Browse over 9,000 car reviews
The diminutive Holden Spark debuted in Australia in 2010, slotting in underneath the Barina in the local line-up at the time.
Somewhat confusingly, there was also a version of the Barina known as the Spark, but a stand-alone version of the Spark now kicks off Holden’s passenger range.
The micro four-door, five-seat hatch is the cheapest Holden on salen starting at $7,480 for the Spark LS (5YR), and all models run the same 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with either a five-speed manual or CVT auto. The range tops out at $14,300 for Spark LT (5YR). It’s known as a global car, and it’s offered in almost identical guise in other countries, with names like the Opel Karl and Vauxhall Viva.
We weren’t thrilled by the cheap feel of the old Holden Spark’s cabin with its hard plastics and it’s good to see that’s no longer the case. Okay, there’s nothing luxurious about the interior (see the images), and there’s still a lot of hard plastic but the materials used have a more premium feel. There’s cooler interior with styling, with a clean dashboard and a large centre console stack featuring the touchscreen and aircon controls – it’s a simple and functional design. The LS has cloth seats, while the LT gets black Sportic trim and upholstery – it looks like leather, but is most definitely not.
Open the bonnet of the car and find the build plate. It will probably be attached to either the firewall or the suspension tower. The plate is a small, metal plate that lists information such as the car’s model, build number, its engine details, trim code, the build date and the colour code. This information can then be given to a paint shop and the correct colour brewed up to make for a perfect colour match for repairs and touch-ups.
Show more
In a word, don’t take any notice of the dealer telling you the CVT is troublesome, he’s only trying to put you off and get you to sign up for his car. The CVT is new to the 2016 Spark, so there’s been to time for it to acquire a reputation for trouble. Everything suggests the Spark is a good car.
Show more