Chevrolet Spark LS

I have been a regular reader of MS and was determined to write a review of my Sparky after about 25000 kms. I had selected this figure of 25000 kms due to the following reasons:

1. By this time you would have explored your vehicle to the fullest

   
   




2. You would have had the reviews about the after sales service

   
   




3. You would have had the best mileage figures

   
   

I stay in Pune and the Spark model that I had test driven on Mumbai - Bangalore highway NH4 near Chandni Chowk, Pune had done 40000 km and was an LS model.

This was way back in April 2008. I had test driven Alto, Zen Estilo, Wagaon R but not Santro. I had finalized Spark the moment I test drove it not only on the highway but also on a deserted road behind the Pashankar’s showroom to make sure I test drive it on all kind of road surfaces. and trust me I made the guy sitting next to me cry for mercy ;-)

I finally purchased the Car in May 2008 paying 370000 INR.

I have driven it on all terrains and all weathers so here is my review.

Pros:

1. The handling is pretty good, very smooth, u don’t feel like driving a car of this segment, it’s very responsive

   
   




2. Excellent manuevourability

   
   




3. Braking is very good

   
   




4. Power steering is very good

   
   




5. Can reach high speeds without any hassle (I have touched 170 kmph on Mumbai - Pune expressway). you will feel some speed only when you cross 140kmph but it would be very smooth

   
   




6. Excellent pick-up in it’s class

   
   




7. Looks small from outside but decent space inside. Five ppl can sit comfortably

   
   




8. Best suspension in it’s class

   
   




9. No difference in the pick-up if the AC is on

   
   




10. Control is very good even after lack of ABS

    
    

Cons:

1. Mileage is around 12 in the city and 14 on highways (I drive with AC On 90% of the time)

   
   




2. Reverse gear is not 100% smooth, you sometimes have to release the clutch a bit to engage the gear (problem reported in majority of the Chevy vehicles)

   
   




3. Some people might not find the driver’s space comfortable as the left knee touches the central console majority of the time. I drive shifting the seat a little back so overcame this situation quickly

   
   




4. I have heard people saying that the driving is not fatigue less. It actually depends on the state of the driver and conditions of the road. I din’t felt fatigue for even 500 kms of driving (obviously with short breaks)

   
   




5. You might find turning a little uncomfortable ’coz the right hand side structure beam (b/w front glass and right hand side glass) is a bit wide as compared to other cars of the same class but this is also but you will get used to it

   
   




6. Tyres are tubeless and are good. But it again depends what kind of tyres are provided. I have got apollo and have spent around 2500 INR in punctures (tubeless puncture repairs are costly)

   
   

Verdict:

I have driven almost all the cars in this class and still find Spark the best. I drive it very rough but it’s very responsive as well as smooth. Adding to it the after sales services (it’s coming with three years/45000 kms free service), it’s a pretty good deal. Apart from Fuel Consumption, I never found my Sparky ’not a value for money’ car