Chevy Malibu, Cruze, Spark undergo nip, tuck for 2019

General Motors’ biggest brand is giving the Cruze, Malibu and Spark facelifts, including a more aggressive split grille design, for the 2019 model year. Chevrolet also upgraded the cars’ infotainment systems and realigned or added options. Powertrain options, aside from one transmission upgrade for the Malibu, remain unchanged.

“The car market today still is very vibrant,” Steve Majoros, Chevrolet’s marketing director for cars and crossovers, said during a preview event here as part of its 2018 Dealer Business Conference.

Many of the changes to the trim options are to lower-priced versions of the cars, where Chevrolet believes most of the growth in the segments will come. “We’ve created some new models for specific price points where we think the market is going to be,” said GM North America President Alan Batey, who also oversees Chevrolet’s global operations.

The 2019 Spark is expected to begin arriving in dealer showrooms in late summer, followed by the Malibu and Cruze in the fall. Pricing for the 2019 models will be announced at a later date.

Malibu

Chevrolet is offering a new RS trim package on five models of the 2019 Malibu starting at about $25,000. It includes a black sport grille, black bowtie emblems, a rear spoiler, 18-inch machined wheels and dual-outlet exhaust. The interior features a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, and black cloth seats. 

Other additions for the midsize sedan include standard 8-inch touchscreen on all models and a CVT transmission, which replaces a six-speed automatic, on all models with the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine.

Cruze

Similar to the Malibu, the 2019 Cruze’s front fascia was freshened and the company added a 7-inch touchscreen as standard equipment. Other changes include remote start and automatic climate control standard on LT and Premier models and dual-element taillamps with LED accent lighting on Premium models, among other options.

Spark

The 2019 Spark’s front fascia is a bit less aggressive than the Cruze and Malibu, as it features a large plastic bumper in the middle of the lower grille.
Asides from the exterior tweaks and available Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking, little changes in the segment-leading mini-car for 2019.

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