Import GM Spark from Korea 2005-2022 – Price,Generations, Specs, and Global Demand
The GM Spark from Korea is a compact city car originally sold by Chevrolet, succeeding the popular Daewoo Matiz, which was considered the symbol of Korean mini cars. When combined with the Matiz lineage, the Spark reached 24 years of continuous production by 2022, making it one of the longest-produced small cars in Korea. After its discontinuation in Korea, the Spark nameplate briefly appeared in Egypt for the Wuling Air EV, and in 2025 it returned in Brazil as the Spark EUV, a rebadged Baojun Yep Plus for Chevrolet’s market strategy. 👉 For overseas buyers, the Spark is still a cost-effective import option due to its affordability, compact size, and global parts availability.
Launch Background GM Spark from Korea
The 3rd generation GM Spark from Korea was first released in late 2009 as the Daewoo Matiz Creative. In 2011, following the brand transition from GM Daewoo to Chevrolet, the car was renamed Chevrolet Spark. This marked the beginning of Spark’s global journey as a key Chevrolet city car.
Chevrolet Spark (Daewoo Matiz) — Generation Quick Guide
Engine note (Korea): Domestic Spark/Matiz used 1.0L gasoline and 1.0L LPG. The 1.2L gasoline appeared in some overseas markets, not in Korea.
2nd Gen (M200/M250, 2005–2011 global) GM Spark from Korea
Why it matters: A major refresh improved aerodynamics and efficiency, introduced a center-mounted cluster, and adopted a revised rear torsion beam suspension. Buyer angle: The model remained very budget-friendly with strong parts availability, making it especially popular for taxi and rental fleets in Latin America and Asia.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Names | Chevrolet/Daewoo Matiz, Spark Lite, Chevytaxi, Joy, FSO Matiz |
| Assembly | Korea (Changwon), India, Colombia, Pakistan, Vietnam, etc. |
| Body | 5-door hatchback |
| Engines | 0.8L I3 (~52 PS) / 1.0L I4 (~66 PS) (market-dependent) |
| Transmissions | 5MT / 4AT |
| Size | WB 2,345 mm · L 3,495 mm |
| Safety (EU ’05) | Adult 17 pts (period-typical) |
| Highlights | Better aero & MPG, center cluster, Italy LPG “Eco Logic” |
| Strong markets | Latin America, South/Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe |
3rd Gen (M300, 2009–2015 KR; longer elsewhere) GM Spark from Korea
Why it matters: Built on the new global Gamma II platform, the Matiz Creative was rebranded as the Chevrolet Spark, with additional variants like the notchback Beat NB and the crossover-styled Activ. Buyer angle: Offered with multiple powertrains including 1.0L/1.2L gasoline, some LPG versions, and a 0.936L diesel (India), the model provided broad parts cross-compatibility and strong global demand.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Names | Daewoo Matiz Creative (KR ’09–’11), Chevrolet Spark/Beat, Holden Barina Spark, Ravon R2 |
| Assembly | Korea, India, Uzbekistan, Colombia, Vietnam, etc. |
| Body | 5-door hatch; 4-door notchback (Beat NB) |
| Engines | Gas 1.0/1.2 (by market), LPG 1.2 (India), Diesel 0.936L (India) |
| Transmissions | 5MT / 4AT / CVT (Jatco) |
| Size | WB 2,375 mm · L 3,640–3,675 mm (NB 3,995 mm) |
| Safety | Euro NCAP 2009 adult 81%; Latin NCAP base no-airbag = low |
| Trims/updates | Facelifts (2012/2017), Activ (crossover look), taxi specials |
| Strong markets | Mexico/Chile/Colombia, CIS (Ravon R2), India/Vietnam |
Heads-up: Some markets reported CVT durability concerns → inspect transmission health when buying.
4th Gen (M400, 2015–2022) GM Spark from Korea
Why it matters: Featuring a new design, improved safety systems, and upgraded infotainment, this generation also spawned global twins such as the Opel Karl, Vauxhall Viva, and VinFast Fadil. Buyer angle: With the newest technology and enhanced safety, it offers the best resale value in markets where compact city cars are in high demand.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Names | Chevrolet Spark, Holden Spark, Opel Karl/Vauxhall Viva, VinFast Fadil (license) |
| Assembly | Korea (Changwon), etc. |
| Body | 5-door hatchback |
| Engines (by market) | 1.0L I3 (KR/EU), 1.4L I4 (NA, some LatAm) |
| Korea engines | 1.0L gasoline / 1.0L LPG (no 1.2L in Korea) |
| Transmissions | 5MT / CVT |
| Size | WB 2,385 mm · L 3,595–3,636 mm |
| Safety/Tech | Optional AEB (low-speed), 7″ Infotainment (2019MY upgrade) |
| Facelift | 2018 (2019MY): front styling + infotainment |
| Strong markets | North & Latin America, SE Asia, CIS (incl. Fadil lineage) |
Competitors
Kia Morning (Picanto)
Hyundai i10 / Casper
Volkswagen Up!
Fiat 500
Renault Twingo
Smart ForFour
Ford Ka
These models compete directly with the Chevrolet Spark in international markets, but the Spark’s advantage lies in its Korean origin, strong parts supply chain, and cost competitiveness.
FAQ for Buyers
Q1. What is the average export price of GM Spark from Korea?
→ 2015–2020 models are available from USD 2,000–4,000 depending on condition.
Q2. Which countries import GM Spark from Korea the most?
→ Central America, South America, Africa, and the Middle East are the main buyers.
Q3. Is it easy to find spare parts for GM Spark from Korea?
→ Yes. Since Spark shares its platform with Matiz and other GM small cars, parts availability is strong worldwide.
Q4. How many units fit in a 40ft container?
→ Typically 6 units of Spark can be loaded in a single 40ft High Cube container.