Chevrolet Spark – Review in a nutshell
Just took a test drive of the more hyped Chevy Spark. Here are my experiences.
Chevy Spark Dimensions
Looks Exterior : Matiz Spoof. Not so great, but a sleek and decent look for a small car. Rear looks ugly.
Looks Interior : Not at all impressive. Not even comaprable to the old Maruti 800. Seat covers are not good either.
Comfort : Cramped. Too small a car for five medium sized people. Extremely difficult for people over six feet to sit at the rear. You do not feel the luxury of a car drive.
Engine : 1 Litre (1000cc) engine with 63bhp is just apt for the cars dimensions for city drive. Forget the pleasure of a highyway ride. You could just see a 2 wheeler just overtaking you with ease when your Spark is fully loaded with four people and luggage. 
Breaking : Good, but could have been better. Only the higher end model which would cost you upto 4.5Lacs INR would provide ABS. Definitely not worth it.
Power steering : Huh! Crap. I felt as though I was driving our old Premier Padmini. The two spoked steering wheel does not respond well. The claim to have Hydraulic Power Steering but I could never feel it. Since, the car is compact you can negiotiate curves easily.
Air Condition : I would rate it as average. Engine performance considerably drops down the moment you start AC. 
Mileage : 13-14 kmpl in city with AC. 17-18 on Highways with AC.
Top speed : 120kmph. Don’t risk going beyond that. Spark does not have good aerodynamics and geometry.
Gear : Again, cheap quality gear box. Nothing very great to write about.
Dashboard : Central Dashboard makes it much more hard to drive. Because of this central positioning the rest of the dashboard gadgets like AC, AC controls and stereo are pushed downwards. Chevy, you lost here.
Central Dashboard
Front Windshield : Its steep angle is a disadvantage. I personally did not like it.
Suspension : No issues. Finally something that Spark can boast about.
Boot Space : Too less. Do not even think of a family trip with Spark’s boot space.
All in all, not such a good bet for the price you pay. I would buy an Alto/Santro rather than a Spark.
Now, they have introduced special edition of Spark in the form of Spark Muzic for the youth generation as funky car!
Sanya
March 27, 2009 at 4:43 pm
New Version of spark is Spark Muzic, its very good car for youth, I have read the buyer’s reviews they are very impressed with the Spark and Spark muzic as well.
Spark Muzic
March 27, 2009 at 4:48 pm
Hi Aditya!!
I own chevy spark, and just for your information I am getting a mileage of 28-20 KM/lit in city conditions and 22-24 KM/lit on highway. and yes whatever you pay to get a new spark it worth the amount, I have one alto as well and I still prefer spark to Alto, one more thing if you like to buy santro rather than spark than obviously you are spending much more that the price you pay for spark. Moreover I personally feel all small cars are similar a lil bit of more or less space doesnt makle it good or bad, if u are looking for space with perormance than definitely your budget should be 6-7 lacks minimum.
sid
May 3, 2009 at 9:04 pm
20 kmpl is a very good city mileage. What about the car’s performance with four adults with AC level 2? Does the engine rev up?
Acc to me spark is a car for ladies.
And another thing – What does Chevy mean by saying 3 yrs no service costs?
Aditya Kavoor
May 3, 2009 at 10:08 pm
Hi !!
The car sure is performing beautifully with 4 adults (Me, Wife and my parents (Dad & Mom)) as far as pickup is concerned I found no trouble at all.
The car even beautifully climbed the mountains(mostly AC on) we went fora trip to mcleodgunj and nainital with this car and it performed beautifully, handling is very fine and satisfactory in compare to alto and 800.
Yes I agree Aditya that you might find the looks girlish, but some time even girls are tougher…What do you say??
any how as far as 3 yrs no service cost is concerned you have to purchase the extended warranty on the car, as there is nothing free in this world, you do have to earn this premier warrnty contract as well.
Presently, Chevrolet’s cashless offer is available (I am sure), but its not free, If you want to go for Cashless offer, means Not a single penny for next 3 yrs. or 45000 kms. whichever occur earliar, you have to pay Another 10k only.
