In addition to the updated Malibu, GM has unveiled refreshed versions of the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze and 2019 Chevrolet Spark, touting that the trio ushers in “the restyled face of Chevy cars.”
2019 Chevrolet Cruze
Like the Malibu, the Cruze gets a new grille and front fascia for 2019. The changes are subtle, but the upper and lower grilles are now wider with different horizontal slats. The headlights, though similar to last year’s lamps, have been redesigned with new LED piping. Chevy also added LED accents to the taillights on the Premier trim. The Cruze can still be had as either a sedan or hatchback, a body style Chevy says accounted for 20 percent of all Cruze sales in 2017, the hatch’s first full year of production.
Also new for 2019 is a standard 7.0-inch touchscreen running the latest Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system. LT and Premier models now get automatic climate control and remote start standard, and RS models receive black window trim, black emblems, and black 17-inch machined alloy wheels. New wheel designs are available across the lineup, and a new Umber interior color joins the list of available color schemes.
The Cruze’s turbocharged 1.4-liter I-4 will carry over making the same 153 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque, as will its available 1.6-liter turbodiesel I-4 that makes 137 hp and 240 lb-ft. The gas engine continues to be available paired with either a six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel gets either a six-speed manual or a six-speed auto.
2019 Chevrolet Spark
The Subcompact 2019 Chevrolet Spark’s face-lift is a bit more obvious compared to the Cruze, as the grille and lower front valance have been completely redesigned with a chrome frame that connects both intake openings. The headlights have also been upgraded with available projector-style lamps, while the available LED daytime running lights have been moved down. In back, the the Spark gets dual-element taillights to bring it in line with the rest of the refreshed Chevy car lineup.
The available Driver Confidence Package gains a new Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking feature that can automatically apply the brakes if a collision is imminent at speeds between 5-37 mph. Other new features include a standard Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, two illuminated USB ports, and True White interior lighting. The 2019 Spark also gets new wheel designs and adds Orange Burst Metallic, Caribbean Blue Metallic, Raspberry, and Passion Fruit to its list of available colors. A 98-hp, 94-lb-ft naturally aspirated 1.4-liter I-4 continues to be the only engine option, paired to either a five-speed manual or CVT.
Both cars go on sale later this year, and pricing will be announced at a later date. Though the Cruze and Spark receive updates to keep them fresh for the next couple years, the Sonic subcompact may not be so lucky. The Wall Street Journal reports that GM will end production of the Sonic as early as this year due to U.S. consumer tastes shifting away from small cars toward SUVs and crossovers. Will the Cruze and Spark live to see another generation in this market? Only time will tell.
Source: GM, The Wall Street Journal (Subscription required)