- Chevrolet unveiled the new Spark EUV during a special event in Brazil.
- The electric SUV is essentially a rebadged Baojun Yep Plus from China.
- It will likely share the same specs, offering an affordable price tag.
Chevrolet has found a clever (read: cost-effective) way to make the most of its SAIC-GM-Wuling joint venture by rebadging one of China’s most charming EVs, the Baojun Yep Plus. This fully electric urban SUV made an unexpected debut during a special event celebrating Chevrolet’s 100th anniversary in the Brazilian market.
The new model, set to be sold in Brazil as the Chevrolet Spark EUV, is essentially a Baojun Yep Plus with a Chevy badge stuck on the grille—no other major changes to speak of. Despite sharing a name and compact proportions, the Spark EUV has absolutely nothing in common with the Spark EV, Chevrolet’s short-lived electric hatchback sold in select states in the US from 2013 to 2017 before being phased out for the Bolt.
More: 12-Year Old Chevrolet Trailblazer Receives Another Facelift In Brazil
While GM hasn’t revealed the full specs or a launch timeline for the Spark EUV, the announcement did come with a broader promise: the company plans to introduce 10 new models to the Brazilian market by 2025, with five of them categorized as “major” launches. The Spark EUV, given its potential appeal and positioning, is likely one of the more significant additions.
Based on the dimensions of the Baojun Yep Plus at 3,996 mm (157.3 inches) long with a 2,560 mm (100.8 inches) wheelbase, the Spark EUV will take the crown as Chevrolet’s smallest offering. While the Baojun Yep Plus lineup includes a five-door version, a three-door variant, and even a pickup concept, it’s unclear if Chevrolet plans to bring any of these alternative body styles to the Brazilian market alongside the rebadged model.
Chances are that the Spark EUV will borrow its powertrain directly from the Chinese-spec Baojun Yep Plus, which features a rear-mounted electric motor delivering 101 hp (75 kW / 102 PS) and a 41.9 kWh battery pack. This setup offers a respectable 401 km (249 miles) of range on China’s CLTC cycle.
More: China-Made 2024 Chevrolet Aveo Unveiled In Mexico
Inside, the Baojun Yep Plus features a modern digital cockpit with dual 10.2-inch displays and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) developed by none other than drone-maker DJI. The addition of an extra set of doors and a roomier four-seat cabin makes the Yep Plus significantly more practical than its smaller sibling, broadening its appeal to a wider range of buyers.
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of this tiny off-roader is its affordability. While Chevrolet hasn’t revealed Brazilian pricing yet, the identical Baojun Yep Plus starts at just ¥93,800 (around $12,900) in China.
In addition to unveiling the Chevrolet Spark EUV, the company also announced a 100th Anniversary Special Series trim for the Onix, Tracker, and S10, an exclusive lineup designed specifically for the Brazilian market.
Note: Our lead photo shows a Baojun Yep Plus with a photoshopped Chevrolet badge. Official images of the Spark EUV haven’t been released yet, but the model did make its debut at the recent event, as seen in the video below.