We first brought you images of an all-new Chevrolet Spark back in March ’09 and it was only at this year’s Top Gear MPH Show that many had an opportunity to see the car for themselves. However, the new Chevrolet Spark is now officially on-sale and last week we joined GM South Africa (GMSA) in a sunny Cape Town to form our first impressions.
The new Spark may be small but it’s big on styling. Taewan Kim, head of the Spark design team and Vice President of design at GM’s Incheon facility in Korea says, “Instead of the ‘cute and cuddly’ approach often associated with cars in the ‘A segment, we wanted the Spark to present a more aggressive image”. The front of the car certainly fits the bill in this regard, dominated by the large headlight units together with the Chevrolet split grille, giving the car a cheeky character. The Spark’s profile alludes to a 2-door design with the rear door handles hidden vertically in front of the C-pillar. A number of bold lines, a sloping roof line and large wheel arches, characterise the car’s side view. The rear is stubby and features a sporty spoiler and black insert on the bumper.
The new Spark is 145 mm longer and 102 mm wider than before, meaning interior space has improved and there is enough space in the rear for two adults. The interior plastics are smart and well put together, while the driver’s instrument cluster draws attention with its motorcycle inspired design – compact and perched on top of the steering column. All instruments are backlit in blue, which adds an element of cool to the interior.
Two models are available from launch, the Spark L and Spark LS. The base level ‘L’ is well equipped with items such as power steering, air conditioner, radio/CD/MP3-player, driver and passenger airbags as standard. The ‘LS’ model includes additional equipment such as 14-inch alloy wheels, power operated windows in the front, remote boot release, ABS, EBD and auto-locking doors.
Both models are powered by a 1,2-litre 16-valve engine. Thankfully the Spark has more power than one may expect. Maximum power is 60 kW with peak torque of 108 Nm delivered at 4 800 r/min. Drive is via a 5-speed manual transmission to the front wheels.
The Spark’s slightly longer wheelbase offers a positive ride, even on some of Cape Town’s bumpier roads, while the engine is capable of carrying the little car over our national speed limit without much effort. The gearbox is easy to work with, but the ratios seem a little short, as the rev needle sits just below a rowdy 4 000 r/min at 120 km/h. The engine is quite vocal, but thanks to one of the more insulated interiors we’ve sampled in this segment, it’s not intrusive and if anything, the rorty note adds a bit of fun to the driving experience. The power assisted steering is light and sufficient in maneuvering the Spark around town or through tight corners.
The Spark enters the market in one of the most hotly contested segments. Its closest rival in terms of price will be the Ford Figo, but none of Spark’s rivals can match its fresh and edgy design. On the other hand, the Figo and VW’s Polo Vivo are based on proven platforms, a track record which the all-new Spark will need to build.
We’ll bring you a full report in the near future, but one thing is for sure, the buying decision at the budget end of our car market just got tougher.
| Prices | |
| Chevrolet Spark L | R115 495 |
| Chevrolet Spark LS | R125 495 |
Prices include a 5-year/120 000 km warranty, a 5-year anti-corrosion warranty and roadside assistance. Service intervals are every 15 000 km.
