Big on Style, Small on Fuel consumption:

Chevy Spark Concept

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At the Geneva Auto Show this year there was a new addition to the Chevrolet lineup. Located in the Chevy media lounge near the train station was the all new Chevrolet Spark. 

Due on sale early next year, it is a production-ready version of the Beat concept car, the most popular of a trio of Chevy mini concepts that toured international motor shows in 2007. A clear majority among 1.9 million internet voters said it was the car they preferred. The Spark, slated for a 2010 worldwide release with a later release slated for the U.S. is a car with a purpose, fuel economy with style.

With punchy 1.0 and 1.2-liter four-cylinder gasoline engines and a five-door hatchback body format offering surprising versatility, the Chevy Spark is set to light up Europe's mini-car segment. Spark is expected to achieve 47 miles-per-gallon (U.S.) combined and emit less than 120 g/km of CO2.

Achieving the big on style, big on fuel economy attitude that Chevy has been looking for in a vehicle, the Spark is as fun to drive as it is to own.

Inside it has a youthful look with a uniquely motorcycle inspired instrument pod. It has class leading front AND rear passenger room which is great for a vehicle of its size.

"Spark will bring a fresh dimension to Europe's growing mini-car segment," says Wayne Brannon, GM Europe Vice President of Chevrolet. "It offers fuel efficiency, functionality and eye-catching design combined with excellent value."

It's a Matter of Size

With a look as strong as it is sharp, Chevrolet is sure to turn heads with the Spark. It has edgy styling that certainly breaks the mold for a city car. It does not apologize for its lack of size, but in turn embraces it. Spark continues Chevrolet's design revolution by bringing exciting looks to products in the value segment.

Muscular rear wheel-arches, well filled with a choice of 13, 14 or 15-inch wheels, give the car a crouched, ready-to-go stance.

Rear door handles, disguised to preserve the clean look of those wheel-aches, an integrated rear tailgate spoiler and signature Chevy tail lights with round elements are other design details that add to Spark's 'must-have' appeal.

At first glance a sense of attitude is portrayed by this vehicle. It is small, yet proud to be so making it purposeful, confident, and poised.

Signature Interior

The Spark's progressive design imparts a surprisingly spacious cabin which has flair which matches its exterior appearance. The use of quality materials and an up level execution were key interior design requirements. This demonstrates that small cars can offer big value but do not need to look utilitarian or Spartan on the inside.

Chevrolet's signature dual cockpit design adds to a bright and engaging interior evolution. The textured front fascia moldings flow each side of the cabin into the doors, creating a feeling of space that belies Spark's diminutive size. A unique, motorcycle-inspired main instrument pod, incorporating a large speedometer and digital tachometer display, is another striking design feature.

Engine Styling

All new,  all-aluminum 1.0 and 1.2-liter gasoline engines, generating 66 hp/49 kW and 78 hp/58 kW respectively, are expected to offer combined cycle fuel economy of below 5.0L/100 km, together with CO2 emissions of less than 120 g.

These efficient, Euro 5 compliant, 16-valve motors are mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. The 1.2-liter engine is expected to deliver zero to 100 km/h acceleration in a brisk 12.4 seconds.

Apart from fewer visits to the filling station, Spark also delivers a level of running refinement and NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) typical of a larger car. A three-level noise suppression program focused on effective insulation in the floor, the front bulkhead and inner body panels. The chassis is based on McPherson strut front suspension, with a space-saving torsion beam set-up at the rear. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) will be offered as an option.

Standard safety equipment includes driver, front passenger, side and curtain airbags. The front seatbelts are equipped with pre-tensioners and there are three, three-point belts for rear passengers. Spark is expected to achieve a high EuroNCAP crash test rating.

Chevrolet Value

During the past few years sales of the mini-car in Europe have drastically increased from under 1 million to nearly 1.4 million units. The Spark which gets added value by being a Chevy vehicle should exponentially increase Chevrolet's penetration of this part of the segment, particularly in Western Europe.

With a reimagining of Chevrolet's mini-car offering, the Spark is part of new product development led by the Cruze compact sedan, which is set to be launched this spring.  Featuring a more expressive and new design for the brand may seem a bold move, but in the market as it is, Chevrolet is going to need to go bold to gain steam heading into the mid 2000's. They will also be joined next year by an all-new compact MPV, based on the Orlando concept car first shown last year. For more information read an article by Road and Track Magazine.

Chevrolet continues to be Europe's fastest-growing mainstream automotive brand. Despite challenging market conditions in the second half of 2008, Chevrolet increased its annual sales volume by almost 11 percent, selling more than 500,000 cars in Europe for the first time. The launches of Spark, Cruze and Orlando will add momentum to this unfolding success story. For more, watch a video from the 2009 Chicago Auto Show.