The new Chevrolet Spark has big shoes to fill. Not only was its predecessor one of the best value prospects against its competitors, but it continually trumped its class in our annual Top 12 awards feature. With R1,8 billion invested in the new car’s development and design over the past two years, the Spark is set for dominance once again.
Available in two specification levels (L and LS), the new Spark is every bit as compact as before, with a 3 640 mm length, 1 522 mm height and 1 597 mm width. The wheelbase is just 2 375 mm, with a front track of 1 410 mm and 1 417 mm at the rear.
The Spark has an aggressive appearance up front, thanks to the large “bow tie” logo, headlamps that stretch from deep in the front bumper up to the A-pillars and large grille. The rest of the Spark is dominated by a few character lines in the profile, and window line that slants up to the rear, as well as a rear spoiler, large taillight clusters and diffuser-look rear bumper.
Both the L and LS models are powered by a 1,2-litre four-cylinder engine with 16-valves and multi-point fuel injection for excellent fuel economy and low emissions. Maximum power is 60 kW at 6 400 r/min and 108 N.m of torque at 4 800 r/min. A five-speed manual gearbox sends torque to the front wheels.
The Spark’s interior has been funked-up considerably, with Chevrolet claim that it successfully combines “fun, fashion and functionality.” The instrument panel, modeled after those on sports motorcycles, combines an analogue speedometer and digital tachometer, fuel gauge, trip readout and clock, with the blue backlighting used on the rest of the facia.
The 170dm3 of luggage capacity can be increased thanks to a 60:40 rear seat split, while a centre console storage bin, dual drinkholders, front door bottle holders and front seatback pockets provide oddments storage. The base L model features power steering, air conditioner, radio CD player with MP3 compatibility, as well as driver and passenger airbags, while the LS adds colour-coded door handles, heated side mirrors, alloy wheels, front power windows, ABS brakes and EBD and auto-locking doors.
Prices are R115 495 for the Spark L and R125 495 for the Spark LS and both models are covered by GMSA’s five years/120 000 km warranty with five years/unlimited kilometre anti-corrosion cover and roadside assistance available throughout the warranty period. A service plan is available as an option and service intervals are every 15 000 km.
The new Chevrolet Spark will be available at all Chevrolet dealerships at the end of July 2010.
