Isbark.com

Midway through 2024, CarBuzzspotted a patent from General Motors for the name “Chevrolet Spark EUV,” suggesting that the small hatchback could return, this time as a lifted crossover of some sort. Thanks to the folks at GM Authority, we now know exactly what the new Spark EUV will look like and at least one market where it will be sold. The model will be sold in Brazil, the largest country in South America, where GM is celebrating its 100th year of operations.

GM has been spotted testing pre-production units of the Spark EUV there, wearing camouflage to disguise its appearance. Despite the camo, the outlet managed to nab spy photos of the car completely uncovered, revealing some interesting details about it. Based on the undisguised images, we can confirm that the Spark EUV will be a rebadged version of the Baojun Yep, a Chinese electric crossover built by SAIC-GM-Wuling.

Classic Shapes With Cute Looks

Our American audience can be forgiven for not being intimately familiar with the Baojun Yep, a tiny city car that is only sold in China. It’s offered as a three-door SUV or a two-door pickup truck with a miniature bed, though the Brazilian market will get a more practical five-door SUV variant, based on the spy shots. Aside from the extra doors, some different wheels, and the absence of a little screen on the back, the Spark EUV looks nearly identical to the Yep. It just has Chevy bowties and says “Spark EUV Activ” on the back.

Your changes have been saved

Add CarBuzz to your Google News feed.

The Brazilian Chevy version should use the same rear-mounted electric motor found in the Baojun, which produces just 100 horsepower. China even gets a less powerful version that develops only 68 hp. The range is rated at approximately 250 miles, but that is measured on the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle, which typically inflates range well above EPA numbers.

The Chevy Bolt Will Fulfill A Similar Role

The Spark EUV’s arrival in South America brings it one step closer to the United States, though it seems unlikely that GM would ever sell it here. GM currently imports vehicles from China to the US – the Buick Envision is currently built there – but EVs are hit with a 100% tariff. There’s zero chance American consumers would gravitate to a car called the Yep, but even with the Chevy badges, it’s still not the sort of car that’s popular in the land of pickup trucks and free soda refills.

Related

GM’s Latest EV Flagship Is China’s Answer To The Porsche Taycan

It’s for “urban commuters, from young families to elites.”

GM has sold the Spark since 1998 for over four generations, but only the third- and fourth-generation models were ever brought to the US. The Spark was more appealing for global markets, where it was offered under many names, such as the Daewoo Matiz Classic, Chevrolet Matiz, Pontiac Matiz, FSO Matiz, Chevrolet Joy, Chevrolet Chevytaxi, Holden Barina Spark, Chevrolet Beat, Opel Karl, Vauxhall Viva, and VinFast Fadil among others. Chevy will already have an affordable EV for North America, the upcoming next-generation Chevy Bolt, so we doubt that car will be undercut by the Spark EUV.

Source:

GM Authority