2010 Chevrolet Spark
If we look to the past one might notice that they haven’t been ahead of the curve in quite a while, at least, in the small car segment (though I think this is true across most of their brands). A good case in point is the Chevrolet Cobalt, which was dubbed as “behind the times” from the time of its release (further reading). One could also point to the failure of Saturn and the now unpopular HUMMER as signs that GM hasn’t had their head in the game.
So what is so special about the Chevrolet Spark? Really, it isn’t about what is special, but more about what is ordinary in today’s microcar market. The Spark, according to TheCarConnection.com blog, is being positioned to do “battle” in the European markets and is ready to face the likes of the Ford Ka and Volkswagen Lupo. And from what I have read, I agree with them.
In-depth specifics haven’t really been released, which is surprising since GM has been teasing the automotive public with this concept since the 2009 Detroit Auto Show last January. However, from the 2009 Geneva Auto Show we do know that the car will be available with a 1.0-liter and 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine, both of which are estimated to get a combined 47 mpg.
2010 Chevrolet Spark
I know what you are thinking, why have two engines that are two liters apart and then engineer them to get the same gas mileage? Hey, I said the Spark could be shaping the future, not revolutionizing it.
GM still has some issues to work out, especially when you consider that the Spark is estimated to go 0-60 in 12.4 seconds with the larger 1.2-liter engine (what use is the smaller engine? Anyone?).
All of that aside, the Chevrolet Spark’s styling is right in line with other current vehicles in the market with its hatchback configuration and validates my previous blog on there being a correlation between hatchbacks and recessions.
Bottom line—keep an eye out for a new face of GM to try and shine through the gloom. The small and economical Chevrolet Spark is set to release in Europe in 2010 and estimated to roll into North America after that.
