Home 
Car Articles Reviews Reviews Listings Chevrolet Reviews
Chevrolet Spark 1.0 LS (M) Review
15 Mar 2010|16,350 views
So unlike the perception of the usual 1.0-litre cars, the vigour of this minicar has proved itself to be a big statement. Perfection, as they always say, comes with practice and experience. Well, Chevrolet has most certainly had a lot of practice, let alone experience. Its aptness and chic creation has made it possible for the Spark to catch the attention of not just female drivers, but for the fun and youthful as well.
More importantly, after much work on the architectural design, the people with their suits and bowties at Chevrolet have made the Spark achievable. It breaks away from the stereotype of minicars by blending the necessities with touches of stylishness and attraction.
Nevertheless, the combination of emotional appeal and functional purpose are brought out of the Spark when it was inspired by the Chevrolet Beat concept, the most popular of a trio of minicar concepts that toured international auto shows since 2007. A clear majority among 1.9 million internet voters said it was the car they wanted produced.
Exterior
Despite having limited space to exercise their creativity and style on the Spark, Chevrolet’s whiz kids cheerfully daubed it with big, baby-eyed lights and cross folds in the sheet metal. The plan was to manufacture a car on a basis that it’s fun, cool and simple.
More importantly, after much work on the architectural design, the people with their suits and bowties at Chevrolet have made the Spark achievable. It breaks away from the stereotype of minicars by blending the necessities with touches of stylishness and attraction.
Nevertheless, the combination of emotional appeal and functional purpose are brought out of the Spark when it was inspired by the Chevrolet Beat concept, the most popular of a trio of minicar concepts that toured international auto shows since 2007. A clear majority among 1.9 million internet voters said it was the car they wanted produced.
Exterior
Despite having limited space to exercise their creativity and style on the Spark, Chevrolet’s whiz kids cheerfully daubed it with big, baby-eyed lights and cross folds in the sheet metal. The plan was to manufacture a car on a basis that it’s fun, cool and simple.
 |
Speaking of simple, the front fascia of the minicar exercises just that. It gives a rather comforting impression with headlights that looks just like a pair of soothing eyes. The subtle bonnet drops hints of gentleness and looks like it has sufficient space to place two engines in it, leaving the Chevrolet Spark gleaming with pride under the sun.
On the flipside, things start to get a little too simple as you move rearwards.
You’d be seeing circles standing at the back, with the brake lights, reflector and the reverse light taking the shape of the above mentioned pattern. Although small, brake lights are certainly visible during the night. But let’s not kid ourselves. It would have been more fun if there weren’t only single-shaped lights at the back.
 |
Interior
The Chevrolet Spark competes in the sub-compact sector. It's a five-door with four three-point seat belts. That said, those occupying the back seats had better have stayed off the pies. And obviously, having to wedge so many humans into such petite dimensions denied the Spark's designers the freedom to impart it any kind of sleekness that belonged to the previous Chevrolet cars.
Coming from the young and fun outer shell, the eye-candy somehow ended the moment I opened the door. It has a drab grey cabin short of amenities, the seats are not upholstered in leather, each door has to be locked individually, and the adjustments of the magnified mirrors were controlled differently on either side. In addition, the steering wheel had no colour mixtures of any sort.
Not even the logo of Chevrolet was made gold in colour. Just boring dark grey. To top it all off, air bags don’t come standard.
However, Chevrolet did not forget how much drivers appreciate the fact that they can reach the centre consoles without having to lift their backs. It considers people who are rather petite in size, hence the assumption that it targets the fairer sex and new drivers.
Simple handling of the aftermarket Pioneer sound system scores a point for the positive side of the car as well. It certainly does not take long for one to know the functions of the buttons. These small, slick silver buttons dominate the sound system and is well equipped with a choice of your usual radio channel, favourite CDs and an AUX-in for the MP3 player to give you the ultimate driving pleasure. On the other hand, despite the standard speakers, sounds are not as muffled as expected due to the limited space of the car.
