The smallest crusader made another attempt to rebuild from the image Daewoo Matiz. This is far from a cheap, and not at all flawed car of a technologically outdated brand, to which the image of the most ascetic vehicle on the entire Russian market is nailed.

However, the roots of the new Spark still go to Korea - new platform GM for ultra-compact cars was developed by the Asian branch of GM-DAT. But 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 was chosen, which eventually gave life to the new Spark.

The new Chevrolet Spark is a movie star

With the release of each new Transformers movie, the cult of General Motors is constantly replenished with new followers. And finally, among the cars "drawn" into the dismantling of shape-changing robots, there were models available in European and Russian markets- yes, yes, Spark, finally, was among them! Now the Russians will be able to say: “my car was filmed in the third “transformers”!”. Although the role of the Autobot Skids can hardly be attributed even to the second plan. True, it's already taken new series…

With the rise of a film career new chevrolet Spark 2011, "grew" from the subcompact segment, even if it grew with quotes. Without them, the overall dimensions (length 3,640 mm, width 1,597 mm, height 1,552 mm), remaining within the smallest auto segment, do not allow. But inside the Spark is very spacious for its class. At shoulder level, a little cramped - two tall riders in front will feel it, but there is plenty of room for the head and legs. Surprisingly, you can sit quietly in the back row without cursing your decision to leave the cozy front seats. The trunk is modest, but a pair of upright suitcases will fit without problems, and if you fold the rear sofa (folded out in a 60:40 ratio), you can carry much larger items.

Chevrolet Spark: equipped not in a compact way

In terms of equipment, Spark has clearly outgrown its predecessor! Our test car had front and side airbags, ABS, climate control, a steering wheel radio, power windows and mirrors, heated seats, and a scooter-inspired design. on-board computer... Yes, the driver now has only one familiar device in front of him - an orthodox round speedometer, and all the rest of the traffic information comes from a strange remote control that is attached to the speedometer on the right. It displays - apart from the tachometer - air temperature, odometer, and the distance that can be overcome on the remaining fuel. And what is important: the readings of the eccentric device are perfectly visible through the steering wheel rim.

There are configurations with a 1.2 engine - it is supplemented only with "mechanics", there is 1.0 - with "mechanics" and "automatic". What do you want: faster, more difficult, or slower, more comfortable?! Novice drivers (and female drivers) are likely to choose a Spark with a gun, but for me, perhaps, a manual car will do.

However, it was not difficult; the only trouble I encountered in the new test Spark was an uninformative clutch pedal. It didn't take long for her to let go. Otherwise, everything is normal: the machine is assembled well, there were no extraneous sounds from anywhere, the knobs are pressed and rotated ...

Spark weighing only 864 kilograms accelerates to its "12 seconds to hundreds"; not lightning fast, of course, but the 1.2-liter engine cannot be called sluggish either. The engine briskly picks up speed up to medium crankshaft speeds, however, approaching 4,500 rpm, its onslaught noticeably fades away. The brakes are in perfect order: even when I braked urgently on dry pavement, I did not hear any rubber squeak or ABS crackle.

Chevrolet Spark not a model of comfort in motion; there is still room for improvement in noise and vibration isolation; on bad roads, its suspension most often copes with single obstacles, but sometimes breaks through.

But in the management of the most compact Chevrolet is obedient like a racehorse to a jockey. Reactions to the steering wheel are quick and understandable, and the rolls are very slight, not like the previous generation of Spark. That's where it is - a spark! The "baby" seems to have matured in many ways. I wonder if this affected its price?

FOR THIS MONEY...

If you are looking for a small city car, then within $ 8,000 (+ -), I assure you, you will find it. And the choice will be very rich. can be bought from $8 590. Uzbek Daewoo Matiz / Daewoo Matiz You will be sold for a price of $7,400. The "Chinese" offer Hafei Brio / Hafei Brio at a price of $7,990, Chery Sweet / Chery Sweet from $7,890.

CHEVROLET SPARK IN DEALERS...

Chevrolet Spark / Chevrolet Spark. Stylish, compact city car. Buying one today is not difficult. AT average configuration(ABS, power steering, air conditioning, etc.) almost all dealers have a car. For those who do not have it, the maximum delivery time is one month. However, these are all machines mechanical box gears. Chevrolet Spark / Chevrolet Spark with an automatic transmission (and cars with such gearboxes are officially delivered to Russia) are unrealistic to find at dealers. However, as it is unrealistic to know the specific delivery time of such a car. According to official information General Motors / General Motors, Spark / Spark with automatic transmission is quite an expensive car and the sales of this modification are unstable, therefore, the number of vehicles is ordered, corresponding to demand. With regard to available cars, dealers often offer Chevrolet Spark / Chevrolet Spark 2005 release. The discount on these machines is $500.

