Carri-Anne Kelly wonders if the new, locally built, 2013 Chevy Spark can transform itself in the compact hatch segment from a ‘Decepticon’ to an ‘Autobot’; it’s a Transformers thing. She drove a whole bunch of them in Durban to find out.
I am obsessed with Transformers, have been since I was a little girl and not much has changed as an adult, I even have a Bumble Bee, the Chevrolet Camaro, on my desk, in all his transforming glory. Even the background image on my PC screen is a Chevrolet Camaro SS, in yellow of course. My two favourite characters in Transformers 3 are two little guys called Skidz and Mudflap, who both happen to be based on Chevrolet Sparks. They have snappy dialogue and transform into these fantastic Autobots with all the screen chemistry of Starsky and Hutch. What’s not to love?
Where’s my reminiscence of cartoons going you might wonder? General Motors South Africa (GMSA) has just released their new, sparkling 2013 Spark range, and boy oh boy, have they transformed mightily. There are now five new specification offerings, which maintain the original 1.2-litre petrol engine across the board and that appeal to prospective buyers across a varied price range, from the starter, ‘frilly-knicker-free’ Campus model, to the pseudo carbon fibre detailing of the range topping Spark LT Sport.
Before we get into their transforming abilities, let’s recap on what the Spark’s hardware consists of under the bonnet. All Spark engines are the standard 4-cylinder, 16-valve 1.2-litre petrol engine, which produces 60 kW at 6 400 r/min and 108 Nm of torque at 4 800 r/min. Driven through a 5-speed manual gearbox, the engine consumes an average of 5.4 L/100 km, whilst emitting 129 g/km of CO2. The Spark rides on MacPherson Strut type suspension in the front and torsion beam at the rear.
The Chevy Spark’s 2013 facelift is fairly minimal, though the finer add-ons and smaller details increase as you move up the range. The front sports a larger radiator grille, revised headlamps with the rear receiving a new tail light treatment. Inside, things remain familiar, but once again the devil is in the detail as the specification levels increase towards the top of the model line-up. All interior trim is matched to exterior colour, combined with the use of new fabrics and small changes to the centre console. There is still 170-litres of luggage space on offer and 60:40 split folding rear seats to accommodate larger items.
The nature of the drive itself means the Spark is still a gutsy little performer for this segment of the market. The steering is light and easy, though our launch units suffered from a formidable steering shake at approximately 110 km/h. Pushing past that speed it was a thing of the past, so it was likely just a wheel alignment issue on the just-run-in models at our disposal. As expected for a 1.2-litre engine with 5 gears, the Spark does hum along rather high in the rev range at cruising speeds, although if you’ve never driven a car equipped with a 6-speed gearbox, I highly doubt you’d be bothered.
The ride quality is comfortable, though high-speed cornering could be better, as the car feels a bit floppy, as if it’s liable to skip off the road at any high-speed moment. I suspect putting slightly wider wheels on would sort out that feeling in a heartbeat. All in all though, the Spark is still one of the better performing engines and A0-segment cars to drive.
The Spark Campus, aptly named and self explanatory, is aimed at students starting on their path in life. It’s the plain-coloured underwear that your Mom bought you. No frills and fuss, just the basics, but with a zippy little engine to match. Unlike the competitors in the price range, it offers quite a bit for just R106 100. You have colour coded bumpers, door handles, power steering, air conditioning, driver and front passenger airbags, complemented with ABS brakes and EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution). Unfortunately there is no radio, though it is radio-ready with 2 speakers. This is a bit of an oversight in my opinion.
Next in the line up is the ‘honours programme’ Spark 1.2. This little piece of fun is the Spark Campus with some added features, such as optional 15-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, rear wiper, a radio with CD/MP3-player and USB functionality, as well as anti-theft alarm, all for just R113 600.
Following on is the Spark LS, which at R123 000, has one or two more features than the competition. For the money, the Spark LS offers a chrome edged grille, colour coded rear spoiler, 14-inch alloy wheels with the option to upgrade to 15-inch items, height adjustable steering column with audio controls, electrically operated windows in front, 4 speakers and a display panel clock.
Next in the range is the Spark LT, which is equipped with all the bells, whistles and electronic thingy-ma-bobs that you could need for R136 500. This is definitely the reward for getting your first ‘proper’ job. Once again the bang for your buck against the competitors is spot on, with the most impressive features being the safety equipment that includes front and side airbags. Add to that the 15-imch alloy wheels, front fog lamps, chrome window bead detailing, embedded indicator lights in the side mirrors, sporty and colour-coded bumpers, chrome exhaust tip, electrically operated windows all round, 6-speakers and rear park assist.
If you want to be a rock star you can further spec the Spark LT to a Sport option, with the optional Sports Decal package for R3 021, which gives you go-faster stripes that run from nose to tail, faux carbon fibre detailing around the fog lights, as well as black alloys for an extra R800.
Undoubtedly, the surprise in the 2013 Spark range is the new Spark Pronto, the urban light delivery vehicle with all the same features as the Spark Campus except without the back seats. Developed in S.A. and launched in Korea and Mexico too, it is sure to sell like proverbial hotcakes here, where we only have ‘panel’ vans or the likes of the Chevrolet Utility. The cockpit area is cosy and separated from the 876-litre cargo area, which can hold a payload of 275 kg, separated by tubular divides. The roof rails are ready for roof racks and weight of up to 50 kg. Retailing for just R101 500 makes the Spark Pronto affordable and VAT registered businesses will be please to know that it is classed as a LCV (light commercial vehicle), which means the VAT can be reclaimed for a final price of R89 035.
So, the little Chevy Spark shall attempt to transform the market and, with ABS available across the whole range, keen pricing, loads of standard features and the fact that it’s locally made, it might not be that hard to convert the Decepticons into Autobots.
| Pricing (Incl. VAT and CO2 Tax) | |
| Chevrolet Spark 1.2 Pronto | R101 500 |
| Chevrolet Spark 1.2 Campus | R106 100 |
| Chevrolet Spark 1.2 | R113 600 |
| Chevrolet Spark 1.2 LS | R123 000 |
| Chevrolet Spark 1.2 LT | R136 500 |
All models feature a 5-year/120 000 km warranty and optional 3-year/60 000 km service plan.
