Indian Autos blog

In recent years, with introduction of new models like the Cruze and Beat, GM India has been on a roll. They recently introduced a special engine exclusively developed for the Indian Market and that’s the sort of thing needed to improve an international product’ chances in India. Now, GM India is gearing up for the ‘Big Fight’. It plans to bring in a small car to rival the current kingpin  [ Read More ]

General Motors will bring a 800cc variant of the Spark to India in the next 24 months its President and Managing Director Karl Slym has said recently. The 800cc Spark is sold in South Africa as GM’s entry level car.

When Daewoo introduced the Spark as Matiz in India, they used a 3-cylinder 800cc engine that was fuel efficient and sprightly to drive inside the city.

Karl Slym, President and Managing Director of GM India -

We have a small-engine Spark available in the overseas market and are looking to bring it to India in the next 24 months

The Chevrolet Beat hasn’t clocked the expected numbers and the rearguard action for its mediocre performance is the 800cc Spark. If the Beat had overtaken the Spark to become GM’s best selling model, the Spark 800cc could have stayed indoors.

Seen above, the South African Spark Lite has a 796cc 3-cylinder petrol engine producing 51 hp. It has a different front-end and wheel caps. A drop in power is seen on the low capacity engine Spark which scores high on fuel economy.

We expect the 800cc Spark to come with no power steering or power windows

We touched upon the 800cc Spark earlier and more media reports on the same indicate the launch is not far away. GM told us the Spark EV will be on display during the Auto Expo but was not willing to share anything on the 800cc Spark. They denied any plans of the low cost Spark.

A 800cc Spark is not new to India. Daewoo’s Matiz used a three cylinder 796cc engine through its lifetime in our country. The vehicle back then was the best alternative to the Santro with good cabin space and cheeky looks.

The second time in 2010, the smaller Spark’s direct rival would be the Suzuki Alto which has sold 20,000+ units on an average every month this year.

We don’t have more information on this model except that it will be stripped of expensive equipment and accessories.