Traffic jams, traffic jams - horror is simple, not road traffic! Everywhere you go - cars are everywhere, even the most secret streets, which few people know about, are already packed with rattling cars. Looking at this, I have always been tormented by the question: what routes do buses take people to, which offer excursions around Moscow at the train stations? Well, in general, I still don’t know the answer to it, but, having driven a Chevrolet Spark / Chevrolet Spark, brothers of the popular Daewoo Matiz / Daewoo Matiz, I know for sure that with this, with dexterity, a good eye and a sense of dimensions, you can slip through Moscow from one end to the other quickly enough.

Due to its small dimensions, combined with an attractive appearance and bright color Chevrolet Spark / Chevrolet Spark fits perfectly into a huge metropolis with its age-old problem - traffic jams. In addition, the baby is much more complete and has a newer design than the same Matiz, and this is why it is interesting for the buyer. Yes, and the interior Chevrolet Spark / Chevrolet Spark able to seduce anyone. Despite the abundance of hard plastic, the interior of the car is pleasant and functional. There are many shelves, pockets and coasters, against which the modest size of the main glove compartment is completely invisible. The chairs are comfortable. The driver's seat has enough adjustments, including height adjustment. The rear seats can be folded down and thereby increase a small, but quite roomy trunk for a car of this size. And above the head of the passengers a solid supply of free space. So even a tall man over eighty meters will be quite comfortable to sit. Yes, there is no steering wheel adjustment, yes, there is no special handle on the trunk lid in order to slam it shut. But on the other hand, it opens from the passenger compartment, however, like the gas tank cap, which is undoubtedly convenient, and in winter, spring and autumn, when slush and dirt are on the street, it is simply necessary. As for the lack of steering wheel adjustments, for me personally, with a sufficient number of settings driver's seat, it does not play a special role. It's still convenient. What would I not say about those who have to sit in the back.

Despite its 1.0-liter engine, Chevrolet Spark / Chevrolet Spark very quick. A noisy herd of 66 horses under the hood allow the car to start from a traffic light earlier than others - however, after more powerful brothers catch up with the baby Chevrolet Spark / Chevrolet Spark, but this is the second moment. In general, keeping the tachometer needle in the zone high speed, from driving to Chevrolet Spark / Chevrolet Spark you can enjoy. However, as from his enough comfortable suspension, brakes and tolerable control (if the car is not rushing).

MINUSES...

If you like an aggressive type of riding, then most likely Chevrolet Spark / Chevrolet Spark not your car. All its advantages are good in the city and at a speed not exceeding 100 km / h. After that, it’s not very comfortable to drive a car, and it’s all the more scary to enter turns because of the feeling that a baby, with such a base, is about to turn over.

Chevrolet Spark / Chevrolet Spark clearly lacks sound insulation, because the noise from the engine and headwind is constantly present in the cabin. Also, the noise is emitted by the cabin itself - squeaks, cods. In general, it would not hurt to work here.

If you are not a small person (186 and above), then most likely your right knee will rest against the corner of the center console. And having put a passenger of a similar build with you, you will definitely have nowhere to put your elbow, and he will probably bury himself in the neighbor's side.

Extremely uncomfortable place to rest your left foot. It is too close to the driver. Because of this, the leg that has stood on it does not take a natural position and does not rest at all (although it is possible that the girls do not experience such a problem).

The last thing I don't like about many cars is the lack of a tailgate closing handle. AT Chevrolet Spark / Chevrolet Spark Unfortunately, she doesn't either.

However, in the presence of these disadvantages, the car still liked. And for moving around a big city, it is simply necessary. And since the target audience of such a machine, after all, girls who are neat enough and do not strive to be Schumachers, then many of the minuses listed by the big uncle simply disappear. And Chevrolet Spark / Chevrolet Spark for his mistress, he will be a good little friend who will gladly go shopping with her, drop into Kindergarten for a child, and also easily keep company when traveling out of town.

Compact five-door Chevrolet hatchback Spark III generation debuted at the Geneva motor show in 2009. Like its predecessor, the car is a copy of the Daewoo Matiz minicar, but starting from the second generation, in foreign markets, including Russia, the model is sold under the Chevrolet brand. The design of the new Chevrolet Spark 3 in the back of the M300 was carried out by specialists from the ItalDesign studio. The Italians have created a very stylish five-door, which is very different from the previous generation car with its amorphous forms.

