CHEVROLET SPARK test drive since 2010 hatchback

Chevrolet Spark. Vesunchik

Chevrolet Spark. Price: from 379 000 r. On sale: since 2011

He was lucky three times. The first time he changed the surname with Daewoo to a more harmonious Chevrolet. The second time played in the film II Skidss Transformers. And for the third time, when it still really not equipped in our market, became a car of the year. He is a new Chevrolet Spark
 
Test pilot
Oleg Kalaushin, 42 year old, car journalist, driving experience 23 years old, personal car - Renault Logan

How? How did it happen? Nobody saw the new Spark, and he has already become a winner of the world's folk voting. Perhaps someone was able to give him this title in absentia, exclusively for a squirrel appearance and relying only on the technical characteristics. We can not. In this connection, as soon as Spark appeared in the salons of official dealers, we took it on the day, in order to draw up your own opinion about the winner in the class of city cars.

But before seriously studying this car, we note that this is not another variation on the topic of Daewoo Matiz, as many people might think. The new Spark is really an absolutely new car from the bumper to the bumper. In addition, it has become much larger. As a pre-preparation, the concept of Beat presented by Chevrolet at the New York Motor Show in 2007 is elected for him.

Well, if you compare it with the concept, it is practically no different from it. Of course, the proportions were slightly changed, the doors became not three, but five. And nevertheless guess, with a loaf about what a new car was made, it is quite not difficult. But see the true dimensions of the car are quite difficult for this playful way. He is like a toy forgotten by someone in the yard. A little more, and behind him will return a scattered boy, after which it will still press the favorite toy to the chest.

But appearance, as you know, is deceptive. Toy outside, spark rather adult inside. However, it concerns only dimensions and filling. But the design is the same, squirrel and broken. Only a motorcycle instrument shield with a circular speedometer and a liquid crystal tachometer in the frame of control lamps worth it. And although such a decision is not new, but in this car it is necessary for the way. No less interesting, although it is already stricter, the central console looks like. It is more traditional. As in any other car, it is located on it the audio complex controls, as well as the display and twist of the ventilation system. Mentering music in the car, I would like to note that, as a rule, in the cars of this class, quite serious audio systems from the factory do not put. Spark exception. Music is really good. In addition, it can be connected to it and other media appropriate connectors are present. Well, to those whom she still does not have to do, sincerely sympathize. Replace it with something else will not work the audio complex integrated into the central console.

Focusing the study of the interior, we somehow completely forgot about the volume of the internal space. However, apparently, it should have happened. Be in the car closely, we would not be able to refer to this at the very beginning. However, there was no explicit discomfort, in connection with which the volume of the cabin and went to the background. Let's just say: especially spacious Spark will not call, but you can easily make a fairly long trip without problems on it. But baggage will not take a lot. The volume of the trunk is only 170 liters. So it is necessary to solve than or who to sacrifice before a long trip.

Someone will say: what a long-time trip is talking about, because Spark is an exceptionally urban car! I agree, but do not forget that not everyone has the opportunity to have two, or even three cars in the family, and therefore, for someone, he will become the only and irreplaceable. They also inform that today Spark has three options for configuration that intend to two engines and two transmission options. The first engine is 995-cubic, with a capacity of 68 liters. with. With him, the car can be both with mechanics and with a machine gun. The second engine is a 1.2-liter, with a capacity of 82 liters. with. aggregated exclusively mechanics. It is in such a configuration that the car was on our test.

From the very first meters of the way the problems started. Get used to weightlessness gas pedal and clutch, reseeding at Spark with another machine, it is difficult. In connection with the first kilometers of the path followed by spurts during switching. By the end of the day, of course, to master, but at first it was uncomfortable. No less puzzled and low selectivity of the scenes. To tuck in the right gear at the right time, it is necessary to focus on the procedure. And we have long thought, why during the movement of the matter by itself turns on interior ventilation or increase its momentum. The reason was elementary. Driver while driving his knee touched the knob that enable ventilation. Oh, and one more thing: do not try to hold the steering wheel with one hand grip for eleven hours. The penalty in this case, you are guaranteed, because at this position the hands on the steering wheel of a speedometer is not visible.

A bright-eyed at Spark possible. Of course, 12.9 seconds to hundreds of quite a lot, but the first 60 km / h machine is gaining quite quickly, which allows us to move in city traffic without problems. Flawless drive and brakes, which is especially valuable for the city. But most of all pleased with the dense urban bustle dimensions. They allow you to literally dive of the series in a row, without creating emergency situations. It is easy to park and this kid. If the front office is a place for the bicycle, you know, there you will be able to squeeze and Spark. It is promoted and fairly lightweight wheel, and a very good view from the driver's seat. Particularly helpful when reversing large outside mirrors. As for the economy, then the discipline Spark is not a standard, of course, but it can be overcome for a good grade. Anyway, in the city, according to the performance characteristics, it consumes 7 liters of 95-octane gasoline, and in the country and at all less than 5 liters. By the way, the trip computer showed about the same numbers. As for other numbers, they are as follows. In the basic configuration Spark worth 379,000 rubles. At the maximum, he would cost at 481 600. For the money you can take Renault Sandero in the maximum configuration. However, the latter no more than thinking out loud.
 
Love is not love
Not every car in its class can boast control music on the steering wheel. solidly
The trunk is small, but perfectly adequate for a city car. amiss


Driving
If you are looking for a car for the city, then this is what you need. Nimble, economical. But the engine will have all the time to turn.
   
Salon
Is quite interesting in terms of design, quality finishing materials are present.
   
Comfort
Well equipped in terms of comfort, but the insulation is not enough.
   
Security
At the base of ABS and two airbags.
   
Price
More or less reasonable.
 
Advantages and disadvantages
+ Memorable design. dull interior, quality finishing materials, economy
- Insufficient insulation, the selectivity of the gearbox
 
Specifications
Dimensions - mm 3640h1597h1522
Engine - petrol, 4-cylinder, 1206 cm3 82/6400 hp / min-1
Transmission - manual, 5-speed
Dynamics - max 162 km / h; 12.9 to 100 km / h
Fuel Flow Rate - 5.4 L / 100 km in mixed media. cycle
Competitors - Daewoo Matiz, Peugeot 107

our opinion
It is interesting whether this car? Undoubtedly. In any case, you noticed it will not stay. Plus, it is, contrary to popular belief, quite well equipped. both in terms of security and in terms of comfort. Still trunk ...


Author: Oleg Kalaushin
Photo: Igor Kuznetsov


 

A source: Magazine 5 Wheel [August 2011]