Chevrolet Spark

2011 saw the debut of a cute mini hatchback from Chevrolet. The new Spark enters a market segment, with a tremendous growth rate all over the world. The Chevrolet Sparks offers a vibrant fresh design and impressive levels of practicality. This is attributed to the Spark’s roomy interior, five doors and a usable luggage space area. The Spark’s is only 3640mm long and 1597mm wide making it easy for the driver to nimble through traffic. 

Chevrolet Spark

Design

The Spark’s front is dominated by large headlights, which stretch from the front grille to the A-pillar. Clear polycarbonate lenses and chrome plated bezels are visible in the headlamps. An angled front grille, lower air intake and low bonnet boost the spark’s striking looks even further. From the side, the rear doors handles’ are tucked in the C-pillar to give the Spark a three door hatch look. The technique gives Spark its sporty appearance without sacrificing the four-door comfort and utility. An integrated spoiler, over the rear hatch door, enhances the Spark's dynamic appearance. The spoiler also improves the car's aerodynamics, for fuel efficiency. 

Small on the outside, roomy inside

The Sparks large side mirrors have are styled to improve on aerodynamics even further. It’s ‘wheels-at-the-corners’ stance and single arc roofline are accentuated by a strong and clean body. The Sparks slightly aggressive and up market looks will surely turn heads. Uniquely styled rear lights and a large rear hatch complete the hatchback’s exterior design. Optional extras for the exterior include chrome accents at the beltline and rear hatch handle trim. The same treatment is also available for the exhaust outlet and around the fog lamps.

Power

Propelling the Spark is a 1.2 litredual-overhead cam four-cylinder engine, with Variable Valve Timing (VVTi), which delivers an estimated 85 horsepower (63 kW). 111Nm of torque endlessly spin the Spark’s small wheels. 0 to 100km/h takes 12.1 seconds. Press the acceleration pedal further and the Spark will clock a top speed of 165km/h. The engine uses 4.2 litres of fuel per 100km. A 1.0 litre engine is also available for the Spark. This particular engine has an output of 50kW (67hp), enough to power the car from 0-100km in 15.5 seconds. With the less powerful engine on board, top speed is limited to 155km/h. Mated to both engines is a standard five-speed manual transmission. A four-speed automatic transmission is available as well. 

Chassis

The Spark’s tight and stiff body-frame structure offers improved driving dynamics. The hatchback’s precise handling, is further enhanced by the used of MacPherson strut-type front suspension. This, together with an electronic power steering and StabiliTrak™ electronic stability control, gives the car impressive handling characteristics. The driver feels connected to the car, while enjoying outstanding vehicle stability on the road. Vented front disc brakes and rear drum brakes, with low-compressibility brake pads, deliver optimum stopping performance and great pedal feedback. Low-rolling resistance tires, made of silica compound and a revised tread design, improve the Spark’s fuel efficiency and road feel. 

Striking rear

Safety

The new Sparks has won safety awards both in Korea and Europe. This is as a result of numerous safety features, such as StabiliTrak™ and ABS, which are fitted as standard. Dual-stage frontal air bags, seat-mounted side air bags and side curtain air bags (which extend over the front and rear seating rows), are also standard. Other safety features include rollover detection, three point seatbelts (in all four seating positions), seat belt pretensioners (in the front driver and passenger seats), releasable pedals, adjustable head restraints and a collapsible steering column.

Interior

In terms of size, the Spark seems to offer less in terms of interior space. However, this notion quickly disappears as one opens its large doors. Front seat passengers enjoy up to 1067mm of available legroom, 1288mm of shoulder space and 1009mm of headroom. As the figures suggest the Spark offers a cramped free interior environment, with five seating positions. Much of the interior space is down to the car’s clever design. The hatchback’s cabin has numerous secondary storage areas such as bins in the front center console. These can accommodate small items such as mobile phones, an MP3 player or a wallet. Double cup holders are located ahead of the gearshift, for easier reach. 

A conveniently placed, generously sized glove box and seat back pockets can accommodate books or laptops. Door bin pockets, can hold a half a liter soda bottle while an auxiliary power socket, located in the lower instrument panel, provides power for charging handheld devices. Air conditioning and power windows are standard across the Spark lineup. Decorative inserts in the front door and instrument panel add a premium touch.  The ice blue ambient lighting and faceplates across the door pockets and dash, boosts the premium look even further. The colour-coordinated interior features a lower instrument panel, with a motorcycle-inspired gauge cluster. The seats feature a knit fabric on entry-level cars and woven fabric on upper models. Effective damping and noise suppression keep the interior quiet and comfortable. 

Colorful interior

Chevrolet MyLink™ infotainment system, which comes with a large seven-inch colour screen, keeps occupants entertained and updated on the latest news while on the move. The system can connect with a smart phone, via Bluetooth, to stream radio and download the latest navigation maps. When the Spark is at standstill, owners can watch video and view photographs on the screen. Its 170-litres of luggage space (with the seats in place) allows for transportation of luggage on short family trips. Fold the rear seats (that split 60:40) and the total volume of the boot increased to 568 litres. 

Verdict

The Chevrolet Spark is a nimble car. Its small dimension make it a favorable car, for every day commutes to and from town. It could also make a great ‘first car’ as it easy to maintain.