General Motors SA is on a price reduction roll, at least as far as its Chevrolet products are concerned.
Sadly for us, the company hasn't suddenly introduced the Camaro at a rock-bottom price - but there is good news for those seeking a more sensible entry-level hatch or sedan.
Following the realignment of the Spark range at the end of April, in which pricing on the now-locally-produced city car was reduced, Chevrolet has now made its older-generation products more affordable.
GMSA says it has been able to negotiate lower prices for the imported Spark Lite and Aveo models from its parent company due to “initial cost amortisation over their extended lives.” Think VW Citi Golf and Polo Vivo and you get the drift.
AVEO
There's been some rationalisation in the case of the Sonic's predecessor, the Aveo hatch now being available in just one version called the '1.6'. R19 100 cheaper than the previous L model, the 1.6 costs just R117 300 and comes with air conditioning, power steering, ABS and a driver-side airbag - the passenger airbag and radio have been removed, we see.
Its engine is good for 77kW and 145Nm and it's also now the cheapest 1.6-litre car on the market.
The Aveo sedan offers a wider line-up in which the R121 300 1.6 is joined by an LS model that offers a choice between manual and automatic transmission, which respectively cost R140 300 and R152 300, down from R154 300 and R166 400.
The LS offers comfort features like dual airbags, power front windows, central locking, a CD/MP3 player with aux input and a height-adjustable driver's seat.
SPARK LITE
The midget in the range has also been caught up in the discounting frenzy, with GMSA having dropped the price of the older-generation Spark 1.0 LS from R98 700 to R86 200. The 38kW 0.8 model, which previously cost R82 300, has been discontinued. Sure you'll all miss it?
What's more, the 49kW 1.0 LS model hasn't been asked to strip, its standard spec sheet still including dual front airbags, ABS brakes, air conditioning and electric windows.
All Chevrolet cars are backed up by a five-year/120 000km warranty and the equivalent road side assistance.
PRICES
Spark Lite
1.0 LS - R86 200
Aveo hatch
1.6 - R117 300
Aveo sedan
1.6 - R121 300
1.6 LS - R140 300
1.6 LS AT - R152 300