When I bought back in Novemver, this offer was not available, But yes Fixed maintenance plan is there, that means in any case your maintenance amount will be under 12999/- in next 3 yrs or 45000 kms. if you will spend over this amount, GM will refund the amount. So, you know the Upper Limit atleast.
Now..about service, my car is almost 16000 now, the service detail is as under:
1. 1000 kms. free checkup (No oil change), Cost of service: NIL
2. 5000 kms. Service (Engine Oil & Oil filters replaced), Cost of service: 660/- odd
3. 10000 kms. service (No oil change), Cost of service: NIL
4. 15000 kms. service (First Paid Service): Engine Oil & Filters replace, service cost=500 + Oil & Oil filter .. Total service cost: Rs. 1187/- including Tax.
Now you can calculate how much you are going to spend on service, you can check the service book in which you will find Parts to be replaced at certain intervals, at GM site you can check that parts price (If u wanna know every info), n you can calculate.
As far as car is concern, I can assure you this is the best option available in Small car Segment.
Cheers!!!
Sid
May 4, 2009 at 9:18 am
Ha Ha, there comes the hidden cost. Even I purchased an extended warranty of 2 years for my i10 and paid 4000 INR. Its worth it.
But sadly there is huge list saying so-and-so do not come under warranty
Aditya Kavoor
May 12, 2009 at 10:24 pm
Hello SID,
Pls mail me your mobile number , I want to talk to you
dev
May 7, 2009 at 11:51 pm
Hi Dev!!
If you like you can get in touch with me at +91-98-788-77729. Mon & Tuesday 8:00AM-7:00PM rest all days only at 1:00PM-3:30PM.
Sid
May 9, 2009 at 11:21 am
Hi Sid/ Aditya, Now this cashless maint offer fr 3 yrs come free! u dnt hav 2 pay nything. Aditya watever u wrote, seems ok, but only if in ur mind, u r expecting an BMW!! come on Man, its rear look is much better than the rear of i10!! & mind u, i10 got flopped in Korea, wen hyundai launched it there! Even i20 too was nt getting good response there. I was in S korea fr 3 mnths in mid 2008. Matiz ( spark is name in india & brazil) rules korea & in small car segment, its king!! See, my point is for the price, Spark is most competitive in this segment feature wise!!30 lakh sales wrldwide itself is d proof..
Sushant
May 20, 2009 at 5:45 pm
Firstly do not compare i10 with Spark. i10 is totally a different class and is a big hit in India which matters to me and not the sales in S.Korea.
I would ask you to once test the i10 and get back. Take care and drive safe.
Aditya Kavoor
May 20, 2009 at 11:21 pm
Hi Aditya !!
Again chk the price and then compare the features of spark. Hyundai i10 is more costly then spark. As you can see below I have compared only the Top End models of both cars. (pricesare Ex mumbai)
Chevy spark LT – 405000.00
Hyundai Magna i10-544000.00
So if I compare 2 cars in terms of price it’s costlier then spark and moreover if the price is increasing definitely you will get more engine refinements and other stuff. So in all my friend the more you add sugar more your tea becomes sweeter.
Sid
May 25, 2009 at 10:33 am
Hi Aditya..!!!
It seems like somebody has gave you price for making all sorts of false comments about spark
shinoj
May 25, 2009 at 3:43 pm
Hi Shinoj, Nice guess but bad luck. I write purely based on my personal experiences.
Aditya Kavoor
May 26, 2009 at 12:59 am
Hi Aditya.
I dont agree with you,I too own a spark.
May be your case is an exceptional one.. and as you know Exceptions are not examples…
shinoj
May 29, 2009 at 7:59 pm
Hi Aditya !!
I think when you are making some comment about anything (Not Just Spark)you must keep your personal experience aside, and concentrate rather on facts and figures.
Sid
May 27, 2009 at 11:21 am
Ha Ha Ha LoL. I can’t stop laughing. All you Chevrolet lovers – GM files for bankruptcy – http://tr.im/n4JI
No more spares, Now where did all the 3yr free service and maintenance promise go? That’s something to ponder about.
