CHEVROLET SPARK test drive since 2010 hatchback

All photos Chevrolet Spark since 2010

Do not hide a smile, "Spark"!

Chevrolet has a new model. This is a restyled car Korean Daewoo, which has entered not so long ago in the powerful General Motors.

The car, known to the Russians as Daewoo Matiz, will now be called Chevrolet Spark (Chevrolet Spark) and will become the smallest Chevrolet on the market, including Russian. However, Daewoo Matiz from Uzbekistan will continue to be sold here. Therefore, with the advent of Slaughter in the middle of the summer, their great confrontation between the hearts of future owners will begin. I will not anticipate, my task is to meet a new American.
Almost in Leninsky
Once the last of the classics of Marxism offered, and unsuccessfully, toggle the fire of the revolution with the help of a newspaper, symbolic called spark. On Chevrolet, Lenin's heritage was unlikely to appeal, but in the conquest of the Russian market there were parallels. One is certain: because Spark is sparking in English.
Live, sparkling appearance of Daewoo Matiz Spark predecessor, which appeared in 1998, fascinated a total of 1.3 million people in different parts of the planet. The attractiveness of a compact car drawn by the classic design of Georgetto Judjaro was irresistible. The main role was played by round headlights and a smile, which the machine exudes when looking at her face. Current Spark Creators tried to give dynamism, without prejudice to the happy expression.
Multi-household economy
Inside, as outside, Spark did not become more than the predecessor. But it was noticeably added from part of the convenience of cargo placement, the comfort of landing and the driver's work.
The seat cushion is now adjustable in height. The front panel has changed completely, only four ventilation deflector remained in its places. A retractable box under the front passenger seat appeared, as is customary on most mini-WaNs. Over the driver's door set a voice.
Spark, like the predecessor, gives a full feature to stay in the back seat of two adults. The third head restraint no real function is likely to carry. So, tribute symmetry, no more. Although, if children will be on the back sofa, then why not.
A small trunk (170 l) can be increased by folding the back of the rear seat, cut in the ratio of 40:60. With a fully folded back, the volume of the trunk increases to 845 liters, and this is already quite serious.
Road empirism

It is not enough to see the machine, but the well-thought-out organization of space and the shape of the doors make it possible to conveniently enter and leave passengers, and not to be squeezed. Under high ceiling you can sit in the headers and caps. And, as you know, comfortable accommodation involves and comfortable ride.
Of course, the advantages of a compact car are manifested primarily in the city. To emphasize this, the presentation organizers laid the route through the medieval Italian town of Assisi, on the streets of which sometimes it is difficult to disperse two pedestrians. According to maneuverability and radius, Spark is inferior, perhaps, only smart, but that double.
Good visibility from the driver's seat, short skes exacerbate the sense of dimensions of the car and allow you to fit into the most narrow ducts, it is convenient to park.
The city is quite enough power of a 52-strong three-cylinder engine, not to mention a liter motor in 66 hp And the other engines are involved and love when they are spinning under 6000. The limiter works at the turn of 7000 rpm.
The spark engines were added in power, steel was noticeably quieter and more economical due to changes in the design, in particular, the appearance of roller pushers of valves.
But behind the city, the car behaves quite confident. On the motorway, when the speedometer arrows slowly sits to 140 km / h, you can talk in a low voice. In addition to improved isolation, a decrease in noise in the cabin contributed to changing the engine mount instead of four supports now three.

At times, under the overtakers, there is a lack of dynamics, but the race is not an element of a spark. Silence shortage is noticeable on mountain serpentines, when gas accelerates the floor to the second, and it does not pull on the third motor. However, the latter relates more to a three-cylinder engine. Justice for the sake of notice that these were difficult mountain roads.
In the province of Italians do not burden themselves to care for the road surface. However, the new American seems to be ready for such tests. Spark unexpectedly for his sizes pleased the smoothness of the stroke and the suspension ability to not notice small irregularities on the road. From the chassis seriously worked. Rear suspension is completely new. Her elastic beam received diagonal levers and gas-filled shock absorbers located obliquely. The design of the front racks has changed. Result Improve manageability.
Protection and attacks
Behind the wheel of Uzbek Matiz do not feel safe. In Sparake, even the base option has a driver's pillow. The maximum configuration will also have a passenger pillow and side. In body design, high-strength steel and alloys are used. They make up 51% of the mass, while in the predecessor, this indicator was limited to 37%. In addition, elements in the form of bee cells are used in the deformation zones. Spark has become the first car in its class, the front of which satisfies the European Pedestrian Safety Standard.
Driver and passengers also insure a trauma-safe steering column and three-point belts with pretensioners. The risk of fire reduces the benzobac with the fuel emergency switch when tipping over.
It's time to summarize. Spark is more dynamic, more economical and safer than the predecessor. It is better equipped and technically perfect, the plant manufacturer promises him a three-year warranty. Progress is obvious. However, having shuting the door of the test Chevrolet Spark, I could not definitely answer myself, whether these arguments will be in Russia decisive in dispute with Uzbek. But still, do not hide a smile, Spark!