Chevrolet launches facelifted Spark at Rs. 3.26 lakh

General Motors has launched a facelifted Chevrolet Spark in India in five variants priced between Rs. 3.26 lakh and Rs. 4.10 lakh ex-showroom Delhi. This includes two LPG-petrol dual-fuel variants. Here’s a quick look at the prices, ex-showroom Delhi.

Prices

Chevrolet Spark Std: Rs. 3.26 lakh

Chevrolet Spark LS: Rs. 3.52 lakh

Chevrolet Spark LT: Rs. 3.80 lakh

Chevrolet Spark LS (LPG): Rs. 3.81 lakh

Chevrolet Spark LT (LPG): Rs. 4.10 lakh

So what’s new with the Chevrolet Spark? Considering GM has increased prices by about Rs. 10,000 variant for variant, is the Spark worth the price increase?  Also see: Big deals on Chevrolet Spark and Alto K10

Improved looks

The new Chevrolet Spark gets a new front look, keeping in line with the Chevrolet family design language of two grilles separated by a thick bar that carries the Bow-tie logo. The headlamps get a slight change in the form of a different cut for the reflectors and indicators and the front bumper has been redesigned. At the rear, the car gets a new rear bumper design with inset reflectors and the tail-lamps also have been partly modified. In profile, the only visible change is the addition of ski-racks that give the car a slightly sportier look.

Improved interiors

ON the interiors, there have been minor changes that have been carried out as well. The instrument console remains in the centre of the dash, but gets a new “winged” design. The LT variant has a driver’s airbag, power windows, manually adjustable rearview mirror, USB/Aux-in/CD double-DIN music system and manual air-conditioning. The seat upholstery has been changed to a lighter, more younger looking fabric pattern, although the interiors remain grey and light grey. The dashboard is two-toned (grey and light grey).

Same engine performance

Just as the earlier Spark, the facelifted variant also is powered by a 1-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine that puts out 63 bhp of power at 5400 rpm and 90 Nm of torque at 4200 rpm with a cable-shift five-speed manual transmission. The car rides on 155/70 R 13 tyres with a ground clearance of 170 mm, slightly better than the Alto 800, Alto K10 and Hyundai Eon, its main competitors.

Unchanged mileage

The Spark is not really as fuel efficient as its competition, but it has better high speed manners, being a slightly heavier car. The Spark has a claimed mileage of 18 kmpl. There are two LPG variants which offer about 15 kmpl on LPG.

What we think

General Motors offers a three-year maintenance package with the Spark and this is one of the car’s selling points. It offers peace-of-mind ownership for those who want a car but don’t want any of the maintenance hassles, and change cars frequently. The Spark is based on the old Daewoo Matiz design and is showing its age now. The Beat was supposed to have replaced the Spark (as it has in other markets), but in India the old Spark and Beat continue to sell side by side. The Spark barely sells about 500 odd units a month. The refreshed design may boost sales a little, but with the increased price in the face of new and stronger competition, the car isn’t really taking off. Also see: Gold and cash with Beat and Spark