Who makes the Chevrolet Spark. New Chevrolet Spark - manufacturer review

In Russia, where there is a tendency for car prices to rise faster than wages, inexpensive, economical small cars with more or less acceptable appearance will always be in demand. Such as, for example, Chevrolet Spark 2nd generation, which was born in 2010 and amazed the general public with significant changes in appearance and more. The appearance of Spark has become truly recognizable - its “eyes” alone are worth it! And what are the frankly youthful body shades worth... Read about what the second Spark is and who needs it with its “little eyes” in our review!

Design

If someone needs a second Spark, it’s certainly not the category of family people and “older” people. Why do they need it, because they can already spend money on more upscale and practical cars, whose capacity is beyond doubt. Cars that won't make you wonder every time: where to stash your luggage? No, Spark with its “sparkling” name is definitely for a different audience. But for which?

Judging by the head optics, which give a resemblance to giant insects from adventure films, as well as its compact dimensions, especially convenient for narrow European streets, Spark is a product for young people. And it’s hard to imagine who else will fall for this “insect”, whose rear door handles, by the way, are camouflaged just like those of cars Italian brand Alfa Romeo. That's the number! Needless to say, after the second Spark, the first-generation model seems incredibly boring and unsightly. The car that survived the update has everything different: the headlights, radiator grille, sides, rear, and even the roof rails are different! It’s not in vain that the small car has been updated, oh, not in vain.

Design

The model is based on the “new” proprietary GM DAT chassis, designed for heavier equipment than the previous generation of Spark cars (aka Daewoo Matiz). At the same time, the suspension scheme is the same as that of its predecessor: MacPherson struts are installed in front, and a torsion beam is installed in the rear. Front brake mechanisms- disc with ventilation, and rear - drum. The brakes are surprisingly grippy, and the suspension is tuned for comfort rather than performance. The subcompact car jumps over speed bumps without any problems, easily overcoming holes and potholes (and this is taking into account the ground clearance of 143 mm), but at the same time it is quite rolly and rolls noticeably during maneuvering at speed and in slow turns.

Adaptation to Russian conditions

The second Spark is well prepared for Russian realities by class standards. By default it is heated side mirrors and 1st row seats, there is climate control and a windshield wiper for the 5th door, and in the trunk when folded rear seats Fits up to 994 l. luggage With the seats folded down, the trunk volume, however, is much more modest - only 170 liters, and this is only enough for a standard suitcase and 2-3 bags from the supermarket. The cargo compartment is opened with a key or a lever from the interior - there is no handle on the outside. The baby Chevrolet's engines are economical, and most importantly - unpretentious and are completely at ease with inexpensive 92-octane gasoline, which is very important in our operating conditions.

Comfort

Surprisingly, but true: the interior of the budget Spark has design, and what a design! Other budget employees, deprived of interesting interior solutions, should definitely learn from him. Here the proprietary principle of symmetrical zones for the driver and passenger immediately catches the eye and attracts the attention of the plump steering wheel with a slightly recessed central part, the colored trim on the dashboard, logically continued on the inside of the doors, excites the imagination. Another plus of the Spark interior is the variety of niches and pockets for storing small items. There is even a mesh pocket on the side of the front passenger seat, not to mention pockets in the backs of the seats, doors and 5 cup holders. "Motorcycle" dashboard, located on the tilt-adjustable steering column, leaves a double impression. Of course, its “motorcycle” look is an effective solution, especially due to the blue lighting characteristic of many Chevrolet cars. But here’s the problem: the right sector of the “tidy”, which has a non-linear tachometer scale, a digital fuel gauge and a miniature on-board computer screen, is less informative compared to the analog speedometer on the left. Average and current fuel consumption is not displayed - only the power reserve is visible.

Forgetting about the not very informative instruments, you can rejoice at the successful texture of the dashboard - thanks to it, the hard and gray material does not smell cheap, as is the case with the plastic of the old Spark. Properly placed in the center console, the audio and climate control units are decorated with a glossy trim, whose pattern is somewhat reminiscent of carbon fiber, for greater effect. Elegant, in a word. The 1st row seats have a fairly comfortable shape, but are slightly disappointing with slippery artificial upholstery that does not “breathe” at all. What GM calls seat height adjustment is simply adjusting the angle of the cushion. Unfortunately, there is no rest area for the left leg. The rear sofa is quite spacious by class standards; The backrest folds in a ratio of 60:40, forming a flat loading area.