The Chevrolet Spark competes in the sub-compact sector. It's a five-door with four three-point seat belts. That said, those occupying the back seats had better have stayed off the pies. And obviously, having to wedge so many humans into such petite dimensions denied the Spark's designers the freedom to impart it any kind of sleekness that belonged to the previous Chevrolet cars.
Coming from the young and fun outer shell, the eye-candy somehow ended the moment I opened the door. It has a drab grey cabin short of amenities, the seats are not upholstered in leather, each door has to be locked individually, and the adjustments of the magnified mirrors were controlled differently on either side. In addition, the steering wheel had no colour mixtures of any sort.
Not even the logo of Chevrolet was made gold in colour. Just boring dark grey. To top it all off, air bags don’t come standard.
However, Chevrolet did not forget how much drivers appreciate the fact that they can reach the centre consoles without having to lift their backs. It considers people who are rather petite in size, hence the assumption that it targets the fairer sex and new drivers.
Simple handling of the aftermarket Pioneer sound system scores a point for the positive side of the car as well. It certainly does not take long for one to know the functions of the buttons. These small, slick silver buttons dominate the sound system and is well equipped with a choice of your usual radio channel, favourite CDs and an AUX-in for the MP3 player to give you the ultimate driving pleasure. On the other hand, despite the standard speakers, sounds are not as muffled as expected due to the limited space of the car.
At its lowest position, the driver’s seat is still considered to be rather high. As for the instruments residing in a little pod perched below the speedometer, convenience and user-friendliness has its part to play. Strange, but highly effective.
At the back, the rear bench of the Chevrolet Spark surprisingly does not compromise comfort. Thanks to its intelligent utilisation of space, the five-seater manages to boast generous amounts of room inside, having enough space for long-limbed passengers.
As for trunk space, the 170 litres available in the Spark is considered reasonable given the size of a 1.0-litre car.
Even so, there is a little complication involved in folding the rear seats down. Unlike most cars, the rear seats do not fold flat like how they should. But instead, the seat bottom has to be lifted up first before knocking the rear seats down. Boot space is, thus, extended for drivers with extra load purposes.
Driving Impressions
The 1.0-litre engine is a willing and lively little thing below 60km/h. But if you ever fancy a sniff of the right-most lane on the expressway, the Spark may prove to be inadequate. For a five-speed manual drive, and a top speed of 122km/h, that kind of performance touches about average in its class.
The Spark obliges with a set of supple suspension kept in check by adequately calibrated dampers. It also manages to be quite fun to throw around at the odd roundabout thanks to the light steering and a decent resistance to the crazy body roll that some narrow little cars fall victim to.
However, noise is the downfall. Although it is a cheerful and practical car, it is pervasive whenever driving down an empty road. Tyre noise fights with wind rush, and a slammed down accelerator and engine racket overwhelms the driver. But it gets the job of helping one along from A to B, safely done.
At the back, the rear bench of the Chevrolet Spark surprisingly does not compromise comfort. Thanks to its intelligent utilisation of space, the five-seater manages to boast generous amounts of room inside, having enough space for long-limbed passengers.
As for trunk space, the 170 litres available in the Spark is considered reasonable given the size of a 1.0-litre car.
Even so, there is a little complication involved in folding the rear seats down. Unlike most cars, the rear seats do not fold flat like how they should. But instead, the seat bottom has to be lifted up first before knocking the rear seats down. Boot space is, thus, extended for drivers with extra load purposes.
Driving Impressions
The 1.0-litre engine is a willing and lively little thing below 60km/h. But if you ever fancy a sniff of the right-most lane on the expressway, the Spark may prove to be inadequate. For a five-speed manual drive, and a top speed of 122km/h, that kind of performance touches about average in its class.
The Spark obliges with a set of supple suspension kept in check by adequately calibrated dampers. It also manages to be quite fun to throw around at the odd roundabout thanks to the light steering and a decent resistance to the crazy body roll that some narrow little cars fall victim to.
