Chevrolet Spark Review

Spark your life with Chevrolet ‘Spark’

The old Daewoo Matiz is back again, crammed beautifully, under the banner of General Motors named as Chevrolet Spark and is all set to compete with the cars best suitable for the small family like Maruti Alto, Zen Estilo, Wagon R Hyundai Santro and Tata Indica Xeta.

Let me first point out the advantages and disadvantages of the model.

Advantages

•    Good power for a small-car
•    Great ride and handling balance
•    Good air-con
•    Impressive looks
•    Good build quality
•    Very manageable in city
•    High-speed stability

Disadvantages

•    No enough room enough for tall people
•    Steering feels light at high speeds
•    Mileage not in the league of competitors
•    Dry interiors

Available in 5 different versions 1.0, 1.0 E, 1.0 PS, 1.0 LS and 1.0 LT, Chevrolet Spark has refined engine, passenger room for its size and spanking new and youthful styling inside out. This car has been made, keeping Matiz in mind. But Spark, just like Matiz looks very cute and at the same time it looks very bold too.

Looks

The new Spark comes in seamless monovolume design. Every aspect of the looks of this car invites attention as it comes in a compact and stylish body. The uniquely formed front headlights and round tail lights make it look very attractive. The short body over hangs, a sharply rising shoulder lines and converging lines at the facade make the Spark a real head tuner.

Interiors

The central cockpit control system and the Optimax cabin of the interior of the spark are to be mentioned. The Spark has a ground breaking interior design with ergonomically advanced controls. In the driver’s direct area of view is a semi-circular display of control and warning lights. The speedometer and instruments which is a combination of analogue and digital displays are strikingly positioned at the centre of the dashboard and easily visible to all passengers.

The Chevrolet Spark comes with a high roof line that offers exceptionally spacious head room for rear seta passengers. These seats are slightly raised to give them a better view. It also makes getting in and out much easier than other conventional cars. You will appreciate the clarity and ergonomics of the dash board with everything in its place and within reach. For added versatility, you can fold down the rear seats 60/40 to fir long objects with comfort and ease. As life is full of choices, the Spark offers a variety of clever and practical storage spaces as standard.

In general the car has dull interiors. Fabric Upholstery is present in all the versions except 1.0 E. Fabric Insert on Door Trims and Rear Parcel Shelf is present in 1.0 LS and 1.0 LT. The 1.0 LT has an additional Metallic Finish on IP and Rich Blue Colour Full Fabric Seats.

Exteriors

The exterior of this mid size car are also worth a note. The exterior features vary for every model, but the 1.0 LT excels the rest. The features supported only by 1.0 LT are Body Colour Tailgate Handle, Body colour Door Handles, Body colour OSRVMs, Rear Spoiler, Satin Silver Roof Rails, Front Fog Lamp, Body Side Moulding with Spark Branding, Front Windshield topband and Mudguards. Tinted glasses is present in all the version except 1.0 E.

Comfort and Convenience

The Chevrolet Spark will surely spark you life and riding it offers more pleasure. The comfort it offers it beyond description.

The comfort features supported by all the versions include IP Lower towage – Driver and Codriver side, Internally Adjustable OSRVMs, Cup Holders in front console, Bottle holders in Front Doors, Day/Night Rear View Mirror, Remote Fuel Filler Release, Remote Tailgate Release, Front Room Lamp, Passenger Side Sunvisor with Sanity Mirror, Low Fuel Warning Lamp, Heater, Seat Back Shopping Hooks, Temperature Guage, Card Holder and AC, but AC is not present in 1.0 E. Power steering is supported by 1.0 PS, 1.0 LS and 1.0 LT. Front Power Windows, Digital Clock, Cigarette Lighter and Detachable Ashtray are present in 1.0 LS and 1.0 LT. The features unique to 1.0 LT are Rear Power Windows, 60:40 Split Double Folding Rear Seat, Rear Defogger, Rear Wiper and Washer, Co-Driver Seat Side Pocket, Co-Driver Seat Back Pocket, Codriver Seat Undertray and Sunglass Holder.

Fuel Efficiency

Spark promises unsurpassed fuel efficiency. The S-tech engine of the car has the highest specific power output. This means that it squeezes out a healthy 63ps of peak power from a 1.0L engine and still offers awesome mileage. A reduced kerb weight and sleek styling perk up its drag coefficient, giving the Spark unmatched fuel efficiency.

Engine Performance

The advanced S-Tech engine maximises power and torque at lower speeds, making the Spark ideal to commute in congested city traffic as well as open highways. The S-Tech is a Smart Technology Engine optimised with many technological innovations like Sequential MPFI, Dual Distributor Less Ignition System (DDLI), Motorised Throttle Intake System (MTIS) and Advanced Optical Centre. As a result, the engine operation is smooth, noiseless, fuel efficient, powerful, and reliable and maintenance free.

Ride and Handling

With its compact body dimensions and small turning radius of 4.6 meters, the new Spark is not only extremely agile, but also fits into any parking space. The newly developed torsion beam real axle plays a major role in the new spark’s enhanced driving characteristics. It guarantees greater precision in wheel control and better handling. Ride comfort has been improved significantly through a combination of softer suspension mountings and an optimised front axle with McPherson struts. The front and rear shock absorbers are all gas-filled to offer a refined and comfortable ride. The total kerb weight of the Spark is 840 Kgs. It has an overall length of 3495 mm, overall width of 1495 mm and an overall height of 1518 mm. the wheel base is 2345 mm.

Safety

The Chevrolet Spark offers its passengers superb protection in the event of an accident. 51% of the total weight of its body is made of high strength steel. The front end design of the vehicle is among the first of its class to comply with the new European regulations and pedestrian safety. For enhanced side protection, the Spark uses Tailor-Welded Blanks which are normally used only in upper-segment vehicles. The rear door child locks and door ajar warning display are the remarkable security features supported.

Talking about the safety and security features of this mid size car, it is impressive that all the 5 versions support Rear Door Child Locks, 2.5 MPH Front and Rear Bumpers, Door Ajar Warning Display and Centre High Mount Stop Lamp while Central Locking is present only in 1.0 LT. ABS and Driver Side Air Bag are optional for 1.0 LT.

To sum up, I will say that General Motors has done a good job in renovating the old Matiz into Spark!!