Daewoo Matiz and Chevrolet Spark, in India, are known as two different cars from two different eras. One is the nostalgic hatchback from the 90s and the other was once Chevrolet’s answer to the entry-level hatchback back in 2007. But did you know that these cars are related to each other?
Post GM acquired Daewoo motors, their popular hatch’s moniker changed globally. Well, the car was called 10s of other names all around the world but the most popular ones amongst them were Chevrolet Matiz and Spark. That’s right, the Chevy Spark we had in India is actually the second generation of the Daewoo Matiz and that is why the Spark also went by the “Matiz” moniker in certain markets.
Today we pay a little visit to the Spark, the car which made the iconic Matiz live under a different skin.
Chevrolet Spark | following the Matiz design cues
If you come to pay a little attention to the Spark’s design you notice that it sure has carried the Matiz’s design language forward. Just like the Matiz, the Spark has a tall boy stance, a sloping down bonnet and a subtle side profile. All such elements in a hatchback have always been a recipe for victory in India and Chevrolet in India ticked just the right boxes with the Spark.
Chevrolet Spark | Dimensions
| Chevrolet Spark | |
| Length | 3495mm |
| Width | 1495mm |
| Height | 1518mm |
| Wheelbase | 2345mm |
| Ground clearance | 170mm |
The Spark had just the right proportions to pass as a nimble hatchback, perfect for the Indian demographic. Compared to the King of the segment Maruti Alto, the Spark had the same length, but bigger wheelbase and was higher and wider as well. This means that the Spark ample of space on offer while maintaining the benchmark “compact” factor in the segment.
Chevrolet Spark | Powertrain
The Spark came with a 996cc, four-cylinder, petrol engine making 62bhp and 90Nm of torque mated to a five-speed manual and driving the front wheels. These power figures make the Spark significantly more powerful than the Alto.
If you are looking for a used small hatchback which is a bit peppy than you can definitely look for a used Spark in neat condition.
Chevrolet Spark | What was the price?
The Spark started from Rs.3.33 Lakhs and went all the up to Rs. 4.21 Lakhs. The Spark came priced very close to the Chevrolet Beat which sat on top of the Spark in Chevrolet’s lineup in India. Still, it was priced very competitively in the segment.
Chevrolet Spark vs Rivals
Chevrolet set foot in the fiercest segment at the time with the Spark. The entry-level hatchback segment is still being triumphed by the Alto in India, the same was the case back in 2007 when the Spark was launched in India. The two main rivals for the Spark was the Alto when it was launched and the Hyundai Eon in the later years.
It was a close match back in the day and even if the Spark didn’t give the other two a run for their money, still Chevrolet was able to sell a decent number of the Spark in India. This is why you may still be able to find a neat Spark in the used car market.
Have you ever owned a Chevy Spark? Use the comments section to share your experience of the Spark with us.
I have used spark car in my experience that is very good car.
Yes , I have Chevrolet spark 1.0 ls from last 8 years. and very comfortable to say that I am happy with my first car.I had changed its tyres only in past. My car is in very good condition and I love it wrt drive , comfort , maintenance , size .
But it’s milage is not enough , it is 15km/ltr max.
But finally very nice car. Thank you Chevrolet GM.
I still owns Spark 2003 model and it’s running smoothly since first day. Getting the yearly service is enough for it to run for the whole year. For me 6’1 Spark gives good leg space compared to other cars in the same category. Feels great to have Spark. My first car !
Spark launched in India on 13th May’2007!
Yes I have own Beat LT.. And it’s one of the finest car I have.. And till date I’m still driving it..and it’s best experience since it’s my first my car I have own..
I still own Cheverlet Spark car purchased in the year 2010 still in good condition…very easy experience to drive and comfortable.. compact..mileage…good a/c…better interior…good look..
yes, I purchased white Spark car in 2008 and still owns it. Fantastic car and would love to upgrade it if Chevrolet decides to relaunch Spark in India in near future.
I still own a Chevrolet Spark 1.0 LT, drive it,. It is still a nice car indeed.
I own a 2010 chevy spark good car with decent performance and quality i feel above its time. Shame they had shut it down. The only issue i am facing is the availability and uncertainty of spare parts in the market.
I have driven
Matiz
Spark
And now using Chevy Beat 😍
means you have used all the generations of matiz launched in india till the time chevy was here
hi,I have the 2007 model spark, very good in all aspect but milege is 10 only
. any suggestions
Hi Amit,
Take a look at this article: Is Your Car Consuming More Fuel Than Usual? This Is Why!
And you can always rely on GoMechanic. Get your car checked by one of our professionals and let us take care of your Spark. Stay tuned!