However, noise is the downfall. Although it is a cheerful and practical car, it is pervasive whenever driving down an empty road. Tyre noise fights with wind rush, and a slammed down accelerator and engine racket overwhelms the driver. But it gets the job of helping one along from A to B, safely done.
 |
Apart from this, the brakes are dreadfully inadequate, causing an uncomforting feeling in stop-and-go traffic. Over on main roads, where low speeds are required, damping may be a little firm but never exaggerated.
For a 1.0-litre engine hitting a top speed of 122km/h during a test drive, it doesn’t seem too appalling at all. In all honesty, I reckon it is one determined minicar that has a lot of potential to be a favoured by the public.
For a 1.0-litre engine hitting a top speed of 122km/h during a test drive, it doesn’t seem too appalling at all. In all honesty, I reckon it is one determined minicar that has a lot of potential to be a favoured by the public.
Conclusion
As always with cars this small, the fiercest competitor isn't any showroom rival. Having made a brave and unique leap by manufacturing a chic car, Chevrolet has undoubtedly created the Spark to be more or less a class leader.
However, for the price of SGD$43,099 (as of 15 March 2010), Chevrolet makes first-time buyers think twice. The real alternative should be a minicar that is notably roomier and quieter such as the Kia Picanto which is an excellent small car that's big on value and interior space. But I can see how some would be swayed by the cuter looks, proportions and economical fuel consumption offered by the Spark.
As always with cars this small, the fiercest competitor isn't any showroom rival. Having made a brave and unique leap by manufacturing a chic car, Chevrolet has undoubtedly created the Spark to be more or less a class leader.
However, for the price of SGD$43,099 (as of 15 March 2010), Chevrolet makes first-time buyers think twice. The real alternative should be a minicar that is notably roomier and quieter such as the Kia Picanto which is an excellent small car that's big on value and interior space. But I can see how some would be swayed by the cuter looks, proportions and economical fuel consumption offered by the Spark.
So unlike the perception of the usual 1.0-litre cars, the vigour of this minicar has proved itself to be a big statement. Perfection, as they always say, comes with practice and experience. Well, Chevrolet has most certainly had a lot of practice, let alone experience. Its aptness and chic creation has made it possible for the Spark to catch the attention of not just female drivers, but for the fun and youthful as well.
More importantly, after much work on the architectural design, the people with their suits and bowties at Chevrolet have made the Spark achievable. It breaks away from the stereotype of minicars by blending the necessities with touches of stylishness and attraction.
Nevertheless, the combination of emotional appeal and functional purpose are brought out of the Spark when it was inspired by the Chevrolet Beat concept, the most popular of a trio of minicar concepts that toured international auto shows since 2007. A clear majority among 1.9 million internet voters said it was the car they wanted produced.
Exterior
Despite having limited space to exercise their creativity and style on the Spark, Chevrolet’s whiz kids cheerfully daubed it with big, baby-eyed lights and cross folds in the sheet metal. The plan was to manufacture a car on a basis that it’s fun, cool and simple.
More importantly, after much work on the architectural design, the people with their suits and bowties at Chevrolet have made the Spark achievable. It breaks away from the stereotype of minicars by blending the necessities with touches of stylishness and attraction.
Nevertheless, the combination of emotional appeal and functional purpose are brought out of the Spark when it was inspired by the Chevrolet Beat concept, the most popular of a trio of minicar concepts that toured international auto shows since 2007. A clear majority among 1.9 million internet voters said it was the car they wanted produced.
Exterior
Despite having limited space to exercise their creativity and style on the Spark, Chevrolet’s whiz kids cheerfully daubed it with big, baby-eyed lights and cross folds in the sheet metal. The plan was to manufacture a car on a basis that it’s fun, cool and simple.
|
Speaking of simple, the front fascia of the minicar exercises just that. It gives a rather comforting impression with headlights that looks just like a pair of soothing eyes. The subtle bonnet drops hints of gentleness and looks like it has sufficient space to place two engines in it, leaving the Chevrolet Spark gleaming with pride under the sun.
