After my previous reviews on various small cars, next in the series is Chevrolet Spark. Television commercial of this car prompted me to test drive the same. I am referring to an ad which promised its customers of ‘3 years without any service costs’. I took an appointment to test drive this chevy spark car recently when the maker of this car General Motors(GM) was busy filing bankruptcy back in USA. Don’t worry about that news as this is what its Indian subsidiary has to say on the whole story…
GM India has announced that it continues all its normal operations and is not included in the court reinvention process of GM’s US operations. GM India operations are not included in the US filing for Chapter 11. Consequently, all GM India dealers, warranty and customer support services will remain unaffected.
With that assurance from GM India, let me share my views on Chevrolet Spark LT. The Spark has funky and youthful styling external looks if not as good as the Hyundai i10/i20 or Maruti A-Star. For me it looked like a make over of Daewoo Matiz! Circular tail lamps catch you attention at the back. It looks cute though if not great when compared to other cars in the hatch back segment. The body build quality seem to be pretty strong.
Interiors : The car looks small from outside but it has generous space in the cabin. I personally didn’t like the all dark plastics inside this car, which gave a kind of dull look. 
The steering wheel and the center mounted instrument panel make up for the rest of the design flaws. It wouldn’t be easy to get used to the speedo meter and the other display lights. The driving posture is good enough but not as good as my Santro Xing, couldn’t get to check if the seat can be adjusted vertically. I could feel my left thigh getting brushed against the central instrument mount. This could be a major let down if you are going on a long drive. Apart from that various switches are placed within easy reach, not happy with the quality of the material though. Boot space is certainly a big disappointment. My strong feel is that it can be a good car for 4 adults when it comes to seating comfort. It could prove to be highly uncomfortable for 5 adults with the kind of small leg space for the rear seat.
Engine, Ride and Performance : All the spark models come with a 1000 cc (1 ltr) engine which can deliver 63 bhp. Since the body weight is around 850 kilos, the power should be sufficient enough to pull 4 adults. The car was noiseless under idling conditions. Pick up of the engine is good and I felt happy with the kind of response upon acceleration. It was very easy to handle the ride with the power steering. The gear shifts were smooth and precise. The only irritating thing I could notice is that you cannot reverse with half clutch. If the wheels are turned fully, you need to slightly press the accelerator to get the vehicle moving. I assume it is due to the low turning radius. However, this low radius makes parking much easier in congested parking areas. I am happy with the ride and handling.
Mileage, Price and Warranty: Chevrolet has certified the Spark engine with a mileage of 12.5 kms in city while 16.7 kms on highways. Spark has been recently released with a model that can run on LPG. I have no information about the mileage of LPG model. Ex-Showroom price of the Spark can cost you between 3.2 lakhs for a low end model to 4.2 lakhs for an high end LT model with airbags. Price of LPG model is not available on their site, you may have to call up their support to know more details. As far as 3 years no service cost promise is concerned, one has to purchase the extended warranty on the car. Just that they don’t say it the ad and compromise that with a standard *. It is a well known fact that there is nothing called free lunch in this world :). You do have to buy this premier warranty contract by paying 13K, with this they will cover all the maintenance and service costs.
My final suggestion for you is to test drive the car and compare the cost and comfort with other players in this segment before making up your mind. You may want to think about A-Star, Xing, Wagon R etc., if cost is the constraint. If you can afford to spend a little bit more, think about Maruti Swift, Ritz or Tata Indica Vista or Hyundai i10.
Marcelin Seevathean says
I’ve bought a brand new Spark LT chevrolet car in June 2011 and just completed my 60,000 kms run and all my servicing is done on time and faulty parts changed where necessary. Since my last servicing some two months back I’m encounting some big problems with my clutch and gear lever when engaging the gear shifting which finally sectioned the clutch cable in the middle of the road. I had it changed but since yesterday the same problem is re-surfacing, the clutch is becoming hard, no gear shifting could be made when pressing and releasing the pedal. Is it a clutch/ flywheel or pressure plate problem ? Your advice is kindly sought on this issue please !
ashish says
Hi Vignesh,
planning to buy Spark LPG & wanted to have some more insight information on same. Could you pls share your contact details, number.