Specifications

The car turned out to be compact and comfortable, and will appeal to many motorists. With a capacity of 82 liters. with. and, accordingly, with a volume of 1.2 liters, the first version of the car is offered directly with a manual transmission. Another option has an engine whose power is 68 Horse power with a volume of one liter and a four-speed automatic.

Options and prices

The equipment for all variants of the Chevrolet Spark is standard, it includes central locking, two airbags, as well as power windows located on the front doors, an audio system for CDs, air conditioning.

The cost of a car with a manual transmission and an engine power of 82 hp starts from 559 thousand rubles. From 600,000 rubles you can buy a Chevrolet Spark with an automatic four-speed transmission, but with less engine power - only 68 horsepower. A more expensive option with a gun starts at 654 thousand rubles. It includes ABS, fog lights, driver and passenger seat heating front seat, electric mirrors and, accordingly, side airbags.

Photo salon Chevrolet Spark

The history of the creation of a car dates back to 1998, when the Italian Fiat company sold auto design sketches to Korean Daewoo. Appearance model by Korean engineers was finalized and named Matiz. Under the name Chevrolet Spark, the baby appeared on the market after a restyling carried out in 2005.

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The Chevrolet Spark is an ensemble of easy-to-handle cabin configurations, bright colors and small footprints. The name of the car is translated as "Spark" - the way it is: nimble small car Easily parks where others cannot. Able to cheer up even on a rainy day, the shining body of the Chevrolet Spark. A test drive confirmed its excellent driving characteristics.

In the line of the company chevrolet car spark is the smallest, having an extraordinary and pretty appearance.

In 2005, when the Daewoo brand produced at the plant of Uzbekistan ceased to be widely popular, the cars of the Korean company began to be promoted as the Pontiac and Chevrolet brands.

In Russia, he was offered the name Chevrolet Spark, since Korean Sparks were sold here along with Matiz (“walking” at home), but were considered more prestigious.

Their prices were higher, as the list of available options expanded and the “appearance” was finalized by Italian designers.

Design

The designers have tried to refine the front of the spark machine, where an unusually shaped optics is installed. Although the rear lights are beautiful and unusual.

The appearance of the Chevrolet is impressive: a branded false radiator grille, full-wing headlights, a swift wedge-shaped profile, fashionable handles hidden on the rear doors, slightly swollen with side stamping. They traced the effort of a small car to look like an "adult".

He almost got into the B-class, having lengthened in comparison with its predecessor by 15 cm and "bloated" in breadth by 10.

From dashboard feeling is twofold. The solution, of course, is spectacular, given the blue backlight, but the right sector of the panel (compared to the left one, where the speedometer is located) with a computer display, a digital fuel meter and a tachometer with a non-linear scale is not informative enough.

More expensive than in the previous Spark, the texture looks saloon chevrolet spark. The review showed how surprisingly harmoniously the climate control unit with the audio system fit into the center console, which are enclosed in a glossy overlay resembling weaving for greater effect. It turned out quite elegant.

A good grippy steering wheel, in the center of which a recessed area is noticeable. Multi-coloured overlays on the front panel, same as chevrolet cruze, have a logical continuation on the door trim.

The length of the baby is 3.64 m, the width is -1.6 m, and it reaches a height of 1.52 m. Nevertheless, Spark is not a miss. He easily seeps in the stream of cars into the one available to him "holes". I really like the “four” 1.2 with its sound: either growling menacingly, then turning into a flooding howl of a motorcycle (at 5000 rpm).

Main characteristics

• body - hatchback;
• number of seats - 5;
• doors -5;
• drive type - front;
• gearbox - automatic / mechanic;
• motor - 1.2 and 1 l;
• maximum speed - 164 and 154 km / h;
• max power - 81 hp and 68 hp;
• gas tank volume -35 liters;
• the number of valves and cylinders - 16 and 4;
• fuel - gasoline;
• consumption per 100 km - 5.1 l;
• torque - 4800 rpm.

Salon

What makes the interior welcoming is the symmetrical instrument panel and the smooth lines of the Chevrolet's interior space, which is quite spacious despite its small size. In the cabin, 4 adults are comfortable and not crowded at all.

The driver also rides comfortably in a seat that has everything necessary adjustments. driving position carefully thought out, so even the steering wheel, fixed tightly, does not cause inconvenience.