On the flipside, things start to get a little too simple as you move rearwards.
You’d be seeing circles standing at the back, with the brake lights, reflector and the reverse light taking the shape of the above mentioned pattern. Although small, brake lights are certainly visible during the night. But let’s not kid ourselves. It would have been more fun if there weren’t only single-shaped lights at the back.
|
Interior
The Chevrolet Spark competes in the sub-compact sector. It's a five-door with four three-point seat belts. That said, those occupying the back seats had better have stayed off the pies. And obviously, having to wedge so many humans into such petite dimensions denied the Spark's designers the freedom to impart it any kind of sleekness that belonged to the previous Chevrolet cars.
Coming from the young and fun outer shell, the eye-candy somehow ended the moment I opened the door. It has a drab grey cabin short of amenities, the seats are not upholstered in leather, each door has to be locked individually, and the adjustments of the magnified mirrors were controlled differently on either side. In addition, the steering wheel had no colour mixtures of any sort.
Not even the logo of Chevrolet was made gold in colour. Just boring dark grey. To top it all off, air bags don’t come standard.
However, Chevrolet did not forget how much drivers appreciate the fact that they can reach the centre consoles without having to lift their backs. It considers people who are rather petite in size, hence the assumption that it targets the fairer sex and new drivers.
Simple handling of the aftermarket Pioneer sound system scores a point for the positive side of the car as well. It certainly does not take long for one to know the functions of the buttons. These small, slick silver buttons dominate the sound system and is well equipped with a choice of your usual radio channel, favourite CDs and an AUX-in for the MP3 player to give you the ultimate driving pleasure. On the other hand, despite the standard speakers, sounds are not as muffled as expected due to the limited space of the car.
The Chevrolet Spark competes in the sub-compact sector. It's a five-door with four three-point seat belts. That said, those occupying the back seats had better have stayed off the pies. And obviously, having to wedge so many humans into such petite dimensions denied the Spark's designers the freedom to impart it any kind of sleekness that belonged to the previous Chevrolet cars.
Coming from the young and fun outer shell, the eye-candy somehow ended the moment I opened the door. It has a drab grey cabin short of amenities, the seats are not upholstered in leather, each door has to be locked individually, and the adjustments of the magnified mirrors were controlled differently on either side. In addition, the steering wheel had no colour mixtures of any sort.
Not even the logo of Chevrolet was made gold in colour. Just boring dark grey. To top it all off, air bags don’t come standard.
However, Chevrolet did not forget how much drivers appreciate the fact that they can reach the centre consoles without having to lift their backs. It considers people who are rather petite in size, hence the assumption that it targets the fairer sex and new drivers.
Simple handling of the aftermarket Pioneer sound system scores a point for the positive side of the car as well. It certainly does not take long for one to know the functions of the buttons. These small, slick silver buttons dominate the sound system and is well equipped with a choice of your usual radio channel, favourite CDs and an AUX-in for the MP3 player to give you the ultimate driving pleasure. On the other hand, despite the standard speakers, sounds are not as muffled as expected due to the limited space of the car.
At its lowest position, the driver’s seat is still considered to be rather high. As for the instruments residing in a little pod perched below the speedometer, convenience and user-friendliness has its part to play. Strange, but highly effective.
At the back, the rear bench of the Chevrolet Spark surprisingly does not compromise comfort. Thanks to its intelligent utilisation of space, the five-seater manages to boast generous amounts of room inside, having enough space for long-limbed passengers.
As for trunk space, the 170 litres available in the Spark is considered reasonable given the size of a 1.0-litre car.
Even so, there is a little complication involved in folding the rear seats down. Unlike most cars, the rear seats do not fold flat like how they should. But instead, the seat bottom has to be lifted up first before knocking the rear seats down. Boot space is, thus, extended for drivers with extra load purposes.
