Chevy Spark: 3 Things Auto Mechanic Training Students Should Know About Canada's Cheapest Car!
At the Montreal Auto Show, Chevrolet announced the launch of its ridiculously low-priced 2016 Chevy Spark. The Spark will start at $9,995, officially making it the least expensive car in North America. 45 per cent of the Canadian consumers who’ve bought previous models of the Chevy Spark were first time Chevrolet owners, and the automaker says that the reason for the price is to keep this trend going.
Students pursuing auto mechanic training might assume that at such a low price, the 2016 Chevy Spark mustn’t offer any comfort, tech or advanced safety features. Surprisingly, the base model is actually loaded with tons of advanced features.
If you’re planning to enroll in an auto mechanic college, read on to learn more about this inexpensive car, and find out why you might be seeing a lot of it during your career.
Chevy Spark’s Tech Features: A Guide for Auto Mechanic Training Students
Students in auto mechanic training programs know that there’s been a huge rise in the standard tech featured offered in most cars over the past few years. While the new Spark boasts a very low price, it comes equipped with an impressive range of tech features that are not included in many pricier models.
The 2016 Spark offers a range of back up cameras and a 7-inch touch screen infotainment display. The car’s MyLink infotainment system will include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as an OnStar system, which has a 4G LTE wireless connection that can serve as a WiFi hotspot to drivers.
The base model of the Spark will come with 10 standard airbags. Drivers who don’t mind spending a little more on their car can purchase additional convenient features like a rear park assist system—which can help drivers get into tight parking spots easily—as well as a forward collision alert system, and lane departure warning.
Engine Specs: Auto Mechanics Will Want To Get Under the Spark’s Hood
Because the price is so low, students in automotive training schools are safe to assume that the all-new Spark engine was also designed to save drivers some money on gas. The compact 1.4L dual overhead cam engine gets a fuel consumption rating of 5.7L/100km of highway driving. The 2016 Spark is also 1.6 inches shorter than previous models, which gives its fuel economy another slight boost.
The base model Spark comes with a 5-speed manual transmission. However, drivers can swap this for a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). A CVT is an intelligent transmission that adjusts to driver throttle input and speed to guarantee a smooth ride.
Feast your eyes on the all-new 2016 Chevy Spark here:
Pros with Auto Mechanic Training Know Canada Offers Other Cars Under $10K
Interestingly, while the Spark’s price seems shockingly low, there are currently two other models in Canadian showrooms that fall within a similar bracket.
For instance, the Nissan Micra has a slightly stronger 1.6 litre engine that can produce 109 horsepower. It comes with fewer airbags than are included in the Chevy Spark, however, and it doesn’t feature a touch screen display.
Another affordable option for car buyers is the 2015 Mitsubishi Mirage, priced at $12,498—but the company will subtract $2,500 for promotional incentives. The 2017 model will be available in March, and has a 1.2 litre engine that generates 78 horsepower. Similar to the Spark, the all-new Mirage will offer Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with a long list of important safety and fuel economy features.
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