Trunk

The Chevrolet Spark has a lot of possibilities. The review showed how to turn the trunk from a small, with a volume of only 170 liters, into an impressive compartment of 994 liters.

To do this, you just need to add back row armchairs.

There is no outside handle on the trunk. It opens with a key or a lever from the passenger compartment (next to the driver's seat).

Devices

Chevrolet sensors and controls are divided into two sections. Some of them are in front of the driver - these are various indicators, etc., while others are located in the central part of the console, which fits perfectly into the interior - digital monitors are adjacent to analog indicators here.

The backlight color is selected to match the body color and can be: orange, green, blue.

Directly under the shield are:

• audio system;
• ventilation deflectors;
• compartment for small things.

Just below it is easy to notice the remote control that controls the air conditioner. Chevrolet has a voluminous glove box and a lot of door pockets, drawers under the front seats and nets on their backs.

Technical specifications

Chevrolet has two four-cylinder engines, the volume of which differs slightly - 1.2 and 1.0 liters, therefore, to a powerful vehicle it cannot be counted. The engines were equipped with distributed gasoline injection. Their power is respectively equal to 81 and 68 hp.

At power plant The "junior" can be one of two transmission options - a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic.

Video: Chevrolet Spark Test drive.Anton Avtoman.

Narrow tires size 155/70 R14, "put on" on alloy wheels, not quite enough tenacity, which is noticeable even during an urban test drive. But, since the speed in the city is low due to constant traffic jams, it’s hard not to remember this shortcoming. The rest of the passport data fully justify its cost.

Passport data

• LxWxH, mm - 3640x1597x1522;
• full and curb weight, kg - 1355 and 950;
• stake size, mm - 1410 (front) and 1417 (rear);
• max power and torque, h.p. and rpm -82 and 6400;
• drive - front;
• brakes - ventilated disc (front) and drum (rear);
• tire size is 155/70 R14.

Performance indicators

• maximum speed in km / h - 162;
• acceleration to "weave", from -12.9;
• gasoline consumption in different cycles, l / 100 km - 7 (urban), 4.6 (extra-urban), 5.4 mixed);
• brand of gasoline - AI 92;
• gas tank capacity, l - 35.

Chassis diagram

The developers claim that the new solutions are used for shock absorbers, for springs and other suspension elements. Chevrolet has McPherson struts in front, and an elastic beam in the back. The model is characterized by measured and noble habits, which it acquired due to the elongated base and significant weight.

Safety at its best

After reviewing the technical indicators, few people will be surprised (there are better ones). But safety has reached a high level in a small Chevrolet Spark. A test drive confirms this.

Behind passive safety meets a strong frame, airbags for passengers and the driver - side and front, belts with pretensioning, controlled electronic system and three-point fastening, headrests. All safety features are aimed at reliably protecting those inside the cabin in case of an unusual situation.

We provided fasteners for child car seats, carefully thought out absorption and redistribution in case of an accident. For example, the impact is absorbed by the steering column, which, in order not to harm the driver, is deformed.

Options Chevrolet Spark

Depending on the chosen configuration, the technical specifications will be different, but the five-door hatchback will be regardless of this.

Will please Chevrolet owners Spark1.2 differing relatively big power and having in the basic version: airbags, central locking, air conditioning and an audio system, power windows in front.

Chevrolet Spark 1.0 is guaranteed automatic transmission, lower power motor. But, in the equipment it will have side airbags, electric mirrors, ABS, fog lights and heated front seats.

For Americans, a Chevrolet electric car is equipped with a 110V engine and rechargeable batteries lithium - metal phosphate.

In recent years, the city car segment has been steadily growing. Times are tough, and practical Europeans are increasingly opting for these fuel-efficient cars. But Chevrolet believes that customers shouldn't sacrifice comfort to cut costs. Therefore, the “Spark” of the new generation, in addition to the bright design, received a spacious cozy lounge, more powerful engines and balanced chassis.

2007 Auto show in New York. At the Chevrolet booth, for the first time, a trio of prototypes of the new city car: Beat, Trax and Groove - forerunners of the current Spark, were shown. The concept of the models was the same, but the execution was different. After all, the design for such ultra-compact machines is of paramount importance, and in order not to be mistaken, the American-Korean company decided to hold a real election. Potential buyers from all over the world had to decide for themselves what the new “Spark” would be. The majority of votes unexpectedly won “Beat”. He went into mass production almost in its original form.

Why unexpected? Yes, because this survey showed that a modern city car does not have to look like a cute plush toy, as was thought until recently. Look at the “Spark” - bristling like a hedgehog with sharp edges and corners, a lean hatchback is more like a small sports coupe. Even pens rear doors he has them camouflaged within the windows to make the car appear to be a three-door.

