Why buy Holden Spark?

The Holden Spark is a budget-friendly, tech-savvy small car with good manoeuvrability, making it ideal for city driving. It comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, enhancing its connectivity features. Although it has limited cargo space and isn't very powerful, its affordability and available safety features like reversing cameras and rear parking sensors add value.

However, a key drawback is that Holden stopped selling new cars in Australia in 2020, which could complicate sourcing parts and getting service. Given this, consider these factors carefully before deciding if the Holden Spark is the right choice for you.

Holden Spark range and updates

The Holden Spark, available as a five-door hatchback, came in two trim levels: LS (base) and LT (higher-end). It featured a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a choice of a five-speed manual or automatic transmission. In 2016, cruise control became standard across all trims, and minor updates like infotainment enhancements and new colour options appeared in later model years. However, there were no significant overhauls to the engine or overall design throughout its lifespan. A budget-friendly example could be the 2010 Holden Spark LS with a manual transmission, while a tech-focused option might be a later model LT featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Holden Spark tech and features

2016 Holden Spark LS

Engine and Drivetrain:

• 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine
• 73 kW (98 hp) of power
• 128 Nm (94 lb-ft) of torque
• Five-speed manual transmission (automatic optional)
• Front-wheel drive

Performance:

• 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in around 14 seconds (approximate)
• Fuel consumption: 5.8 L/100km (combined) (approximate)

Standard Features:

• Electric power steering
• Air conditioning
• Remote central locking
• Power windows (front)
• 60/40 split-folding rear seats
• Steering wheel audio controls
• Driver information cluster with trip computer
• AM/FM radio with CD player and MP3 compatibility
• Auxiliary audio input
• USB port
• Cloth upholstery

Safety Features:

• Six airbags (driver, passenger, front side, and rear side)
• Electronic stability control (ESC)
• Traction control system (TCS)
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD)
• Hill-start assist (HSA)

Optional Features:

• Automatic transmission
• Cruise control (became standard after 2016 update)
• Reversing camera
• Rear parking sensors
• Alloy wheels (instead of standard steel wheels)
• Bluetooth connectivity (for phone calls and music streaming)

Holden Spark running costs and value

The Holden Spark is a budget-friendly city car offering solid fuel efficiency, typically around 5.2L/100km to 5.8L/100km on combined cycle, but potentially closer to 7L/100km in city driving. With a 32L fuel tank, it provides a decent driving range. The vehicle's ownership costs are generally manageable, thanks to capped-price servicing and lower registration costs due to its smaller engine size.

Despite Holden's exit from the new car market in Australia, the Spark's affordability and reliability make it a decent value, especially as a used car. However, availability of parts and long-term servicing may become more challenging as time goes on. Overall, the Holden Spark appeals to budget-conscious drivers needing an efficient city car, though it might have limitations in cargo space and power for some.

Highlights:

Combines performance and efficiency:

• Fuel efficiency: 5.2L/100km to 5.8L/100km (combined cycle), potentially 7L/100km in city driving.
• Engine: Likely a 1.4L petrol engine based on available information.

Petrol range:

• Decent driving range with a 32L fuel tank (exact range will depend on driving conditions).

Electric options:

• No electric options available.

Ownership cost:

• Manageable due to capped-price servicing and lower registration costs.

Appeals to:

• Budget-conscious drivers needing an efficient city car.

Overall

The Holden Spark is a compact, budget-friendly hatchback designed for city driving, offering good fuel efficiency and tech-savvy features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Despite limited cargo space and power, its affordability and available safety features such as reversing cameras and rear parking sensors add to its appeal. However, since Holden has stopped selling new cars in Australia, future servicing and parts availability might pose challenges for owners.