Many thnks in advance.
ashish says
Hi Varinder, planning to buy Spark LPG & wanted to have some more insight information on same. Could you pls share your contact details, number.
Many thnks in advance.
Muthu says
Hi All,
Even i hesitated to purchase Spark… as the external look was not good. But now the latest model is really good looks like a big car. and on the comfort… spark is good and gear clutch good and very soft. You will not know whether car is started or not to that extent no noise or shake from the engine. But maruti alto 800 and k10 and Eon all have the engine shake… when they are in idealing.
nitin says
I brought Cevy spark LT in Jan2012. It gives me mileage of 12 KM/Ltr
nitin says
I brought Cevy spark LT in Jan2012. It gives me mileage of 12 KM/Ltr
philgin says
dear all i owned a spark LT last month i driven the car 500 km the driving comfortability is amazing but the comfortability is losing pocket-ability. the mileage only 8-10 please i request to company R&D if ur experienced engine makers or u know how to increase mileage and performance of a car engine the indian consumer want mileage and also comfort ur GM and please Go for Mileage and make a good engine for me and all
bye
philgin thomas
Varinder says
Hi, I have my own Spark- LPG.
I have completed 60500 KM in 2.5 year. the experience is awesome. Till 45000 km service and maintenance was totally free. I love my car and its performance.
ashish says
Hi Varinder, planning to buy Spark LPG & wanted to have some more insight information on same. Could you pls share your contact details, number.
Many thnks in advance.
Deepa says
Hello,
I am a first time car buyer and decided to buy spark LS LPG version. I am female and my height is 5′. I need to learn driving also. my major concern is my height suitability to drive the spark. pls suggest.
Jagadeesh says
Hi Deepa,
I bought spark lpg 1 year back. I am 5′.9″ hieght. still I drive the spark with out any problem. It is good car for starters as it is a small one. I think you can go ahead with this car. Even you can go to the showroom and have a look at the car and see how comfortable you are.
Vignesh says
Hi guys, After reading all reviews in websites including team bhp ,finally booked for Spark LPG version(LT) model.Last week and Iam taking my Car on January 2nd :):):)
I already test driven Wagon R duo,Santro LPG and Spark LPG.Compared to other two .Spark is the BEST.No difference between LPG and Petrol Mode start up.Infact I got Confused in which mode the car is starting and while driving in highways ,Iam able to drive at a speed of 110 km without any jerk.So guys wil keep you posted once I get my Spark on Jan 2012
:):):)
ashish says
Hi Vignesh,
planning to buy Spark LPG & wanted to have some more insight information on same. Could you pls share your contact details, number.
Many thnks in advance.
Onah J j says
I have a Daewoo Matiz. My accelerator pedal can not raise again, even after I had changed the fuel pump and the fuel filter. What should be the cause of the problem?
gaurav dutt says
hi,i’m from chennai..i’m confused whether to buy spark,ritz or a star!i’m concerned about the mileage because we often go to hyderabad.will spark make it up to hyderabad?and i’ve heard many people tellin that spark does not mileage!is that true?PLEASE REPLY..
Jagadeesh says
if you are ready to pay for ritz diesel then it is good choice. Maruthi is known for its mileage. Spark gives you handsome mileage of 16 KMPL. I own SPARK LPG. It gives 13 KMPL with LPG on highway.
siraj says
heyy friends,, i m a proud owner of spark,, ,, frankly speaking i ve oughted beat, but that time my purse was too light then i went for spark,, its a worthy thing, no question abt that,,, and about reflection problem, just put a black cloth on the base of the windshield above the dash , i love spark
Md Asad says
Can any body suggest a remedy for Reflection problem of Spark.
T. Venkat Ramanaiah says
I Purchased a spark ps-lpg on 19.08.2010 from Kun automobiles at Hyderabad. I am 5′ 2″ height. I found difficult in getting the view properly on the road, especially during night, as the street lights are reflecting on to the front windscreen from the front panel as it is beige in colour. Any solution for overcoming this problem?