Driving Impressions
The 1.0-litre engine is a willing and lively little thing below 60km/h. But if you ever fancy a sniff of the right-most lane on the expressway, the Spark may prove to be inadequate. For a five-speed manual drive, and a top speed of 122km/h, that kind of performance touches about average in its class.
The Spark obliges with a set of supple suspension kept in check by adequately calibrated dampers. It also manages to be quite fun to throw around at the odd roundabout thanks to the light steering and a decent resistance to the crazy body roll that some narrow little cars fall victim to.
However, noise is the downfall. Although it is a cheerful and practical car, it is pervasive whenever driving down an empty road. Tyre noise fights with wind rush, and a slammed down accelerator and engine racket overwhelms the driver. But it gets the job of helping one along from A to B, safely done.
At the back, the rear bench of the Chevrolet Spark surprisingly does not compromise comfort. Thanks to its intelligent utilisation of space, the five-seater manages to boast generous amounts of room inside, having enough space for long-limbed passengers.
As for trunk space, the 170 litres available in the Spark is considered reasonable given the size of a 1.0-litre car.
Even so, there is a little complication involved in folding the rear seats down. Unlike most cars, the rear seats do not fold flat like how they should. But instead, the seat bottom has to be lifted up first before knocking the rear seats down. Boot space is, thus, extended for drivers with extra load purposes.
Driving Impressions
The 1.0-litre engine is a willing and lively little thing below 60km/h. But if you ever fancy a sniff of the right-most lane on the expressway, the Spark may prove to be inadequate. For a five-speed manual drive, and a top speed of 122km/h, that kind of performance touches about average in its class.
The Spark obliges with a set of supple suspension kept in check by adequately calibrated dampers. It also manages to be quite fun to throw around at the odd roundabout thanks to the light steering and a decent resistance to the crazy body roll that some narrow little cars fall victim to.
However, noise is the downfall. Although it is a cheerful and practical car, it is pervasive whenever driving down an empty road. Tyre noise fights with wind rush, and a slammed down accelerator and engine racket overwhelms the driver. But it gets the job of helping one along from A to B, safely done.
|
Apart from this, the brakes are dreadfully inadequate, causing an uncomforting feeling in stop-and-go traffic. Over on main roads, where low speeds are required, damping may be a little firm but never exaggerated.
For a 1.0-litre engine hitting a top speed of 122km/h during a test drive, it doesn’t seem too appalling at all. In all honesty, I reckon it is one determined minicar that has a lot of potential to be a favoured by the public.
For a 1.0-litre engine hitting a top speed of 122km/h during a test drive, it doesn’t seem too appalling at all. In all honesty, I reckon it is one determined minicar that has a lot of potential to be a favoured by the public.
Conclusion
As always with cars this small, the fiercest competitor isn't any showroom rival. Having made a brave and unique leap by manufacturing a chic car, Chevrolet has undoubtedly created the Spark to be more or less a class leader.
However, for the price of SGD$43,099 (as of 15 March 2010), Chevrolet makes first-time buyers think twice. The real alternative should be a minicar that is notably roomier and quieter such as the Kia Picanto which is an excellent small car that's big on value and interior space. But I can see how some would be swayed by the cuter looks, proportions and economical fuel consumption offered by the Spark.
As always with cars this small, the fiercest competitor isn't any showroom rival. Having made a brave and unique leap by manufacturing a chic car, Chevrolet has undoubtedly created the Spark to be more or less a class leader.
However, for the price of SGD$43,099 (as of 15 March 2010), Chevrolet makes first-time buyers think twice. The real alternative should be a minicar that is notably roomier and quieter such as the Kia Picanto which is an excellent small car that's big on value and interior space. But I can see how some would be swayed by the cuter looks, proportions and economical fuel consumption offered by the Spark.
Photos by Benjamin G, Kline
Car Information
Chevrolet Spark 1.0 LS (M)
CAT A|Petrol|17.5km/L
Horsepower
48kW (64 bhp)
Torque
91 Nm
Acceleration
14.1sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Chevrolet Spark
Thank You For Your Subscription.
