In 2005, Chevrolet presented a nimble little city for the metropolis - Spark, which means “Iskra” in Russian. This car is the smallest in the range of models of the brand Chevrolet. On the design of Spark artists worked studio ItalDesign. The car looks fresh, not trivial, and has to itself. The original design of the front, beautiful lights of unusual shape, cute round taillights: Spark just radiates friendliness. Inside it is convenient and not at all crowded, despite the modest dimensions of the Spark. The high seating position allows four people to sit inside.
At the same time, the salon offers a lot of opportunities for transformation and easily eliminates the relatively small amount of luggage compartment, which can be changed in the range from 170 to 845 liters. If we talk about the driver's seat, the seat is equipped with all the necessary adjustments, and it moves within wide limits. So even the fixed "tightly" steering column does not prevent to get comfortable and properly. Instruments and controls are divided into two groups. The first, located directly in front of the driver, includes controls, indicators and alarms.
The second group, wittily placed in the middle part of the front panel and visible from all passenger seats, contains devices - here there are both analogue indicators and digital displays. Depending on what color the interior and exterior will be chosen by the customer, the displays may be blue, green or orange. In addition, the dashboard fits perfectly into the interior, because, in fact, is a continuation, or rather, the beginning of the center console. Immediately under the shield - round ventilation vents, audio system and a small compartment for small things. Just below is the air conditioning control unit, and under it are two cupholders and one more “baggage recess”.
In general, the entire lower part of the front panel is a compact shelf that, together with a roomy glove compartment, door pockets, drawers under the front seats and meshes on the backs of the chairs, solves the problem of placing a small load. On the narrow streets of the capital and parking Spark has obvious and undeniable advantages. The length of the car is only 3.5 meters. On the Spark, there is a choice of one of two fast and reliable engines that meet Euro IV emission standards. The economical 0.8-liter engine with a power of 38 kW (51 hp.) Is great for urban travel.
The 48 kW (65 hp.) Liter engine is an excellent choice for those who are going to travel both in the city and in the country. For cars with three-cylinder power units also offers a four-speed automatic transmission. Spark is also a car with a full set of passive and active safety features.
At the heart of the passive safety of the car is a solid frame that protects the passenger compartment. The new Spark is able to reliably protect the driver and passengers in case of an accident. Carefully thought out ways to redistribute and absorb the impact energy when a car strikes from the front, side or rear. The list of passive safety of the car includes front airbags for the driver and front passenger; side airbags; three-point seat belts and head restraints for all five seats; pretensioners and limiters of the tension of the seat belts of the front seats (controlled by the electronic system); energy absorbing deformable steering column and lining to protect the knees.
All versions of Spark boast a wide list of additional equipment, which includes: ABS system, power steering, a set of passive safety devices, power windows front windows and electric central locking with remote control. Depending on the version, Spark can be equipped with devices that increase comfort, such as: air conditioning, an audio system with a CD player and power windows in the rear windows. Immobilizer and high-strength glass protect against Spark theft. All vehicles are offered a full 2-year warranty without mileage limitation and a 6-year warranty against penetrating corrosion on the body. In 2010, the company updated the model Spark.
At the heart of the car is a modernized platform GM for ultra-compact cars, which was developed by the Asian branch of GM-DAT. The design of the car was chosen by potential consumers - in 2007, Internet users voted for one of three concepts (Beat, Trax and Groove), the first one that eventually gave birth to a new Spark was elected. By the way, this is the first Chevrolet model with a 3-year warranty. The car has grown a little: length 3 640 mm, width 1 597 mm, height 1 552 mm.
The wheelbase has increased by 35 mm and is now 2375 mm. Spark 2011 looks a little like its predecessor. Exterior has experienced dramatic changes. The design has become more modern and expressive. Now Spark will not get lost in the bustling city traffic of a large metropolis. The door handles disguised in the rear rack not only add originality to the look, but also show that the appearance of the Spark meets the latest fashion trends in the car. Compact outside, inside this car is able to accommodate 5 adult passengers. The main trump card interior Spark - the original style.
For example, the instrument cluster is here, like a motorcycle: an analog speedometer is combined with a digital display, which displays the engine RPM and auxiliary information. It is noteworthy that the devices moved from the middle of the front panel to the usual place in front of the driver's eyes. The position of the steering column varies only in height, the range is small, but this disadvantage is partially compensated by the vertical adjustable driver's seat cushion.
On the availability of the car indicate except that cheap finishing materials: hard plastic corresponds to the class of the model. Compared to the previous generation, the interior looks more modern and functional: shelves, pockets, coasters, meshes - attention to detail is felt. In addition to pockets, front doors have recesses for standard 1.5 liter bottles. And in the front panel, in addition to the central niche, there are a couple of shelves on the sides. Trunk volume remained the same - 170 liters. If you fold the rear sofa (foldable in a 60:40 ratio), the space will increase to 994 liters. Under the boot floor is a full-size spare tire.
Chevrolet Spark is offered with two engines: 1.0 liter with 68 hp and 1.2 liters capacity of 81 hp For the first engine is available 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmission. For an engine of 1.2 liters - only mechanics. The chassis layout has not changed compared to the previous generation model - McPherson struts in the front and elastic beam in the back. But Chevrolet representatives claim that the springs, shock absorbers and other suspension parts are completely new. The increased weight, length and base made the Spark habits more noble. The vibration load is noticeably lower than that of the predecessor.
The basic equipment includes the following equipment: power steering, full-size spare tire, air conditioning, front electric windows, rear window wiper, immobolizer, ABS, Spark R13 steel discs, CD / MP3 player and FM radio. The fuel tank and trunk lids are equipped with a remote control, side mirrors are painted in body color. Airbags are provided for the driver and front passenger only. Among the options are side airbags, ABS, climate control, a radio with steering wheel controls, rear electric windows, electric mirrors, heated seats, etc. Spark 2011 is a unique combination of a stylish exterior, a well-equipped 5-seater saloon and a bargain price.
The car is equipped with all the most necessary for comfortable city driving.