Spark is the spark of Life

New Delhi - In the presence of General Motors Corp. Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner, General Motors India today launched its much-anticipated Chevrolet Spark mini-car. 

"GM has made growth in India a priority," said Wagoner.  "Last year we began construction of a new manufacturing facility and introduced three new Chevrolet products.  We are keeping up the momentum this year with the introduction of the Spark, which gives GM an entry in India's predominant market segment."

"The Chevrolet Spark is the world's newest-generation compact city car," according to GM India President and Managing Director Rajeev Chaba.  "It sets a new standard for its segment through its modern design, clever space utilization, affordability and solid engineering."

Modern, Dynamic Styling

The Spark is one of the world's most popular mini-cars.  Since its launch in 1998, about 2 million have been sold in well over 100 markets.  "Evolution not revolution" was therefore the motto for the team designing the new-generation Spark.

Specialists from General Motors' design center in Korea joined designers from Italdesign in Italy to develop the first concept models.  Although its modern, dynamic styling makes the Spark look more grown up than ever before, it has retained the "smiling face" of the previous generation.  Its large round headlamps with integrated indicators are complemented by strikingly large circular taillamps.

Up front, the combination of a robust bumper and large air intake communicates a new sense of sportiness.  The overall appearance is dominated by a marked wedge form with short body overhangs.  The powerful look is underlined by the profile of its hood.  Steeply rising shoulder lines and converging feature lines in the hood extend through the front fenders, adding tension and dynamism.  Two striking V-shaped feature lines give the Spark a three-dimensional look.  Steel surfaces continuing through to the front side windows offer an unusual and harmonious link to the side profile. 

The exterior design also features smart elements like a rear spoiler, satin silver roof rails and body side moldings, which are standard on the top trim level.  Fitted alloy wheels, a first in the mini segment, will be offered as an option.

The fun exterior is complemented by a groundbreaking interior, which has a completely redesigned cockpit.  The operating elements of the design are divided into two parts.  In the driver's direct line of vision is a semi-circular display area with ergonomic controls and warning lights.  Positioned at the center of the dashboard and easily visible to all occupants are the speedometer and instruments, which feature a combination of analog and digital displays.  The interior is richly appointed across all trim levels, with high-quality fabrics used on seats and door trims.

Outstanding Comfort and Convenience

Thanks to its intelligent packaging and 2,345-mm wheelbase, the five-seater offers a comparatively large amount of space and a feeling of roominess.  The Spark comes with a generous assortment of standard convenience features and smart storage spaces.  Cup holders, card holders and seat-back shopping hooks are standard.  Also standard and extremely useful are internally adjustable outside mirrors that drivers will find a boon in dusty Indian driving conditions.  High-performance air conditioning calibrated for India's climate offers precise cabin cooling never before available in the Spark's segment.

Depending on the trim level, standard equipment may also include hydraulic power-assisted steering, electrically operated front and rear windows, and a digital clock.  In the LT trim, the rear-seat backrest can be divided in a 60:40 ratio, enabling longer objects to be transported easily.  The LT trim also features a sunglass holder in addition to a rear washer-wiper system and defogger.

With its compact body dimensions (length x width x height: 3,495 mm x 1,495 mm x 1,518 mm) and its small turning radius (4,600 mm), the Spark is not only extremely maneuverable, it also fits into any parking space. 

Unmatched Fuel Economy

"Because of its range of mini-car benefits and unmatched fuel economy, the Spark is the ideal vehicle in these times of rising fuel costs," said Rajeev Chaba.

GM Daewoo engineers developed the economical yet powerful new S-Tec engine exclusively for the Spark.  The four-cylinder 1.0-liter gasoline engine delivers peak power of 63 ps @ 5,400 rpm and peak torque of 90.3 Nm @ 4,200 rpm.  Power and torque are maximized at lower speeds, making the Spark ideal for commuting in congested city traffic as well as on open highways.  The peak power per engine displacement volume is the highest in the Spark's segment.  The engine has been optimized via a number of technical improvements such as the adoption of low-friction valve gears, sequential multi-point fuel injection (MPFI), a dual distributor-less ignition system (DDLI), a motorized throttle intake system (MTIS) and advanced optical sensor.  A reduced curb weight and more aerodynamic styling further improve the Spark's low drag coefficient of 0.342, giving it the best fuel efficiency of any vehicle in the market. 

Enhanced Safety

Engineers actively utilized state-of-the-art technologies and high-grade materials to enhance safety.  Fifty-one percent of the total weight of the Spark's body cell consists of high-strength steel, providing great rigidity and stability while lowering the weight by 10 kg.  Precisely defined load paths with an energy-absorbing hexagonal profile protect passengers in the event of a head-on or rear-end collision.

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