OLD CHEVROLET SPARK REINCARNATED INTO LITE

The Chevrolet Spark, General Motors South Africa’s offering in the sub-compact passenger car sector has received a new lease on life ahead of the launch of the hot new Spark. The current Spark continues in the Chevrolet line up as the Spark Lite which will be sold alongside the new Spark when it arrives in South Africa later this year.

“The Chevrolet Spark Lite which offers an excellent value proposition will serve the market with two models priced under R100 000,” says Chevrolet Brand Manager Tim Hendon.

The compact form of the Spark Lite disguises a space efficient interior with ample accommodation for four adults. Add contemporary styling and a high level of technical, safety and comfort specification to this and it becomes immediately apparent why the Spark Lite is one of the most desirable cars in its segment with around 250 sold each month.

Priced from R82 300 for the Spark Lite L and from R 98 700 for the LS, the Spark Lite offers buyers a good entry into the Chevrolet product range.

Fuel efficient engines, a 796 cc (0.8-litre) three cylinder unit on the Spark Lite L, and a 995cc (0.9-litre) four cylinder unit for the LS, are a single overhead camshaft design producing 38kW for the L and 48.5 kW for the LS. Fuel consumption figures for both are very competitive with the smaller capacity L capable of a combined cycle figure of just 5.1 l/100km and the LS capable of 5.8 l/100km.

In terms of safety specification the Spark Lite offers a strong safety cell body construction for optimised passenger protection. Brakes are disc at the front and drums at the rear. Airbag protection for the driver is provided on the Spark Lite LS. Comfort specification on the Spark Lite LS includes remote side-mirrors, air-conditioner and power operated front windows.  Additional features on the Spark Lite include power steering, a new grille, front fog lamps, two tone bumper, rocker sill mouldings and satin silver roof rails on both the L and the LS models. In addition the LS boasts chrome door handles and chrome body side mouldings.

The warranty on the Chevrolet Spark Lite is 5 years or 120 000km. Included is Roadside Assistance for the full warranty period and 5 years unlimited km anti-corrosion warranty.

The good value offered by the Spark combined with the solid reputation of the Chevrolet brand has resulted in high demand from customers in the small car entry-level sector reflected in NAAMSA sales results that show the popularity of the Spark which has sold 22871 units since its introduction in late 2003. The Chevrolet Spark currently leads the Car-A segment with a share of 47% in 2009 and a May 2010 year to date segment share of 37%.

The Spark Lite L and LS models are available at all Chevrolet dealerships in South African and will be sold alongside the new Spark when it arrives later this year.

STORY BY GM SA