I have sprak LS car since 2011. I am unhappy with. car .I think , why i bought this car . Car had many problems from start. Agency seller car ,then service say different. In open market sper part not available and if available, so costly. Company ‘s customer care not support.
I am using Chevrolet Spark since 4 years now. Good Car(only it’s throttle body has problem now) .We expect Chevrolet Spark company should come back to Indian market soon please.We will buy new cars from Chevrolet.
I have Chevy Spark. Beautiful n fantastic car. I enjoyed alot using the car. The pickup, the ease of driving n reliability … Awesome. I stunned over the withdrew of Chevy from India. Waste management I feel.
Compared to Maruthi and other equivalent cars.. Chevy Spark is the best.
They failed to market the fantastic cars…
I purchased Beat LT in 2010. It is in good condition now. Only I changed it tyres. I am suffering due to lack of maintenance centre.I will be happy enough if Chevy market vehicles in India as soon as possible
I purchased Chevrolet Aveo Uva in 2010. It is in good condition now. I am suffering due to lack of maintenance centre and spare parts. I will be happy enough if Chevy market vehicles in India as soon as possible
I have 2008 Chevy Spark fiery red colour in a very good condition. Very nice car. I m loving it….
I purchased AVEO UVA LS 1.2 I in 2010. It is in good condition now. Only I changed it clutch. I am suffering due to lack of maintenance centre and spare parts availability in market. I will be happy enough if Chevy market vehicles in India as soon as possible
I have Spark LT, very good car. Strong, spacious and beautiful car. Driven very less just 16k km done and excellent condition.
Great hearing that Saurabh. The Spark was indeed one of the best offerings from Chevrolet. Efficient and reliable. Happy motoring 🙂
I still own Cheverolet Beat car purchased in the year 2011 still in good condition…very easy experience to drive and comfortable.. compact..mileage…good a/c…better interior…good look..Mostly wiring or petrol pipe cut by rodent, I haven’t seen go Mechanic is giving wiring fixing facility or upgrading music system option.
Spark has 1.0litre engine whereas Alto and Eon has 800cc. Spark has better power than its rivals. Few years back indian were going behind mileage but not the driving comfort and safety. Spark has decent mileage with better comfort and stronger body than its rivals. Proud to be a chevy spark owner.
I need throttle body of my Spark 2009 model
What is the price ? Ant body will supply or any guidance about this
Please
Hi,
We can surely help you with this. Please share your contact details and one of our car care experts will call you shortly.
My contact number
9496891533
One of our executives will call you shortly. Can you share your location for better service?
Yes i still have chevy spark 2009 and its running fine…
Driving since 2012 it is a nice car ,but uncertainty remains about availability of spare parts and good mechanics..
SUDHEER PANNIYAN
Sure Iam proud about my Chevy spark 2010 Sandgrift Gray a Beautiful Car. Changing tyres and engine oils only. Still runnings in good condition at Km.62. Reverse gear is little strike only but all engine funcions are good.
I was going to buy chevy spark in 2008 but change my mind as there were not so many service center and then went over to buy wagonr lxi varient in passion red colour there were three service center in my city of Maruti. First I thought Chevy spark but service was a problem as there was no service center of chevy nearby, than I thought to buy alto but it had a small engine, than I thought to buy santro but at that time Hyundai service cost was more, than again thought to buy Maruti and looked towards Zen Estilio but the price was at little premium side and the design was not boxy and I always liked boxy design that is why finally I bought wagonr and still very happy with the purchase and also boxy scorpio in 2016.
I’m using spark LS since 2009 sept., It’s a good car and it’s engine is very strong enough. It’s milage is Ok according to traffic clearence on road. Interior is quit comfortable enough as well.
But Only one Question which I am searching still…and not getting answer, i.e. why Chevrolet withdrawn business and servicing from indian states mainly from West Bengal ?
Which is the only factor of demotivation for using the car further..
Expecting answers pls…
I own Spark LT 2008 done around 95000 kms.
I have Chevrolet spark L.T 2012 modal ,plz tel petrol mailage and LPG mailage ….good car drive am satifify…
It depends on your driving style; giving an exact figure will be difficult.
Yes , I have Chevrolet spark 1.0 since year 2009, and very comfortable to say that I am happy with my second car.previousIy I was proud owner of Matiz. Both the car’s are outstanding in performance.I had changed its tyres only in past. My car is in very good condition and I love it to drive , comfort , maintenance , size . It’s a dependable car. Never required mechanic in the way.
But finally very nice car. Thank you Chevrolet GM.
A true gem from the Chevrolet Stable 🙂