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Chevrolet reveals Essentia sedan, Spark Activ crossover concept:: Unlikely for Australia

Chevrolet has taken the wraps off the Chevrolet Essentia sedan and Spark Activ crossover concept at the 2016 Delhi motor show.


Built off the Spark platform, the Essentia and Spark Activ concept convert the pint-sized Spark into a functional sedan and lifestyle crossover respectively. Both models are derived from the Spark Cross concept, which was revealed earlier in the year.

With an expected release date of 2017 for the Essentia, the Indian-built extensions of the Spark moniker will help Chevrolet increase export production in India from 21,000 to over 50,000 units per year.

While engines are yet to be confirmed, the Spark Essentia and Activ are both expected to be offered with the Spark's 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 63kW of power and 112Nm of torque, and the brand's 1.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that produces 46kW of power and 150Nm of torque.

CarAdvice spoke with chief marketing officer of Chevrolet, Tim Mahoney, about the prospect of the right-hand drive Essentia making it to Australia and Holden in the near future.

"I can't comment. I'm the head of the Chevrolet brand... I think that's the interesting thing about Chevrolet and General Motors as a larger enterprise: we have the resources to do a variety of products - I think this one for sure is perfect for this [the Indian] market," Mahoney said.

"It looks like the car was really purpose-built for a notchback, as opposed to starting its life as a hatchback and then you had to put the trunk on. It really has a lot of those things we talk about at Chevrolet."

"It's got a really good design, good performance and it brings some of the technology that consumers are asking for," he said.

Both the Essentia and Spark Activ come with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Chevrolet's MyLink infotainment system.

Australia

Speaking with CarAdvice, Holden Australia communications manager Mark Flintoft confirmed that the car maker will focus on the Spark hatch already locked in for our market.

“The Chevrolet Essentia looks like a great car, however, we have elected not to bring it to Australia. Holden will concentrate its micro-car offering on the soon to be launched, all-new Spark," Flintoft said.

"Following Spark’s Australian development input, we are confident this is a car that will handle Australian conditions and customer needs.”

What are your thoughts? Do you think the new Chevrolet Essentia and Spark Activ look the goods?

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