I am from Kolkata. After M800, Tata Indica DLE, Hyundai Santro DX ....... , I bought one Chevrolet Spark LT from IndiaAutomobiles Ltd on 26.03.2009. My dealership experience is great, theexecutive from the India Automobiles is very decent, keep the promiseshe made at the time of booking, and in fact, gave something more thanthe promise at the time of delivery.
My car is not covered under"Cashless ownership offer" because that executive told me not to go forthat as my car will not run too much and that time the ownership offerwas chargeable (Rs 10 k). Also, 3 years 100000 km warranty offered byGM is adequate.
Initially, only after 3 days of purchase when myOdo shows 190 km, the right side rear suspension of my car was brokeand that also happened on a smooth road. But the workshop replaced thatwithin a hour and till date there is no issues with my car.
Generally, I am not switching on the AC all the times. With little AC, today themileage of my car is approx 13 km / lt, which I think is good. To getthe maximum mileage, my dealer gave me a test drive for almost 15 km atthe time of booking, there I saw it needed very less clutching and gearshifting. If one follow that rule while driving, then the mileage willautomatically improve.
The chilling time in spark is more than my last car, Santro and it also takes bit more engine power than the competitors.
Engineis very responsive and absolutely soundless. Though Maruti offered 16valve and Hyundai offered 12 valve in there 1000 cc segments, but Ithink Spark’s 8 valve 1000 cc SOHC engine is superior than others. Itis very responsive, soundless and fun to drive. Breaking is also good, power steering is ok. But except the engine, in other specifications, it is not ahead of the competition. Spark is at par with others. But inroad grip section, Spark is behind than Indica and Santro. Also sidevision from driving seat is not good, sometimes the side passenger candisturb your side vision, the ride is again a sector, where thecompetitors are ahead than Spark. 1st and reverse gear is disturbing attimes, though I expect, it will solve after 5000 km running.
WhereSpark is different, is look. For me, it is the cutest car and I bet, anybody will be surprise to see it’s inner space. Interior is dull butit is good than it’s competitors like Wagon R, Santro etc. Storage isadequate and the seating is great. Leg room, shoulder room iscommendable. I think, one spoke is missing in the steering wheel, youneed to pay 40 k extra and need to buy LT O to get that extra wheel.Although, you will get alloy, abs & driver side airbag along withthat. You may feel disturb with center console but I am happy with it.Driving position is also good but all my previous cars were also goodin this area.
Exterior wise, again it is impressive. Newoffering from Maruti - A Star is also comes at par here with Spark butI think buying a 3 cylinder engine by paying 40 k - 50 k extra (SparkLT vs Astar VXI) than Spark is certainly a wise decision and so if mychoice is between Wagon R, Santro, Zen Estilo Indica & Spark - Thenthe little Chevy will be a winner. Round rear light again adds to thelooks. Front look is again impressive and overall, this is by far thebest looking car in it’s segment.
One will get big carexperience in Spark by paying small car price. 60:40 rear seat, roofrail, tubeless tyre, defogger, rear wiper, fog lamps, day / nightmirror, sun glass holder, rear seat hook, all 4 power windows, fullwheel cover - are the few.
Overall, I can recommend this car toall my friends without any hesitation. Forget what happened with GM inAmerica, we are fine here and if you want to buy a 1000 cc small car, then my advice is, please take a test drive of Spark before make anydecision.
I’ll update my experience in the future.
On 04.10.2009.
After six months of ownership, still I am happy with the performance of my car, service centre behaviour is really good. I want to add alloys, but they said if I want those alloys comes with Spark LT O, then the price is Rs 8500 each, means total Rs. 34000.00. So I stayed away. I think it is huge. Please help me in this area. Otherwise Spark is perfect.