The Chevrolet Mini (for the Indian market) which was intended for release at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit last month (until internal issues struck GM), will be showcased in next month's Geneva Motor Show. The Chevrolet Mini mules were spotted munching miles across the United States, most recent spotting was at the Rochester University campus in NY.
The design of this car has been derived from the Beat concept which went on display at New York Auto show in 2007. Positive reactions from press and show goers alike plus the company's internet opinion poll urged GM to go ahead with the Chevrolet Spark production plans.
After receiving a clear majority of 1.9 million votes supporting the production of the 'Spark', GM decided to make sure the Spark carried all the design elements from the Beat concept. The production version of the car also sports the trademark Beat Green. GM has taken it that far.
Chevrolet Mini- Door handles misplaced, Disc brakes on all 4 wheels
The Beat Concept- which was a two door hatchback had to be re-proportioned to accommodate two additional rear doors to make the Spark the 5-door hatch that it is. Despite the presence of five doors, the car still looks like a sporty two door hatchback.
Thanks to some very ingenious styling work, the rear door handles are camouflaged by the back rear window panels. This is something you would not have seen anywhere else before!
What Indians will also find interesting is the all-wheel disc brake setup, may be the first sub-5 lakh rupees hatch with such kind of a feature.
While the Suzuki A-Star has a sloping rear window, the Mini's rear window panel has an added functionality- It hosts the door handle mechanism. The waves formed on the sheet metal above the wheel arch is reminiscent of the Hyundai i20.
I think this car will be most stylish hatchback on sale in India. It definitely wins over the Swift and the i20 in the looks department. Yes, and I know what you are thinking. The Fiat 500 is not in the nominations. This is the Poor man's Civic.
Chevrolet Mini High-Resolution Images
Press Release
- Fun and fashion add sizzle to mini-car segment
- Youthful interior with motorcycle-inspired instrument cluster
- Fuel-efficient 1.0-liter and 1.2-liter 4-cylinder DOHC engines
All-new mini-car with maximum attitude
The all-new Chevrolet Spark, making its world premiere at the Geneva auto show in March, is a small car designed to make a big statement. It's big on style, big on fuel economy and, like all products carrying the Chevrolet gold bowtie, big on refinement and value.
Its design breaks the mold for mini-cars and takes Chevrolet's signature styling elements to this vehicle segment in a youthful, fun and fashion-conscious way.
Spark was inspired by the Chevrolet Beat concept, the most popular of a trio of mini-car concepts that has toured international auto shows since 2007. A clear majority among 1.9 million internet voters said it was the car they wanted produced.
Exterior
The crisp lines of the five-door hatchback provide a wedge-like profile. Below Chevrolet's hallmark two-tier grille and headlamps that resemble diamond cut lines, the shape of the fog lamp housings and the "floating" lower air intake extend the sense of forward movement. Strong wheel arches accommodate up to 15-inch wheels to give the car a dynamic, ready-to-go stance.
The rear door handles are integrated into the upper part of the door to preserve the clean lines of rear quarter panel and wheel arches. In the rear, an integrated tailgate spoiler and Chevrolet's round tail lights add to Spark's appeal.
With an overall length of 3,640 mm and a generous 2,375 mm wheelbase, Spark offers a spacious cabin with outstanding leg and hip room in the front and rear.
Interior
The design of Spark's spacious cabin clearly matches its fun and fashion exterior look and functionality. A unique feature is the motorcycle-inspired instrument cluster. Mounted on the steering column, it provides easy- to- read information to the driver utilizing a combination of analog and digital displays.
With fresh colors and fabrics, exterior color schemes continue inside to Chevrolet's signature 'dual cockpit' layout and the door panels. Textured inserts flow from the instrument panel to each side of the cabin into the doors, adding another eye-catching element to the interior.
Spark also boasts a high level of interior acoustic refinements typical of larger vehicles.
Engines and safety
Sales will start in Europe featuring 1.0 and 1.2-liter 16-valve four-cylinder double overhead camshaft gasoline engines, delivering excellent fuel efficiency and low emissions.
Depending on global markets, safety equipment includes driver and passenger front air bags, front side airbags, roof rail head curtain airbags, antilock brakes and electronic stability control. Other safety features include pre-tensioners for front seat belts and three-point belts in the rear. Spark has been developed and is expected to achieve high crash test ratings.
Europe leads start of sales
Spark will be available in European dealerships early 2010, followed by other global regions. Spark is the newest in a series of all-new, globally developed Chevrolet vehicles that are defined by expressive design, refinement and value.
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