New Holden Spark from $13,990

GM Holden has announced a starting price of $13,990 plus on-road costs for its all-new Spark city-car, ahead of its release in April.

That makes it $1100 more expensive than the Barina Spark it replaces (from $12,890), but still undercuts most micro-car rivals except the Mitsubishi Mirage (from $11,990), Suzuki Celerio ($12,990 driveaway) and Nissan Micra (from $13,490).

Also pushing the new South Korean-made sub-light car further upmarket will be a second variant, the LT automatic priced at $18,990 plus ORCs – more than the cheapest Barina hatch and sedan ($15,890).

All Sparks are powered by a new 73kW/128Nm 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, matched to a five-speed manual transmission in the base LS, which can also be had with the LT's standard CVT automatic for an extra $1700 ($15,690 plus ORCs).

An optional Driver Assistance Pack will be available for the entry-level Spark LS from June, including reversing sensors, reversing camera and cruise control (all of which is standard on the LT).

Another option will be prestige paint (Carbon Flash Black, Nitrate silver, Mystic Violet and Splash metallic blue), which costs $550 more than standard solid colours including Summit White, Solar Red and Fresh Lime Green.

Holden will also offer a range of personalisation options in the form of a range of genuine accessories, including alloy wheels with coloured inserts, mirror scalps, spoilers, bonnet protectors and floor mats, making the Spark one of the most customisable Holdens ever.

Two weeks ago Holden announced the redesigned Spark, which benefits from significant Australian chassis engineering input, will set a new benchmark for technology in its segment by featuring a 7.0-inch colour touch-screen infotainment system with Siri Eyes Free smartphone voice recognition, Holden MyLink, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto multimedia functionality.

Now it says it will "shake up the micro-car segment" by bringing premium features including keyless entry and push-button start. However, those features are seen only in the LT flagship.

Standard on the base LS models will be remote central locking, steering wheel audio controls, driver information cluster and a 60/40-split folding rear seat.

Safety features extend to six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), traction control (TCS), anti-lock braking (ABS) and hill-start assist (HSA). However, only LT buyers score a reversing camera and rear parking sensors.

While the base LS rides on 14-inch steel wheels with plastic covers, the top-spec LT adds 15-inch alloys, CVT auto, keyless entry, push-button start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Jet Black Sportec seat trim, Mirotic White interior highlights, a chromed grille and window sills, Rear Park Assist, Rear View Camera, daytime running lights and cruise control.

"Spark's customers are a very social and connected group. They expect technology to work seamlessly, and that's what Spark delivers," said Holden's Executive Director of Marketing, Geraldine Davys.

"Spark's combination of the intuitive Apple CarPlay/Android Auto phone projection system and voice recognition software allows customers to continue their communication with friends or listen to music whilst enjoying their drive.

"With all of Spark's technology at drivers' fingertips, they are able to stay seamlessly connected and entertained wherever they choose to explore.

"Spark is a car for people who are choosing based on content, looks and performance, not just budgets. That said, we're proud to be able to offer this incredible range of technology placed into an all-new car, to customers with prices starting below $14,000."

The latest Spark rides on an all-new chassis architecture with a slightly longer wheelbase and its body is stronger, aiding ride and handling, but it's a similar length and lower than the outgoing Barina Spark, with which it offers comparable cabin space.

Holden claims it brings an improved driving position and upgraded interior materials, while thinner A-pillars are said to enhance outward vision.

Watch this space for our first drive from the local launch in April.

2016 Holden Spark pricing (plus ORCs):
LS manual – $13,990
LS automatic – $15,690
LT automatic – $18,990