We review the Chevrolet Spark from price to economy and all its features
THE Chevrolet Spark aims to be Chevy’s vital sales spark.
The company already sell 2.1million motors a year and the Spark will add a lot more.
Bright Spark ... Chevrolet's new supermini
But if you think Chevys are big Yank barges or Corvette supercars, think again — the Spark is at the opposite end of the scale.
It’s a small car with a big job to become a global success from America to China and across Africa to the UK and Europe.
The Spark replaces the Matiz as Chevrolet’s entry level model — prices start at £6,845 — but unlike the Matiz, it will be on sale in the size-obsessed American market.
The public voted for the Spark in their millions on the internet after being shown three designs. Where the Matiz was cuddly, the Spark is almost macho for a supermini and has far more road presence — there’s a cocky look-at-me style about it.
The front end is full of attitude, particularly the bow tie Chevy badge set into a deep grille flanked by dazzling XXL headlights.
The side profile is of a steeply raking roofline and flared wheel arches that lead you to a nicely rounded rear. The interior is an equally bright and cheery affair, although the entry level five-door version is a no-thrills affair with wind-up windows and no radio.
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But the smart, modern layout of the cabin remains the same whatever model you buy.
I like the simple single main instrument dial and the square rev counter, which has an LCD panel of info.
And there’s room for four tall adults, five at a push, plus useful boot space.
The ride isn’t bad either — it soaks up the ever-increasing number of potholes on British roads fairly effectively — and the steering and handling are responsive enough to make it fun to drive.
If performance isn’t a priority, go for the gutsy 1litre engine instead of the 1.2litre, which has marginally more power but costs more. Fuel economy is identical at 55.4mpg.
The Spark doesn’t exactly rewrite the small car rule book, but it is a very bright new addition.
The Spark will join the Chevrolet Cruze saloon in a twin assault on the UK family car market. Cruze prices start at £11,995 and there’s also a new 2litre diesel automatic at £17,145.