Finally on 02nd Dec07 I got delivery of my much awaited Spark, A little bit late delivery as promised by dealer. Spark is the first car. Before choosing Spark I was planning to buy ALTO, as I had a limited budget of 3 Lacks only. But when I saw huge discount offer in newspapers around Dussera I started researching on Spark, & Specially Mouthshut review guided me a lot to go for that car. Since I am a very new driver I tried to understand each & every aspect of cars with the help of Internet.
following points inspired me most for choosing SPARK as my first car.
1) GREAT DESIGN: I inspired by its exterior & interior design quality. This car is beautifully crafted & having Smooth edge at every cuts & high quality plastic material has been used.
2) GAS FILLED SUSPENSION: This added feature first in its class urges you feel the difference between MARUTI & General Motors Cars(Not Tavera). When you are in the car you will feel that its suspension quality is much-much closer to INNOVA & HONDA CITY. Its riding quality surpasses Hyundai Santro/ ZEN/WAGONR etc. (Since I having all these car in my family So that can comparing them). You would’t feel ghat-ghat sound while running on rough roads as usually felt in Maruti cars.
3) Engine Quality: Since SPARK engine is well tested & successfully running across the globe may be with different brands, Gives piece of mind. Its engine is super silent & as mentioned earlier I am new driver I have to see dash board lights to ensure that car is off while driving. Moreover while its engine is idle its produce Zero Vibration that is amazing to see. The car felt quite stable @ speed of 130 KM/h as my friend drove at that speed for sometime at NH8 Gurgaon road. However final comment on its engine reliability can be said after 1-2 years running on the Indian road.
4) TUBELESS TYRE: SPARK is the only car in its class which is offering Tubeless Tyres, which reduces sudden break down in traffic like in Delhi, One should carry tubeless tyre puncher assembly pack before going on long drive. I think Hyundai is now offering the same thing in its U10.
5) THE BRAND: I am proud to own Chevrolet Brand of General Motors. Its center mounted Speedo Meter looks great usually found in high-end cars like NISSAN X-Trail/ Audi etc… So one shouldn’t be disappointed about its placement position.
As I drive the car only 300 KMS @ speed of 40-60 KM/H, I still not measures its mileage, I think it is about 12-13 KM/L. Sine my model does’t have PS, & I found still its quite easy to drive.
While all above good things about SPARK I think following thing should be improved:
1) Boot Space at driver’s seat should be a little bit larger, & height of seat should be up by 2-3 inches as a person like me of 5.6” height couldn’t get clear view of front margin of the vehicle.
2) DEALERS NETWORK: Since GM service network is limited it might be horrible experience when one would get stuck in remote areas. At this point Maruti wins all the way.
Since this is my very first review of my life & its seems quite long, please ignore mistakes I did!
Model: Base Model with AC
Color: Platinum Metallic
Cost On Road: 303000/-INR
Dealer: APEX Auto Gurgaon.
Mail: mukesh.mishra@aol.in