NEW CHEVROLET SPARK BREAKS OUT

Chevrolet South Africa hopes to add a spark of freshness with the launch of its smallest new car, the 2010 Spark. Riding on a resurgent General Motors’ recent good run, the Spark will be slightly above the entry-level Spark Lite in terms of positioning. As far as pricing goes, it falls below the Aveo.

I took it for a point to point drive down in Cape Town where I was able to assess whether buyers in the segment would be impressed or not. The styling is certainly arresting, if anything. Brave new

headlights that rise high above the bonnet and emphasise the car’s short overhangs are the main frontal attraction. Side highlights include contrasting lines, wide wheel arches, and disproportionate tinted windows. Eight exterior colours are on offer, including one called Green Cocktail. It all smells and delivers on funk, youth and more importantly, the future.

The rear end is also dominated by a cluster of large rear lights. An L and LS spec models are being sold and the latter features a roof spoiler as well with its own brake light. At a point I did open the boot to check out how much space lies in there. Not much I’m afraid, but those who buy these types of cars aren’t necessarily just looking for space.

Yes that counts, but other things probably matter even more. Such things as the sound system for instance, which is quite beaty if there’s such a word. Controls are within easy reach of the driver’s left hand, while the instrument panel features a fresh design that’s complimented by blue background lighting. Standard items include air conditioning, a CD player, an auxiliary jack for iPods and the like, and a USB port (which requires extra cabling).

Target customers will be able to fit themselves as well as four friends of average size. Asking for more will stress the engine slightly and make it hard for it to perform as it should. Legroom is good too so at least you know that interior comfort is not compromised. I drove over 200km and never felt cramped or like I was sitting inside a tuna can.

The engine is a 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol type making 60kW at 6400rpm. Peak torque is 108Nm at 4800rpm. These numbers don’t seem like much but the Spark showed promise where full coastal air was available for breathing. Up at altitude things will certainly be different but I hope not by much. A 5-speed manual gearbox drives the front wheels. GM SA says no plans are afoot of an automatic version. However, new small turbo engines are definitely in the pipeline. Handling is quite superb for this size of car and steering is direct enough to point where you desire. On really bumpy roads the damping does get a little hairy at over 120km/h, but the bright side is that you actually can go over this legal freeway limit. Those 14-inch wheels with 155/70 R14 tyres have good grip.

GM is selling the new Spark with a 5 years/ 120 000km warranty and an optional service plan.

Chevrolet Spark Pricing

Spark L (R115 495)

Spark LS (R125 495)