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. 
Braking : 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
if anyone finds a more silent car than this one, in small hatchback category, let me know.
awesome smooth drive, extremely effective AC, powerloss with AC on is lesser than santro.. i have driven santro for 4 years now… i have stretched to 140 and shake felt on steering is lesser than santro at the same speed
onroad price for LS model 3.22 which includes remote central lock, stereo etc. full of goodies.. please compare all the cars in the same category and you will find this is one car which has not missed out on any feature at all.. be it anything..
also, in your initial few weeks of your ownership, this car will surprise you..small little things but they matter.. rear seat can be folded into a small lil bed which is four five times the luggage space of any other hatchback..intelligent space usage i would call it..rear views mirrors on both sides can be operated internally, missing on wagon R..simple things but matter..
alto xcite is 2.97, and this is without central locking (5000) stero(7000) etc etc … evaluate yourself.. i did not have spend anything on acessories, exept for seat covers..
most important thing, why this car is the most stable car on high speeds (100 and above)…any pro would tell you, the top speed of the car depends more on suspensions than on engine.. because there is no straight line racing in city… it all about how well the car corners…spark has all four gas filled shockers, plus tubeless tyres which are wider(than wagon R) and grips more and rolls less..test drive yourself and check out… all at 3.22
also check for “top speed,spark” videos on you tube and u ll see top speed of this car is more than counterparts…again, the engine is super smooth and i simply love it…
we all dont have enough money and thats why buying a car between 3-4 lacs and every bit of money counts.
i bargained hard and got matting mud flaps foot mats and additional cash discount steering covers etc free..
fuel tank is 38 ltrs, i dont know how big it is for santro wagon R etc.car has more torgue than counterparts.. has a 63 BHP engine and the power to weight ratio ( which is the ultimate thing that matters ) is the best … i get 16 kmpl in delhi with half AC on approx.
blah blah blah blah blah
and let me not discuss cashless ownership details.. everyone by now knows about it…fantastic idea
some one said, its a car for ladies… bhai, we are also for ladies, nahin ??
my freind is in severe pain who bought i 10 kappa which gives 9-10 kmpl with AC on in city and thats after spending 5 lacs.. but anyhow each one to his own choice.. all cars are good…lets not demean any product.
rakesh
October 21, 2009 at 4:54 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
i have spark ls model dec2008.but it gave me only milage 10km/lit . im very surprised your car is giving 22km/lit .how it happened tellme
manoj nayak
August 13, 2009 at 8:41 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:
********************
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.
******************************
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
Hi Anandth,
I am also planning to buy LPG version. Could you please share your experience with new LPG version? Is there any issue in performance? mileage? Dose LP smell in the cabin?
Thanks
Lee
Lee
July 9, 2009 at 10:08 pm
Aditya’s review will be the same for any car having variants between 3 to 4 lacs. as they all have limitations.
Aditya, Writing reviews needs objectivity and balance. Even comparing apples and oranges is difficult.
Now, better you put the info. in a tabular form and with the measurements of each feature. You may not be able to defend what you said in your review. Spark is a small car with limitations every car in the price range has.
As far as Maruti 800 is concerned, compare it with Nano. SPark and Maruti 800 are no match. Some salesperson at SPARK seems to have insulted you and you seem to take a revenge on SPARK.
Rakesh
July 10, 2009 at 3:15 pm
hi people, im proud owner of spark… i bought my spark 6 months ago. as of now my spark did not gave me any headaches or problem. my mileage now is 7,700. i just finished my pms-change oil and change oil filter.. i always drive my spark with my wife and 2 children in the back of our spark with AC on..i never noticed it underpowered or AC is low. and its flawless and we are very satisfied in this small car…
nhel
July 10, 2009 at 4:49 pm
Aditya !!!
That should change your views. People are really happy about this package.. I agree with Rakesh. One thing Aditya, life is always full of different packages. choice is all yours. choose them accordingly.
sid
July 12, 2009 at 12:34 am
Hi Aditya !!
Although this is not going to happen in India but still the US market will be surprised to see the new spark which is going to be launched in 2010 or 2011, take a look yaar you will be amazed.. click the below link for future spark.
http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2011-chevrolet-spark.htm
sid
July 22, 2009 at 3:07 am
Sorry for not replying. I was out of country for 20 days.
Oh seems like there are many happy SPARK owners firing me. Thats good infact good that people are enjoying it. Afterall what we want is good cars for the Indian market.
Belt up and drive safe.
Aditya Kavoor
July 24, 2009 at 6:09 pm
i am plannin to buy a small car costing between Rs 3 to 3.5 lakhs preferably spark or alto. can you suggest me anything.
JP Meena
September 25, 2009 at 6:24 pm
Sorry for the late reply. I would still insist on the Alto though stretching your budget a little would give a new Santro which is a pocket rocket.
Aditya Kavoor
September 27, 2009 at 10:00 pm
ALTO…….!!!!!!!!! Great choice Adi.
Papichulo
October 2, 2009 at 7:46 am
As far as you are comparing ALTO to CHEVY, the leg room, Boot space, interior quality, comfort & every possible thing is better.
And not to forget, SAME COST.
Papichulo
October 2, 2009 at 7:48 am
I have one year old SPARK. I find no difficulties on SPARK. At this low price no one can find any alternative car in India with AC, power steering and 1 lit engine. It is a challenging factor.
DR.M.C.SARMAH, JORHAT
October 16, 2009 at 12:50 pm