Aditya Kavoor
June 2, 2009 at 12:38 am
Aditya!!
Check news before making such childish comments. They are not expected from you. Hre is the news excerpt:
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GM India has announced that it continues all its normal operations and is not included in the court reinvention process of GM’s US operations. GM India operations are not included in the US filing for Chapter 11. Consequently, all GM India dealers, warranty and customer support services will remain unaffected.
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Sid
June 3, 2009 at 8:12 am
@Sid
http://tr.im/nPeJ Chevy Spark launches LPG version. Share your thoughts?
Aditya Kavoor
June 9, 2009 at 1:48 am
GM’s regional businesses haven’t been able to get financial support from their U.S. parent company since the they filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on June 1.
But That’s not a problem for GM’s profitable Indo-Chinese business, but it means the Thai and Indian divisions have to scramble to secure new funding, and as a result a newer more lucrative offer of LPG spark have been introduced for indian market.
Globally, GM has sold 3.5 million Spark cars in 100 markets. The version unveiled Tuesday is GM’s first clean-burning liquefied natural gas car in India. GM has already launched an LPG version of the Spark in Italy.
I have not taken the Test Drive yet and have no technical information about the LPG version,but with the GM assurance I am sure it will be a breeze.
Sid
June 12, 2009 at 8:02 am
Hi Aditya !!
The cute little Spark has always been a great value for money proposition in its segment – attractive design, sporty interiors and a peppy engine make for a brilliant small car. Then General Motors also had some ultra-awesome warranty and service schemes for all their vehicles adding even more value. As if that was not enough, GM has gone ahead and played the LPG move with their tiny tot. The concept of offering a factory-fitted LPG kit isn’t exactly new – even in the small car segment. Maruti has already done it with the Wagon R Duo and Hyundai with the Santro LPG. But what really sets the Spark apart is that the integration of the LPG is an extremely well executed affair.
The kit itself is Europe-based and after extensive testing has been certified by both the DOE and ARAI. The system uses modern sequential injection technology instead of the venture-type injection that most other kits use. This should translate into better fuel economy as well as seamless power delivery. But, as General Motors claims, this also ensures no backfire or loss in power while switching from petrol to LPG operation.
The Chevrolet Spark LPG has also successfully undergone European ECE R32 rear crash tests to ensure safety even during mishaps. The toroidal LPG tank fits snugly in the spare wheel well in the car’s boot while the spare wheel itself has to make do with hanging around in the boot – though it doesn’t eat up too much space there. Access for refilling the LPG tank is on the rear right just under the tail lamp.
Along with the LPG kit, Chevrolet has also revamped the interiors of the Spark – which now comes with beige trim. The only disadvantage is small or no boot space, but this is meant for city so no worries you wont be carrying that extra luggage in city driving.
GM India will be offering the Spark LPG in two variants – LS and PS, with a whopping 3 year/1,00,000km warranty – the same as on the petrol version. Priced at Rs 3,69,338 (ex-showroom, Thane), GM has just injected a huge dose of value for money into the already potent Spark. Mind sets and psychological blocks aside, the Chevrolet Spark LPG is on its way to making the small car an even bigger success for the General!
sid
June 19, 2009 at 6:44 am
Hey Ppl!
I’ve just booked my Spark LPG. Delivery in a weeks time…
Anandh
June 29, 2009 at 2:55 pm
Great News Anandh!!
At the price, the Spark LPG is approximately Rs 20,000 more expensive than the petrol versions, but the running costs on LPG are about 50 percent cheaper. For someone looking for a stylish city runabout, who’s tired of the tall-boy breadbox looks, this car does make sense.
The LPG kit is imported from Europe but is factory fitted to the Spark, and shares the same three-year, 100,000 km warranty as the rest of the car. The Spark also enjoys a 45,000km maintenance holiday, whereby the company covers all the maintenance costs, excepting tyres, battery and accident damage.
sid
June 30, 2009 at 5:40 am