Aggressive style is reinforced by the appropriate driving habits: on the move, “Spark” demonstrates commendable agility. In the cramped streets of Athens, the traffic typical of southern megacities is dense and chaotic. Slightly hesitated - and it will not be possible to rebuild. A dozen other cars, motorcycles, mopeds instantly rush to the free place. But for the nimble "Spark" they are not rivals. A slight movement of the steering wheel - and the car is already in the next lane. Even on a country road, in atypical conditions, the hatchback is doing well: on the steep turns of the coastal highway, neither gusts of wind nor uneven roads can knock it off the intended course.

By the way, on the move, “Spark” is perceived as a fairly tough car. On large bumps, it shakes noticeably. But the energy intensity of the suspension is large - unpleasant blows do not reach passengers. For our roads, this is a significant plus.

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This is the merit of the new chassis. In principle, its scheme compared with the model previous generation has not changed - McPherson struts in front and an elastic beam in the back. But representatives of “Chevrolet” assure that the springs, shock absorbers and other suspension parts are completely new here, and real racers brought the handling “to mind”.

Unfortunately, the initiative of the suspension designers was not supported by their fellow engine builders. For the test, I took the Spark with a new 1.2-liter 81-horsepower engine for this model (the same is installed on the Aveo model) - the most powerful in the range. But its capabilities are barely enough for a small hatchback. Only by twisting the engine up to 4.000-5.000 rpm, it is possible to keep it in good shape. But in this case, the hitherto quiet interior is filled with such a heart-rending roar that you want to slow down and slowly roll in the right lane, examining the dilapidated monuments of the ancient era.

In Europe, "Spark" will be sold only with a manual transmission, but specifically for our market, an "automatic" will be installed on the car.

Don't go for volume

In GENERAL, I switched to the version with the base liter engine with a return of only 68 hp, which migrated to the new “Spark” from the previous generation model, without much enthusiasm. But it turned out that this engine is even more suitable for the purpose of the car. Such a modification is noticeably easier to move off and more fun to accelerate. The secret is in the modified transmission. gear ratios the second and main gears of a one-liter car are increased, which means that there is more traction on the wheels. But, having won in dynamics, such a “Spark” lost in speed. After 60-70 km / h, the acceleration rate drops noticeably, and by 100 km / h the car finally turns sour. However, for active city driving, this range is quite enough.

Lacking, perhaps, only automatic box gears - while "Spark" is available only with a five-speed "mechanics". However, especially for Russia, where new hatchback will appear towards the end of the year, they promise to adapt the four-speed automatic transmission from the previous model for it.

Returning to the one-liter modification, I note that I took the car in the initial configuration - with unpainted mirror housings, with conventional air conditioning instead of climate control, with a tightly fixed steering column ... And I must say that it is seriously inferior in comfort to the flagship version. Mainly due to poor soundproofing. More precisely, its complete absence. In addition to the roar of the engine, other extraneous sounds also penetrate the cabin - the howl of the wind outside the window, the rumble of tires, the work of the suspension. An unpleasant whistle in the rear seat area is especially annoying. At first, my colleague and I even thought that we forgot to close the trunk. They were not too lazy: they went out, looked, it turned out - everything is in order. The noise came from wheel arches…

There's a place for everyone

YET, in terms of passenger comfort, the Spark claims to be a class leader. The car has grown significantly in all directions. For example, wheelbase increased by 3 cm. Therefore, on the second row it is quite at ease, except that tall passengers will prop up the backs of the front seats with their knees, but in this class this state of affairs can be considered a blessing. After all, sometimes in ultra-compact models on rear seats you can’t even put children in - they will be capricious because of crowding. In addition, the "Spark" provides many useful containers of various sizes. A bottle of water, a pack of cigarettes, mobile phone There is a place for every item here. It is a pity that the volume of the trunk remained the same - 170 liters.

But the main trump card of the “Spark” interior is the original style. For example, the instrument cluster here is like a motorcycle: an analog speedometer is combined with digital display, which displays the engine speed scale and auxiliary information. The theme of the letter “V” prevails in the design of the center console (similar motifs can be seen in the higher-ranking model “Cruze”) - a regular music system and climate control controls are inscribed in it. Only frankly cheap finishing materials indicate the availability of the car. And this means that Chevrolet specialists still have something to think about before the next elections.

Brief technical specifications Chevrolet Spark
dimensions, cm