Jagadeesh says
Hi Venkat,
This is not problem with the Spark. It is quite common in nights. One suggestion i can give here is you can go for the sun shield film. You can get it for your wind shield. it is available in most of the car decor shops. You do not even feel that sun shield film is applied. I am using it. It reduces the glares from the head lights from the vehicles coming in the opposite direction by about 30%.
Hope this is helpful.
frans malan says
I have a Spark LS and rate the car very high.NO problems, light on fuel and actually very comfortable for the size.Performance also above avarage for an engine of this size.
Value for money = 10/10
Jun says
I share the view of Mario Medina. I am from the Philippines, and the Spark is already almost two years with me, without major issues at all, except the normal maintenance and usual problems encountered in the roads such as tire problems. All told, I am a satisfied owner thus far I just hope it would be as good as Daiwoo Matiz if not better, which for a decade there have been no negative comments.
Mario Medina says
I am from Guatemala in Central America, I bought my spark in 2007, it is already three years, we use it daily, only normal maintenance, no problems at all, I ride 40km daily or little more, it is an excellent car, very safe on the road, excellent quality ( or lucky me…) no complaints, no problems, It makes 13 km/l aprox. I am thinking about keep it for a little more time before selling it, It makes 17Km/l on the road at 80km/hour when travelling in the higghway
Akshay says
Thanks vinod for giving me such good information about spark lpg.
I am thinking to buy new car and now I am thinking about spark LPG.
Junaid says
Hey. I bought a new Spark LPG. And was amazed with its performance in the first 1500 KM’s. On a long drive of 80 Kms and 140 Kms on LPG one after the other, I got 13.5 KMPL mileage. And now on my daily drive to office 70 KMs (35 * 2) it gives me 11.5. Let me mention that the LPG cost is 31.5 in my location. And all of this with AC ON. I guess i should get 2 more KMPL mileage with AC off. I am a mileage man and drive on 5th gear mostly. I have driven Santro as well. But spark is more comfortable i felt.
santhosh says
A-star is a very good car for small family. Luggage space is good. The driving experience is excellent. it gave me 17 km/lit mileage.compared with other car in its segment a-star is too good
vikas says
Hi Mohan,
Vinod has given some good points. I owe a Spark LT for Last 16 months and i am very satisfied with it. It is a big car from inside the only way you feel it is by getting in a traveling. I have traveled more than 1000 Km’s continuously with this car twice with my family And guess what it was a very comfortable drive. Ac is nice and cool, the LH switches for lights and indicators are good as far as driving is concerned but gets tougher for those who are used to driving rh ones for long. I drove i10 and this one during test drive and it was better in controls, stability and comfort. The styling has been appreciated by everyone and as far as the leg stretch is concerned its the best in class. You would be glad to know that even a person with artificial left leg could drive it easily due to smooth clutch, gear shifting and power steering. believe me its tested as i have seen myself.
A car’s choice is always personal and belongs to your heart. sometimes when you have thought about one you can’t resist even if you get better options.
So my advice is spark is a good choice, all you need is to go with your need and comparision.
Vinod says
I own a Chevrolet Spark LPG since the last 2 months. The following is my review which I hope would be helpful for some prospective buyers
-ves first:
1. Dealers of Chevrolet are generally worst of the lot throughout India. Not anywhere comparable to the dealers for Maruti, Tata, or Hyundai in terms of choices or quality.
2. I hate the left-hand indicator/headlamp controls. (as in all GM, Ford cars). Those were originally meant for the Left-Hand drive vehicles and I wonder why GM or Ford did not bother to change them for RHD vehicles in India. You get used to it in a couple of days (after clicking on your wipers in turns till then). But the issue is that you will have to use the same hand for gear and indicators. In Tatas, Marutis, Hyundais or other cars, you can easily handle gears and indicators simultaneously. This is a big ergonomical issue for me. I wonder why this is seldom written about.
