LA MOTOR SHOW: Chevrolet Spark Activ

Chevrolet has trotted out a rugged new version of its tiny city car, dubbed the Spark Activ.

Sporting a 10mm higher ride height and various body cladding addons, such as flared wheel arches and new bumpers, the car is a "trail-inspired" urban runabout says Chevrolet.

Without the mini-SUV 'Activ' extras, the same vehicle is sold in Australia under the Holden Spark moniker.

Fitted with plenty of extra fruit, such as leather-appointed (and heated) front seats, a leather-covered steering wheel, 15-inch alloy wheels and several levels of connectivity via a 7-inch MyLink colour touchscreen system, the vehicle will launch in the USA early in 2017 priced from $16,945.

Translated, that amounts to about $22,000 in Aussie dollars and although it's significantly more than the any Holden Spark available in Australia today ($13,990-$18,990), the micro car range would likely benefit from a halo model.

An all-new and much improved Spark was launched here in April 2016 and has revitalised the micro car, with the public and media warming to the new Holden Spark in Australia. It is now the second highest-selling car in the micro segment, generating almost 1500 sales or 18.1 per cent market share, representing a 12 per cent increase on 2015's Spark sales.

The Spark Activ was first revealed in India at the 2015 Delhi motor show and is now set to be rolled out in the USA. Will Australia be its next destination?

"The Chevrolet Spark Activ looks like a great car however we have nothing to announce at this time," said Holden's product communications manager, Mark Flintoft.

"Holden will concentrate its small SUV offering on the recently announced redesigned Trax," he said, but added that Holden was "committed to leveraging GM's global portfolio to provide the best vehicles for Australia."

Other standard features of the US-market Spark Activ include three month subscriptions to satellite radio (SiriusXM), OnStar Guidance, and 4G internet. It also comes with cruise control and remote keyless entry.

Pitched a soft roader, the new model will remain front-wheel drive and is expected to be powered by the same 1.4-litre petrol engine (73kW/128Nm) used in Australian market Holden Spark vehicles. With slightly more ride height it looks more adventurous and has to the potential to tackle more challenging dirt tracks than the regular Spark and perhaps even beach driving.

"The new Spark Activ is all about adventurous fun and style," said Chevrolet's chief of marketing for cars and crossovers, Steve Majoros.

"It has an attitude, while still offering the sophisticated, efficient and connected driving experience customers have come to love."