New Chevrolet Spark can be named Onix; sedan variant in the pipeline

03/08/2009 - 14:55 | Brazil, GM Brazil, Chevrolet Onix, Onix, GM Onix, Chevrolet, New Chevrolet Spark | Shrawan Raja

The Suzuki Swift was strangely given a boot in India. So many of my friends did not like its looks once it was launched. The rear tried to replicate the 7 Series while the lines on the side was reminiscent of a Bentley, which was not very convincing. I remember quizzing everyone about the Dzire and some even quit speaking to me when they came to know I liked the Dzire's looks.

But look at what magnitude of success this car has tasted. It has outdone all its classmates and the predictions of mine in college, selling almost two times the number its nearest competitor managed. Many controversial designs have done well in India. The Mahindra Xylo and the earlier Honda City are also good examples in this case.

The new Chevrolet Spark is a type of car one likes to see, stay as a hatch. It surprisingly holds back most of the concept's lines, which is a good thing. Even the existing model remained as a hatch through its entire life.

Now news is out that in the future, a sedan variant of the stunning Spark will come out of the Brazilian production line.

With help from our expert Portuguese blogger Gustavo, I am able to present the facts to you.

Gustavo Ruffo -

The Onix project, which is in fact based on the next generation Chevrolet Spark or that Matiz you have taken pictures of, will be the biggest investment of GM in Brazil of all time (US$ 1 billion) and it will help produce not only the hatchback, but also a sedan version of the little car.

Both cars are expected to reach the Brazilian market in 2012 and will be built in Gravatai, in Rio Grande do Sul. GM's plant there, will be able to produce 380,000 cars every year, 65% more than the capacity today.