully functional navigation feature to the MyLink system.

We spent some time with Sara LeBlanc, GM's program manager for global infotainment systems, who showed us exactly how the GogoLink app works. When your smartphone is tethered to the car, the app can be launched from the MyLink interface and works just like any other high-quality navigation system. GogoLink includes things like points of interest, 3D mapping, emergency information (police, fire, etc.), local search via Google and live traffic details. Disconnect your phone from the car, and your maps and routes are available right on your phone. (Note: Even though that last part doesn't show up in the video, trust us, it works.)

Pricing for the GogoLink app has not been announced as of this writing, and will be confirmed closer to the system's on-sale date this fall. The 2013 Spark will go on sale before the GogoLink app is available, so the first round of Sparks will require a simple MyLink upgrade that can be installed for free at Chevy dealers.

Now, take a closer look at the MyLink head unit in the video below - there's no CD player. LeBlanc provided this explanation for us:

We talked to our Sonic and Spark customers and we asked them about the features they were looking for. They wanted connectivity. They said, "We have all that music on our smartphone, can't you just find a way to transfer it? We don't want CDs. We don't use that."

Of course, LeBlanc assures us that this is only for the Sonic and Spark MyLink system right now. The rest of the Chevrolet products will continue to be offered with CD players.

The MyLink system with GogoLink arrives this fall, and pricing has yet to be announced as of this writing. Follow the jump for a tour of the new system, as well as the official release from GM.

Continue reading Chevy adding navigation to Sonic, Spark with GogoLink smartphone app

Chevy adding navigation to Sonic, Spark with GogoLink smartphone app originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hands-on with Chevrolet MyLink for the 2013 Sonic, Spark

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, CES, Videos, Hatchback, Chevrolet, Infotainment

We got our first taste of Chevrolet's new entry-level version of MyLink at CES, and for being a pre-production unit that's not due to arrive in showrooms until later this year, we're throughly impressed.

The system uses a seven-inch resistive touchscreen to display the basics - audio, telephone and settings - along with a photo/video viewer (only functional when the car is stationary) and an app launcher.

The only two apps currently available are Pandora and Stitcher, but there's a lot of space to fill on that screen and the reps we spoke to made it clear that they're in talks with other third-party developers.

What impressed the most was both the responsiveness - something other automakers have been combating for some time - and the overall design, which is clean, clear and straight-forward (and how can you go wrong with Helvetica Neue?). It's everything we want in a touchscreen interface and nothing more.

Well, almost.

There's no embedded navigation system, so you'll be relying on OnStar to provide directions. That said, turn-by-turn guidance will be ported through the head unit, so it's better than dealing with arrows on a tiny screen nestled between the gauges. And what about voice control? For Android devices, Chevy is leveraging the built in voice search functionality. For the iPhone... not much, yet. But for a system that's aimed at subcompacts and with a price point that's sure to be more than palatable, you can't have the world. And aside from the Sync-equipped Ford Fiesta, there's nothing out there that even begins to compete. Check out the demo after the jump for more.

Continue reading Hands-on with Chevrolet MyLink for the 2013 Sonic, Spark

Hands-on with Chevrolet MyLink for the 2013 Sonic, Spark originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Chevrolet Spark is a pastel paradise

Chris Shunk — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 20:46:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM

The Chevrolet Spark is only 144.7 inches long - nearly two feet shorter than the subcompact Sonic. But while the Spark is small in size, designers have made a real effort to make sure that it can still stand out in a crowd.

The Spark took the stage at the Los Angeles Auto Show in four distinct pastels, with oversized headlight assemblies-a-blazing. The Spark may be a bit of a runt, but it certainly boasts some height. It's 61 inches tall, or only six inches shorter than the Equinox crossover. The Spark also features plenty of room for four occupants, with 42 inches of front leg room and a respectable 35 inches for rear seat passengers.

Power comes from The General's diminutive 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine, with 85 horsepower at 6,400 RPM and 82 pound-feet of torque at 4,200 RPM, mated to either a standard five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. That's not a lot of go-juice, but luckily the Spark weighs in at only 2,269 pounds when equipped with the manual transmission.

The little hatchback will feature an available MyLink infotainment system with a seven-inch touch screen that features smartphone-based navigation and Bluetooth for hands-free calling. The Spark also comes with standard 15-inch alloy wheels, which should help reduce cabin noise compared to the steel wheels that are standard on many subcompacts.

The Chevy Spark is scheduled to arrive in dealerships mid-2012. Hit the jump to read over the official press release.

Continue reading 2013 Chevrolet Spark is a pastel paradise

2013 Chevrolet Spark is a pastel paradise originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 20:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #256 LIVE

Dan Roth — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Cadillac, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Lexus

We record Episode #256 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, and you can drop us your questions via our Q&A module below. Check out our discussion topics or chime in to help determine what else the crew chats about this evening. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #256

[UStream] Interact LIVE at UStream - 10PM Eastern on Monday, November 14, 2011
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator

Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #256 LIVE originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Nov 2011 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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U.S. Chevy Spark revealed ahead of Los Angeles show

Dan Roth — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Budget, Hatchback, Chevrolet, Design/Style

On Wednesday, the 2013 Chevrolet Spark will be unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The small hatchback has been tweaked for the North American market, and the hope is that the Spark takes off like wildfire with buyers. Chevrolet thinks the Spark will find favor with buyers living in cities, as well as first-time purchasers.

To that end, the entry-level Spark has been designed carefully. Obvious forethought went into the packaging of the virtually hidden rear passenger doors (not unlike its larger cousin, the five-door Sonic), and color choices with names like Salsa, Jalapeno, Denim, Lemonade, and Techno Pink are clearly aimed at a customer looking for something imaginative. Unique to our Spark will be a redesigned front fascia with distinct foglamp housings and airdam. The grille stretches further down the nose, too, and out back there are taillamps and bumper designs specific to the United States and Canadian markets.

Beyond the aesthetic alterations, important Spark details include a 1.2-liter dual-overhead cam four cylinder that spins 15-inch alloy wheels with 85 hp through a standard five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic. Chevrolet MyLink is available in the Spark with a seven-inch touchscreen. Mylink features Bluetooth phone integration, and Pandora or Stitcher can be piped through your smartphone and directly into Mylink. Standard air conditioning and power windows, along with a motorcycle-inspired gauge cluster (there's that Sonic influence again) and color coordinated interior serve to spiff things up. It seems the message has sunk in that small cars don't have to be brutally decontented.

Check out the press release after the jump, and stay tuned to our full-court-press coverage of the LA show, where we'll get a chance to climb in and around the 2013 Chevrolet Spark and give you our firsthand impressions.

Continue reading U.S. Chevy Spark revealed ahead of Los Angeles show

U.S. Chevy Spark revealed ahead of Los Angeles show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Nov 2011 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Chevy Spark headed to North America with updated design

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM

You already know that the Chevrolet Spark is destined for U.S. soil. Now, however, comes word that General Motors plans to give the subcompact hatchback a light facelift before it arrives. The version you see above will get slightly refreshed mug before it shows up in your local dealer's showroom.

Originally slated to be a 2012 model, the reworked Spark is now expected to arrive in the middle of 2012 for the 2013 model year. GM Inside News reports that The General will bring the car Stateside with a 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine under the hood, which can be paired with either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual gearbox (each down a gear from where they should be, sadly). Either combination should be able to hit 40 miles per gallon in a combination of highway and city driving.

2013 Chevy Spark headed to North America with updated design originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Sep 2011 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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