The current Chevrolet Spark. launched in North America for 2013, has been a sales success for General Motors.

The company has sold more than 1 million units of the stylish minicar globally since it first went on sale back in 2009.

Offered in 71 markets and originating in South Korea, the Spark is also one of the company's most globalized models.

DON'T MISS: 2014 Chevrolet Spark With CVT: Gas Mileage Review

That means there will be a lot riding on the tiny wheels of the next-generation 2016 Spark, which Chevy says will be unveiled April 2.

Reflecting its internationalist mission, the 2016 Spark will debut simultaneously at both the 2015 New York Auto Show, and at the auto show in Seoul.

Chevy promises a "sleeker, more aerodynamic profile," but has little else to say about the updated minicar for now.

next-generation 2017 Chevrolet Spark testing in South Korea [photo: BobaEdream.co.kr]

next-generation 2017 Chevrolet Spark testing in South Korea [photo: BobaEdream.co.kr]

Previously-leaked photos of a car testing in South Korea indicate most of the styling changes will be forward of the firewall, and will include a bigger grille and new headlights.

However, the changes under that reshaped front end may be even more significant.

The 2016 Spark is expected to draw from the pool of new General Motors Ecotec three- and four-cylinder engines.

CHECK OUT: GM's New 3- And 4-Cylinder Engines Face Off Against Ford, VW

Ranging in size from 1.0 to 1.5 liters, the new Ecotec family represents GM's response to efficiency-focused engine lines such as Volkswagen's EA211, and Ford's smaller EcoBoost engines.

A 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder variant has already been shown in the European Opel Adam minicar, while a 1.5-liter four-cylinder will act as the range extender in the 2016 Chevy Volt.

Details will have to wait until the Spark's New York debut, but a 1.0-liter engine would give Chevy a rival to the Ford Fiesta's 1.0-liter EcoBoost three.

2015 Chevrolet Spark

2015 Chevrolet Spark

One thing that likely won't be part of the redesign is a new version of the Chevy Spark EV electric car.

That model's role will be taken over by the production version of the Chevrolet Bolt concept car shown in January at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show.

Unlike the current Spark EV, the Bolt will be sold in all 50 states when it goes on sale in early 2017, GM says.

MORE: One Million Chevrolet Spark Minicars Sold Globally Since 2009

While the Spark EV is only sold in California, Oregon, and Maryland, the overall Spark model line has proven popular in the U.S.

GM has said that the U.S. is the second-largest single market for the car, after its home country of South Korea.

Green Car Reports will bring you all the news and photos of the concept cars and production models at the New York Auto Show, where media previews start three weeks from today.

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