Preorders for GM Korea Co.'s latest version of the Spark city car have topped 3,000 in less than three weeks since its media showcase, industry data showed Friday.

On July 1, GM Korea, the local unit of U.S. carmaker General Motors Co., held a media event where it showcased the next-generation Spark and started to receive preorders. It plans to launch official sales in August.

During the past weeks, the preorder contracts reached around 3,300, which represented a daily average of over 300 units based on working days.

If this pace continues, its monthly sales could reach up to 7,000 units, similar to the sales pace of the market leader Morning of Kia Motors Corp.

The new Spark equipped with an improved powertrain, a refined and balanced design, and a series of new safety features comes in three trim levels and drivers can also choose from 10 different paint jobs for the exterior, as well as four colors for the interior. 

Of the total preorder contracts, 60 percent opted to buy the highest LTZ trim, while 15 percent chose to purchase its Eco model that offers a fuel efficiency of 15.7 kmpl, which is better than other trims, the data showed.

GM Korea expects to regain its market leading position with the new Spark. The last time the Spark outpaced the current leader Morning in terms of market share was December 2007.

"We believe this vehicle can capture the No. 1 position in the entire mini segment," said Marc Comeau, vice president of GM Korea's vehicle sales, service and marketing, during the media launch event earlier this month. (Yonhap)