The Chevrolet Volt may grab most of the headlines, but General Motors has other exciting products ready to enter dealerships in 2010.
From the first quarter of the new-year, GM Europe will launch the Chevrolet Spark, an all-new mini-car. As the fastest growing segment of the market globally, the mini-car segment represents almost 10 per cent of the total European passenger car market – up from 6.5 per cent in 2008 and less than five per cent in 2005.
So what does the Spark have to offer?
The vehicle will have a choice of two petrol engines – displacements of 1.0 and 1.2litres. They use a cast-iron block and alloy head, as well as a double overhead camshaft and four valves per cylinder. They also feature multi-port fuel injection and are both Euro V emissions compliant.
Both engines include advanced features such as port deactivation which improves exhaust gas recirculation and leads to optimal fuel efficiency and idle stability. It also helps ensure low maintenance and running costs with the Spark consuming as little as 5.1litres of fuel per 100km and producing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions at a meagre 119g/km.
The smaller of the units can power the car from 0-62mph in 15.5 seconds, with a top speed of 96mph. The 1.0lite Chevrolet Spark has a fuel consumption rating of 46mpg and it produces 93Nm of torque at 4,800rpm. The larger unit, meanwhile, achieves 111Nm at 4,800rpm and accelerates from 0-62mph in 12.1seconds. It can reach a top speed of 102mph and its fuel consumption remains the same as the 1.0litre version.
In addition, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) versions of both engines will be rolled out in select European markets beginning with Italy in February and followed in France, Belgium, Spain, Germany, Portugal, Poland and a handful of additional countries.
