Chevrolet Spark Fires up GM's Indian Market

[Ming]

Chevrolet Spark Fires up GM's Indian Market
Iver Penn
8/7/2007



General Motors India distributor of all GM products in India has recently launched its highly anticipated Chevrolet Spark at a function headed by GM India President and Managing Director Rajeev Chaba. He said,

"The Chevrolet Spark is our newest-generation compact city car. It sets a new standard for its segment through its modern design, clever space utilization, affordability and solid engineering." He continues, "Last year we began construction of a new manufacturing facility and introduced three new Chevrolet products - the Aveo, the SRV and the Aveo U-VA. We are keeping up the momentum this year with the introduction of the Chevrolet Spark, which gives GM an entry into India's predominant market segment." Spark's Dynamic Styling The Chevrolet Spark is one of the world's most famous mini-cars. Starting from its introduction in 1998 almost 2 million units have been sold in over 100 markets. The theme for the new-generation Spark is "Evolution not revolution".

The modern and dynamic styling of Spark makes it looks more matured while its smiling face makes it more inviting. Its large round head lamps with its integrated indicators are complemented by large circular tail lamps. At the front is a blend of a tough-looking bumper and large air intake that reflects a new sense of sporty flair. The overall look of the Spark is dominated by a marked wedge form with short body overhangs. The powerful façade of the Spark is enhanced by the profile of its hood. Sharply rising shoulder lines and converging feature lines found on its hood extends through the front fenders add tension and dynamism. Its two striking V-shaped feature lines provide the Spark with a three-dimensional look.

The five-seater offers a generous amount of standard convenience features and smart storage spaces. Also parts of the standard features are the cup holders, card holders, seat-back shopping hooks, and highly useful internally adjustable outside mirrors that are very helpful especially in the dusty Indian driving conditions. High-performance air conditioning is also calibrated specifically for India's climate and provides an accurate cabin cooling that is a first in the Spark's segment. And depending on the trim level, standard equipment may also comes with 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 60:40 ratio, allowing for longer objects to be transported easily.

GM Daewoo engineers developed the highly fuel-efficient and powerful new S-Tec engine exclusively for the Spark. The four-cylinder 1.0 liter petrol engine delivers peak power of 63 PS at 5,400 rpm and peak torque of 90.3 Nm at 4,200 rpm. Power and torque are maximized at lower speeds, which make the Spark perfect for commuting in congested city traffic as well as on open highways.

The Spark has the highest peak power per engine displacement in its segment. The engine has been optimized via number of technical improvements such as the adoption of low-friction valve gears, sequential multi-point fuel injection or MPFI, a dual distributor-less ignition system (DOLI), 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 co-efficient of 0.342 giving it the best fuel efficiency of any vehicle in the market. Improved Safety The safety features of Chevrolet Spark were also enhanced with the application of modern technologies and high-grade materials. Moreover 51 percent of the total weight of the Sparks' body cell consists of high-strength steel, providing great rigidity and stability while lowering the weight by 10 kg.

Source: http://newtopfuellink.blogspot.com/2...ms-indian.html

[likearock00]

I guess we really need to appreciate how good we have it here in the US. I thought the Aveo looked ugly!

[samkung]

haha i prefer Spark over Aveo hehe

BTW what is that S-tec engine?

[mbukukanyau]

This thing is perfect in streets full of Tuk Tuk's. A Lexus IS will not do you any good in Bombay

[Ming]

Originally Posted by samkung

haha i prefer Spark over Aveo hehe

BTW what is that S-tec engine?

The S-TEC, like many GM Daewoo engines, was never an all-original Korean engine from the ground up. The Matiz (aka "Spark") itself replaced the Daewoo Tico, a variant of the 1988 Suzuki Alto.

S-TEC is a low-displacement engine range codeveloped by Suzuki and Daewoo Motors for use in micro- and subcompact cars.

The first model was 0.8 L Straight-3 engine, based on the powerplant of the Suzuki Alto. It was used in Daewoo Tico and later the Daewoo Matiz.

In 2002, the range was extended to 1.0 L and 1.2 L Straight-4 engines and updated with EGR valve to reduce pollution. A new engine plant for the updated model T4 was built. The 1.0 version is used in Chevrolet Matiz and the 1.2 in the European Chevrolet Kalos.

In 2004 the 0.8/1.0 engines were updated again. New intake and exhaust systems, along with low-friction aluminum cam followers with rollers were added, resulting in better economy. They are used in Chevrolet Matiz (model M200).

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daewoo_S-Tec_engine

Originally Posted by DmitryKo

GM Daewoo was able to improve the ancient S-TEC engine block inherited from the Suzuki Alto and squeeze up to 15% more fuel economy out of it.

Here's official engine data for new Chevrolet Matiz from www.gmeurope.com/geneva2005; fuel economy is 13% to 18% better comparing with older-generation engines!
EDIT: wrong mpg conversion; corrected!

Engine               ====== new S-TEC =======
                     0.8L 3i       1.0L
Power, kW (hp)       38 (52)       49 (66)
      @ rpm          6000          5400
Torque, Nm (lb.ft)   72 (53)      91 (67)
      @ rpm          4600         4200
Comsumption,
      L/100 km (mpg)
      Urban          6.9 (34.1)    7.2 (32.7)
      Extra-urban    4.2 (56.0)    4.6 (51.1)
      Combined       5.2 (45.2)    5.7 (41.3)

I think it's reasonable to expect at least 10% improvement for the upper-range as well, considering the updated technology.

[CrunkedRL]

Yikes! Red is a shade that is not very flattering for this car.

[powervette]

Originally Posted by Ming

Starting from its introduction in 1998(...)

Originally Posted by Ming

The Chevrolet Spark is our newest-generation compact city car

Where's the logic here ?

[ByTheLake]

The modern and dynamic styling of Spark...

...is not evident in the pictures.

[nadepalma]

I wonder why they are going to sell/build THIS version of the Matiz/Spark instead of the Newer version they unveiled in Europe?



MORE HERE

[asim]

Originally Posted by samkung

haha i prefer Spark over Aveo hehe

BTW what is that S-tec engine?

I'd just take one of those Chevy minicar trios that was unveiled in NYIAS. The Trax, Beat, and Groove are perfectly fine for me. lol

[Tequilujan]

i definitely would not call the styling "dynamic" at all. Evolutionary? I would say if this were evolution, it would be dead.
They gotta bring at least one of the trios to production.

[samkung]

Originally Posted by asim

I'd just take one of those Chevy minicar trios that was unveiled in NYIAS. The Trax, Beat, and Groove are perfectly fine for me. lol

haha i will take those too for sure

[samkung]

Originally Posted by nadepalma

I wonder why they are going to sell/build THIS version of the Matiz/Spark instead of the Newer version they unveiled in Europe?



MORE HERE

how come the have Matiz/Spark, arent they gonna have 1 name for each chevy across the globe

[Benjiwah]

Originally Posted by samkung

how come the have Matiz/Spark, arent they gonna have 1 name for each chevy across the globe

I would imagine that there is some sort of logic that would explain why they opted against using the name Matiz for India. Maybe it tanslates to falacio or something. - Remember the Canadian Lacrosse debacle?

[paul8488]

While I agree that the above pictures don't look all that good, in person the car IS kinda cute. Not quite 'dynamic' like the author says, but it has a likeable face, in a cute-and-bubbly sort of way. In France it starts at less than 8000 euros, which makes it amongst the more affordable cars here.