The all-new “fresh, functional and fuel efficient” Chevrolet Spark, which was launched in Europe and India earlier this year, is now available in South Africa. It is priced at R115 495 for the Spark L entry model and R125 495 for the up-specced Spark LS and supplements the existing Spark Lite L and Lite LS which compete in the sub-R100,000 market. The all new edgy designed Spark joins the Chevrolet range as an up to the minute trendy urban transport solution with a premium specification and a number of segment leading features. It offers a significant step up from the Spark Lite as a high specification latest generation competitor in the small car value segment of the market. Two specification levels are offered, ‘L’ and ‘LS’, both powered by the same fuel efficient 1,2 litre four-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve engine. The design is fresh and individualistic with excellent space utilisation.

Front leg and head room rank amongst the best in the segment, making it functional while the latest generation 60kW engine adds fuel efficiency and power to the mix for a complete urban transport solution. The Spark offer new vehicle buyers at the entry level an affordable first step into the Chevrolet family of vehicles, says Malcolm Gauld, GMSA’s Vice President, Sales and Marketing. The new Spark L and LS models are powered by a latest technology 4-cylinder, 16-valve, double-overhead camshaft engine. The bore and stroke are 69,7mm X 79mm for a capacity of 1 206 cm3. The compression ratio is 9,8:1. Multi point fuel injection is utilised for precise fuel metering with excellent fuel economy and low emissions. Maximum power is a segment leading 60kW @ 6400rpm with peak torque of 108Nm delivered at 4,800rpm. Drive is via a five-speed manual transmission to the front wheels. Interior space has been optimised to provide functional seating for five with 170 litres of luggage capacity available. The rear seat offers a 60/40 fold-down split to provide a versatile increase in available luggage space. Additional storage is provided in the form of a centre console with dual cup holders and storage bin for small items such as cell phones and iPods.

Both front doors have storage pockets incorporating bottle holders. Seatback pockets provide generous storage for rear seat passengers. The specification of the base L model offers features normally found in premium specification models and includes items such as power steering, air conditioner, radio CD player with MP3 compatibility, and driver and passenger airbags. Major specification items of the new Chevrolet Spark L include power steering, aircon, colour coded bumpers, 14 inch steel wheels with 155/70 R14 tyres, rear window demister, rear windscreen wiper, tinted windows all round, tinted front windscreen, cup holders in centre console, remote fuel filler opener, intermittent windscreen wipers, RDS radio with front loading CD player with MP3 compatibility and Auxiliary USB port, driver and front passenger frontal airbags, vehicle alarm/immobiliser system, key remote central locking.

The LS adds ABS anti-lock with electoric brakeforce distribution brakes, colour coded door handles, remote electric side mirrors (heated), 14 inch alloy wheels fitted with 155/70 R14 tyres, power windows at the front, remote boot release, four speaker RDS Radio with front loading CD player with MP3 compatibility and Auxiliary USB port and auto locking doors. The new Spark is available in a range of eight colours: Olympic White; Super Red; Carbon Flash; Switchblade Silver; Green Cocktail; Moroccan Blue; Ice Teal; and Misty Lake.GMSA offers one of the most comprehensive vehicle warranty and roadside assistance programmes available in South Africa. As with other models in the GMSA range the new Spark is covered by a five year/120,000km warranty with five year unlimited kilometre anti-corrosion cover. Roadside assistance is available throughout the warranty period. Service intervals for the new Spark are one year or 15,000km. A service plan is available.