- Fuel-efficient 1.4-litre petrol engine
- Dated five-speed manual transmission
- Upswept rear door and C-pillar limit rear visibility
Overview
Released in Australia in April 2016, the Holden MP Spark was a light, five-door hatchback. Manufactured in Changwon, South Korea, the front-wheel drive Holden Spark was powered by a 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or dual range continuously variable transmission.
ECOTEC engine
The Holden Spark’s 1.4-litre ‘Ecotec’ engine had an aluminium block, an aluminium cylinder head with integrated exhaust manifold, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, a compression ratio of 10.6:1 and a counter-rotating balance shaft. To reduce fuel consumption, the engine also features:
- low-friction piston rings;
- a low-friction camshaft drive; and,
- a low-friction oil pump.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spark LS | 1.4-litre petrol I4 | 5sp man. | 73 kW at 6200 rpm | 124 Nm at 4400 rpm |
| Spart LT | 1.4-litre petrol I4 | CVT | 73 kW at 6200 rpm | 124 Nm at 4400 rpm |
Dimensions
Compared to the Holden Barina Spark which preceded it, the Holden MP Spark was the same length (at 3595 mm), 2 mm narrower (1595 mm, excluding door mirrors), 46 mm lower (1476 mm) and had a 10 mm longer wheelbase (2385 mm). Luggage capacity was 185 litres with the rear seats in position, though this increased to 985 litres when the seats are folded and luggage is filled to the roofline.
Suspension and steering
The Holden MP Spark had MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle. For Australia, the suspension settings were developed by Holden for local conditions.
The Holden Spark had rack-and-pinion steering with electric power assistance.
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Holden MP Spark included dual front airbags, front knee airbags, seat-mounted side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters.
ANCAP crash testing
In ANCAP crash testing , the Holden Spark received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 33.60 out of 37. In the frontal offset test, protection of the driver’s head, thighs and feet were rated as good, though chest and lower left leg protection were rated as adequate (i.e. a slight risk of serious injury); for the lower right leg, protection was rated as marginal.
Features: Holden Spark LS
Standard features for the Holden Spark LS included 5.0J x 14-inch steel wheels with 165/65 R14 79T tyres, GM’s ‘MyLink’ infotainment system with a seven-inch colour touch screen, Bluetooth mobile connectivity and audio streaming, Apple CarPlay and Android auto compatibility, Siri Eyes Free and smartphone voice recognition, a four speaker sound system, a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, air conditioning, daytime running lamps, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, powered front windows, power adjustable mirrors, a height adjustable steering wheel, a trip computer and immobiliser.
Both the Spark LS and Spark LT were fitted with a 4.0J x 14-inch space saver spare wheel. As an extra-cost option, the Spark LS is offered with a ‘Driver Assistance Pack’ which includes cruise control, a rear view camera and rear park assist (i.e. automated steering for parallel parking manoeuvres).
Features: Holden Spark LT
The Holden Spark LT was further equipped with 6.0J x 15-inch alloy wheels with 185/55 R15 82H tyres, black ‘Sportec’ seat trim, cruise control, front fog lights, a rear view camera, rear park assist, leather-wrapped steering wheel, a proximity key (i.e. keyless entry), rear power windows and push-button start.
Visual cues for the Spark LT included chrome accents for its front grille and lower side window sills.
Paint finishes
The Holden Spark was available in Summit White, Solar Red and Fresh Lime Green paint finishes. Premium paint finishes – which cost an additional $550 – included Carbon Flash Black, Nitrate Silver, Splash metallic blue and Mystic Violet.
Brochure
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