3. Less boot space: Probably worst in class and this is a much bigger issue in LPG versions where your stepney is moved up to be screwed behind your rear seat to accomodate the LPG tank below.
4. I have not owned a Spark long enough to comment on the long-time mileage, but i think it is just adequate (I think so): More than the Hyundais but less than the Marutis (specifically the K-series engine models, new estilo, a-star,ritz). LPG version mileage is comparable to WagonR duo/Santro Eco. All are around 10-12 (city with ac). I got 8 initially and then 10+ after the reassurance service on the first month in full city full ac in LPG mode (full petrol mode not yet tested). In the next 3 services, it will certainly improve.
+ves
1.Its a perfect city car and great VFM. Performance, Stability, Engine noise control, Comfort is definitely superior to Alto/Estilo/Santro/WagonR. Only i10 1.2 version comes close and maybe beat it in 1 or 2 areas. But then the price difference is abt 80k. Ritz, Vista, Swift etc are a different class and should not be compared to Spark. The compact size and excellent handling makes it perfect for city rides. Take it out to highways and cruise to see how stable and powerful it is even at 100+ speeds.
2. Legroom and space: excellent. You wouldn’t believe the space inside until you get in. This is one car where some excellent design has gone in: small outside, big inside (the other contributing factor is the reduced bootspace). The legroom and space are better than Santro. Dont go by the measurement comparisons given in the charts as they are mostly exterior dimensions. As Mohan said, tall persons(6ft+) may feel their knees would hit the instruments panel (Santro is better here), but the point is it has more leg(-stretching)room than Santro/i10
3. Utilities / Add-ons: Excellent – lot of holders, hooks all around.
4. Tubeless tires: This is a standard for all Spark models. An industry first (and last to-date) in this segment.
5. Interior colours: Now available in Beige and not black (will resolve Mohan’s concern :)) like the i10. It adds a touch of class
6. 3 year free service: this comes for free now and not with any additional payment.
7.Discounted price: Almost always there would be a dealer discount or some other offers and you would certainly get the car in less than the marked prices (in sites, brochures etc). There are 4 variants for Spark (Spark basic, PS, LS, LT) and the LPG version is available for the middle 2 variants. I took the higher variant for LPG. On road was ~3,70k. Corresponding petrol (2nd from top model for Petrol, LS would cost you at least 30k less)
8. Looks: Generally Spark is appreciated for its looks. Im personally not very fond of its headlight-looks. But it is a stunner from the profile view. And the rear lights are a beauty in the white model.
9. (LPG specific)The big Plus: If you are looking for a company-fitted LPG small car, look no further. This is DEFINITELY the most mature LPG car in India. The power loss is negligible and operation is smooth, thanks to the sequential injection technology. Also, the automatic start in Petrol mode (even if the car engine stops accidentaly in say, traffic, while in LPG mode) and automatic switch to LPG is completely hassle-free. You need not worry abt switching it manually. Also, it automatically switches to petrol mode if your LPG is drained in the middle of operation. The car alerts you the switch with a beep sound which u can cancel out by pressing the fuel-mode button near the steering. This button is also used for manual changing of fuel mode and also indicates the LPG level (4 green light indicators).
I think Spark is a very good choice for (1)use as City car. (2)use as a long distance car for 2-4 people with less luggage (3) people who are not too concerned about the authorised service centers quality (4) those who are looking for less maintenance costs (5)thos who are looking for maximum Value for Money at 3.2 to 4L (PS, LS, LPG) and 4-4.2L (LT) (4)Single drivers (5) Women
Akshay Khanna says
Hi, i own a Chevrolet Spark LT which i bought in Jul 09. The clutch has become hard and the pedal makes a distinct sound on pressing and releasing it. I do not want to believe that my clutch plate is worn out as the car has only run 3200 km. What could be the reason…..please advise
Mohan says
Hi Akshay, your car would have come with that 3 year maintainance free promise, check with the chevrolet service station for replacement at no cost.
Mel R says
Hi
ive just booked the chevy spark lpg version in Goa ……will try and post the results on mileage, economy, performance as compared to the astar and alto vxi which i also own….
