Too many new cars coming this year. Matiz re-entered India as Chevrolet Spark finally. Rick Wagoner, Chairman and CEO General Motors, was present in New Delhi to launch Chevrolet Spark. Car is priced in Rs. 3.09-3.89 lakh range, ex-showroom Delhi. In almost every aspect, Chevrolet Spark is going to compete with Santro Xing, Wagon R and Zen Estilo.
If not the whole India, then at least almost all Matiz owners and many prospective small car buyers were desperately looking forward to Chevrolet Spark's entry into India. It came finally and this time, the Matiz is bigger. Not in size but in engine capacity and power output. Chevy Spark has 1L engine which outputs 63bhp of power and 90Nm of torque. With these figures, enthusiasts will definitely feel good but people concerned about fuel economy might be disappointed. Unlike Matiz which comfortably gave over 15 kmpl in city, Chevrolet Spark will give approx 13kmpl in similar driving conditions. People who have ever driven Matiz know that in spite of having a very small engine, Matiz never gave a sluggish feeling. The engine always did the needful as far as city-driving is concerned. With 1L engine, Chevrolet Spark is more thrilling in city and much better at highways. Overall, satisfactory engine performance.
Exterior is not changed much. Though fascia, tail-design are quite different from Matiz, the overall shape/size of Chevrolet Spark gives a familiar look. Exterior/Interior dimensions are almost identical to our old Matiz. Car is available in five colors; Icy Blue, Mint Green, Fiery Red, Casablanca White and Platinusamir Metallic. To me, Mint Green looked too funky but Icy Blue and Platinum Metallic were soothing. Paint work quality could have been much better.
The most peculiar thing about interior is speedo-console. It's mounted in the absolute middle, just above central-console. I don't know what are the plus points of this design but I hate to see left every now and then to keep a note of my speed. In fact I am not satisfied with neither Spark's overall dashboard design nor it's build quality/finish. It's just average. Seats are comfortable enough, however, legroom is barely adequate, especially at rear and that too if you are tall. But considering the size of Spark, it's good enough.
The car is available in four versions 1.0 E, 1.0, 1.0 LS and 1.0 LT. 1.0 E is the basic version with virtually nothing for features sake. 1.0 variant has got AC, 1.0 LS has AC, power steering, front power windows and central locking. Fully loaded 1.0 LT has rear power windows, front fog lamps, rear-window defogger, 60:40 split double-folding rear seat and rear washer/wiper. 1.0 LT also has alloy wheels (set of four) and ABS as optional package.
Chevrolet Spark 1.0 E is priced at 3.09 lakhs ex-showroom Delhi while the top-end version is priced at 3.89 lakhs ex-showroom Delhi. Price range seems fine, though the non-AC non-PS version could have priced under 3-lakh to compete with Santro Xing XK Non-AC. The Car is quite cheaper than its closest competitors Zen Estilo and Wagon R.
Overall Chevrolet Spark seems to have added yet another option (and confusion too) in small segment car buyers. It's really great that in 3-4 lakh range, Indians have many options to choose from now. GM has provided 3 years/1 lakh kms warranty and have announced that they will offer lowest-cost spares. While going in for an American car, everybody is concerned about maintenance cost. With this promise, GM will definitely break many loyal Maruti/Hyundai customers.
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