Chevrolet Spark (United States of America, 2009-present)

The first generation of the Chevrolet Spark was launched at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. It was marketed since 2010 in Europe as a five-door small city car available in Europe with 1.0 and 1.2-litre I4 engines.

By June 30, 2011, Chevrolet had already sold 110,500 units of the small runabout.

US launch

The Spark was introduced to the North American market as a 2013 model and made its debut at the 2011 Los Angeles International Auto Show. The model received updates for United States and Canadian consumers, targeting first-time buyers and city dwellers.

Europe

Two engines were offered at launch in 2010, both petrol units with displacements of 1.0 and 1.2 liters. 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.

North America

In the United States and Canada, the Spark is powered by the 1.2L dual-overhead cam four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing that delivers an estimated 85 horsepower (63 kW). It is mated to a standard five-speed manual transmission. A four-speed automatic transmission is also available.

Exterior

The exterior of the Spark features a 'wheels-out, body-in' stance, its single-arc roofline and clean body sides free of cladding. Looking more like a three-door hatch, designers disguised the rear doors by integrating the handles into the C-pillar area. The technique gives the four-door Spark a sporty appearance, enhanced by an integrated spoiler over the rear hatch door while also improving the car’s aerodynamics.

Interior

All the controls are backlit by ice-blue lighting when the headlights are turned on. In-car entertainment offers choices on radio, CD, MP3 or USB keys. Air conditioning and power windows are standard across the Spark lineup in the US.

The Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system, included on 1LT and 2LT Spark models, provides a seven-inch color touch screen. With MyLink, Spark buyers can bring their customized music libraries into the vehicle and use their smart phones and Bluetooth connectivity to access both Pandora and Stitcher internet radio and navigation. When the vehicle is stopped, owners can project video and even personal photo albums onto the screen.

Color-coordinated interiors feature a lower instrument panel – with a motorcycle-inspired gauge cluster – and lower center console. Heated leatherette seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel are included on Spark 2LT.

Dimensions

Chevrolet's Spark five-door five-seater min comes in a compact package: at 3640 mm long and 1597 mm wide, it is made to squeeze into tight city spaces.

Front-seat passengers have up to 1067 mm of available legroom (893 mm in the rear), shoulder space of 1295 mm (1255 mm rear) and headroom of 1010 mm (947 mm).

Chassis and suspension

Spark’s body-frame integral structure is tight and stiff for improved driving dynamics. It features electronic power steering, MacPherson strut-type front suspension and anti-lock braking systems. StabiliTrak electronic stability control is standard.

Brakes

Spark is equipped with vented front disc and rear drum brakes with low-compressibility brake.

ESC

Spark is available with Electronic Stability Control, with electronic brake and traction control capabilities to provide anti-lock braking capabilities, as well as yaw stability.

In addition to crash-avoidance technologies such as StabiliTrak and ABS, Spark is equipped with 10 standard air bags, including both driver and passenger front knee air bags to reduce the risk of lower extremity injuries in frontal crashes. Dual-stage frontal air bags, seat-mounted side air bags and side curtain air bags that extend over the front and rear seating rows are also standard.

Other safety technologies include rollover sensing system; three-point safety belts in all four seating positions; seat belt pretensioners in the front driver and passenger seats; the LATCH child seat attachment system; releasable pedals; adjustable head restraints; and a collapsible steering column.

Spark also is equipped with the OnStar safety and security system, which uses GPS and cellular phone technology to automatically call for help in the event of crash.

In 2012, Chevrolet unveiled the Spark EV at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The Spark EV goes on sale in a few European markets in 2014.

The Spark uses a 130hp and 400lb-ft of torque electric motor with energy stored in a 20kWh lithium-ion battery that can move the car to 60mph in less than eight seconds.

The Spark comes with the Combo charger that can use a 500v current to charge the car to 80% in 20 minutes. All Sparks accept this type of charger, and Chevrolet sells the Combo fast charger for home installation. 

Inside, Chevrolet has added two, 7in LCD screens to display infotainment and vehicle information. The instruments include a gauge that shows expected total range based on driving and weather conditions. For infotainment, the Spark EV has the voice-activated MyLink system, Pandora, Stitcher, and it is compatible with Apple's Siri. 

The car is built in Michigan alongside the Volt. Chevrolet warranties the battery for eight years or 100,000 miles. It is available in Electric Blue, Black Granite, Summit White, Silver Ice and Titanium exterior colors.