Gaurav Sharma says
i am really confused abt. SPARK LT 1.0 and i10 MAGNA 1.1, can you please advise me. I am more concern abt pickup and milage.
Mohan says
Gaurav, I have compared various brands with Spark to certain extent. You can read the review above. I suggest you test drive both, create a check list on what you want against what is available and then go for the one that fits your taste and budget.
dodo says
hi, i’m a new buyer and im 1.6 meter hight > female… i want a small car i think spark is a good choice… but im not sure… i hope u could give me a good advice!!!!
Mohan says
For your height Chevy spark is a pretty good match. Take a test drive and then you decide… rest of the info is available in this blog anyways 🙂
Samar says
Dear All
I wish you should not feel being not treated as a customer, requested to please leave a message and will arrange for the direct interaction with you by Chevrolet company representative.
< moderated > personal info sharing not allowed here < / moderated >
john says
I need to change my Santro to either Ritz or i20. From your test drive report i20 seems to be cramped for space in the back. I test drove the Ritz LDI and was impressed by it. I have very little running to do ( <8000 kms/yr). Should I go for the diesel version of Ritz as I felt it as good as any petrol car? How bad is the depreciation of diesel cars vis-a-vis petrol cars given the fact diesel engines now a days are quite good? Money is not an issue.
Mohan says
John, that was my perception. May be that I am a bit too taller and hence found it not so comfortable to sit in i20’s rear seat. However, my friends say it is pretty comfortable. I suggest you go for a petrol car, reason being – what ever the extra money you shell out on diesel car will be more than that you spend on petrol price over diesel. Maintenance wise, petrol cars are a better choice over diesel cars. I test drove Ritz too, I felt that car to be a better one compared to i20.
Raj says
I am first time car buyer.I am confused to choose between Spark and Wagon R.
I am also looking for fuel efficient as I commute for a longer distance to my office everyday ( 30 km’s) pls advice me on what car should i select and iam open to alto also
Mohan says
There is no straight answer to your question. To make it more simple, these are few points I would consider apart from mileage:
1. Service Network
2. After sales support
3. Driving comfort
4. Family preferences for trips
Since you plan to commute 30kms on a daily basis, I would suggest you test drive all the cars you have in mind and you decide on which ever suites you the best.
V Muthukrishnan says
Any maruti make should be good in Mileage point of view. Chevy spark is less fuel efficient as compared to Maruti Make though Wagon R is not a comparison with Chevy Spark..Performacewise Spark is a out performer to all the Maruti Make. If you enjoy driving comfort ..go for Spark else any Maruti Make for Fuel economy
mohanshakya says
I am also feel that spark is not good and not adjust my budget. Infect i want to buy a wagon r.
Nilay says
Hi Mohan,
I am new buyer and confused between Spark and WagonR. In Spark, the driver seat is lower than one in wagonR ( i am 6ft tall !!) and hence the front view is better in WagonR than in Spark as i felt !!. This is my feeling though i am first time buyer and still does not know driving 🙂
what do you think? would you pl. advise me?
Mohan says
Nilay, for a person of your height, Spark would be a bad idea. You might feel a bit comfortable relatively on Wagon R. I suggest you to test drive both of them as well as Santro Xing which would fit in to the price range you are looking at.
Mohan says
@Kishore
Nice to hear that. I wasn’t that impressed for the looks though!
@Shiv Kapoor
I couldn’t get an LPG model for test drive. I test drove the LT model. Even I look forward for comments from readers on the LPG model.
Shiv Kapoor says
I had zeroed on Chevy Spark with LT version. Now they have released LPG model, has anyone got a chance to drive that model? How is the performance and safety features on that model? Can someone help me out on finalizing between the petrol version and LPG version please?
Kishore says
I drove both the hyundai i10 and spark. My feel is towards the spark , it was neutral and much more stable. And the spark’s styling was appreciated by everyone in the family.
my family also doesn’t like hyundai since we had a very bad experience with a santro previously.
prasanth says
pls,
please state the bad experience you faced with santro