It's a mini-MPV that is shaped with a 'wheels-out, body-in' stance, its single-arc roofline accentuated by strong, clean body sides free of cladding. The focal point of the cabin is the motorcycle-style instrument 'pod', which sits on top of the steering column and delivers all of the essential information in a compact yet easy-to-read manner. The analogue speedometer is backed up by a digital tachometer, just like on a motorbike. All the controls are backlit by ice-blue lighting when the headlights are turned on. In-car entertainment is a matter of choice and Spark customers can enjoy their favorites on radio, CD, MP3 or by plugging in their portable systems via USB or Aux-in sockets.
The car's size, handling and manoeuvrability are in tune with urban life. Chevrolet's new mini comes in a compact package: at only 3640 mm long and 1597 mm wide, it should easily squeeze into tight city spaces.
The Spark is available with Electronic Stability Control, with electronic brake and traction control capabilities to provide precise anti-lock braking capabilities, as well as exceptional yaw stability. Almost 60 percent of the car's structure consists of advanced steels, with varying levels of stiffness and built-in crush zones to absorb crash impacts. The front engine bay rails and subframe are designed to absorb energy while maintaining the highest loads possible as they collapse, while a transition zone around the base of the A-pillars and front bulkhead effectively distributes crash energy around rather than into the passenger compartment.
A similar crush zone exists at the rear, with the fuel tank and its connections designed in a way to minimize the chance of ruptures. Additional rear impact loads are absorbed by a strong rear cross member.
High levels of occupant protection are further enhanced by twin front airbags, side curtain airbags and additional seat mounted thorax and abdomen airbags, seatbelt pretensioners and a pedal retraction system, which pulls the pedal box away from the car's occupants in the event of a frontal collision, reducing the risk of lower leg injury.
Two engines are on offer at launch - both petrol units with displacements of 1.0 and 1.2 litres. They are closely related and use a cast-iron block and alloy head, with a double overhead camshaft and four valves per cylinder. They feature multi-port fuel injection and are both Euro V emissions compliant. Both engines come with a five-speed manual gearbox.
The two engines use advanced features such as port deactivation technology to improve exhaust gas recirculation, leading to optimal fuel efficiency and idle stability, along with a timing chain to ensure a lifetime of low maintenance and running costs. The Chevy Spark consumes only 5.1 litres of fuel per 100 km and produces CO2 emissions of 119 g/km.
Much of the interior space is down to the car's clever packaging. The cabin was designed to accommodate as much supplementary storage space as possible. The centre console, for example, incorporates a bin for carrying smaller items such as a mobile phone, MP3 player or packet of chewing gum, while there's also a double cup holder next to the gear shifter.