In 2009, the 2nd generation Spark was tested by a European independent organization Euro NCAP, earning 4 points out of 5 possible. Automotive experts rated driver/adult passenger safety at 81% out of 100, child protection at 78% and pedestrian protection at 43%. Electronic assistants also received 43%. Good equipment allowed us to get good ratings, which, depending on the configuration, includes front and side airbags, rear parking sensors, and anti-lock brakes. braking system(ABS), Isofix fastenings for child car seats and other safety attributes. Inflatable curtains available for Spark in other countries include Russian version, alas, not included.

On the center console of the Spark there is a regular CD/MP3 radio with a small narrow screen, control buttons on the steering wheel and a USB input for mobile devices. There is nothing special about it, and you can’t count on anything more significant. A full-fledged multimedia complex is not included in any of the configurations and it is impossible to get it even for a separate fee. The sound quality of the standard radio, as you might guess, is far from ideal, but it’s better to have at least such a radio than none, right? Especially if you remember that we are talking about a state employee.

Chevrolet Spark Specifications

The engine range is represented by two petrol 16-valve “fours”, inherited from the technological “twins” Opel Agila and Suzuki Splash. This is a 1.2-liter 82-horsepower engine, compatible with a five-speed manual transmission, and a liter engine with output of 68 hp, which is also combined with a 4-speed automatic transmission without manual control mode. The old 0.8-liter 3-cylinder engine, familiar to most from the Daewoo Matiz, was never used in the second Spark. According to the manufacturer's statement, average consumption The fuel level of the 82-horsepower modification is small - only 5.4 l/100 km, and for the 68-horsepower version - 6.3 l/100 km, which is almost in agreement with reality. The dynamics in both cases are mediocre, but considering low cost models, this is quite understandable and forgivable.

So, today we would like to talk about who today has the honor and the right to produce one of the most successful American car brands - Chevrolet. To say that the country of manufacture of Chevrolet is England, or the USA, or Russia - will in any case be incorrect, since due to localization for each specific market, automakers, for commercial reasons, often even offer their own model ranges, not to mention the almost universal availability of DKD - SKD assembly.

Manufacturing or assembly?

A full answer to the question that we want to examine today will require a fundamental determination of what is meant by the concept of “production”?

AvtoVAZ, with its OAT group of companies from satellite factories, was the only enterprise in the world that produced auto components and carried out their further assembly on its own conveyor belt. As a consequence, there is a complete lack of need to conduct a dialogue with component suppliers about the economic component, about the advisability of at least periodic production audits, and as a natural result, hundreds of defective parts, which were then installed on cars that had already set the whole country on edge with its unreliability and unpredictability.

Major global brands operate completely differently. The components from which cars are assembled are produced by third-party companies, which are also global brands - take Faurecia, for example - whose plastic products (interior and exterior elements) are used for Ford, Renault, Nissan, and many more brands throughout to the world. Gestamp - steel stamping of body parts, Johnson Controls - relays and switches. Each of these companies has factories on all continents and in almost all developed countries.

Maybe we'll open now terrible secret, but the so-called automaker does not so much carry out production as simply assemble a car on an assembly line from components that were produced by more than one third-party manufacturer.

So it's more about assembly, to be precise in terms.

“Chevrolet” and “Chevrolet”

And now, since we have clarified the issue of production and assembly, let’s understand a little what the Chevrolet brand is.

We should start with the fact that the Chevrolet brand and trademark belong to the famous American automobile concern General Motors, in the future, for brevity, we will simply call it GM.

Historically, the Chevrolet company was born in the northern part of the USA, where to this day they continue to produce those models that gave the brand worldwide fame, honor and glory - massive SUVs that can easily compete with all-terrain vehicles in cross-country ability, elegant and powerful sports models, distinctive feature which are atmospheric engines impressive size and power, and of course supercars. This is in North America. And unfortunately it cannot be said that North American models are widely represented on automotive market Russia.

And here is another division of the company, whose product, on the contrary, is offered by every 4th car showroom our country, located in South Korea.

And although the name bears exactly the same - Chevrolet, the products produced are almost 100% related to the Korean concern Daewoo, which has sunk into oblivion. Many still have to remember the 2 most popular models 2000s - Espero and Nexia. Well, today South Korean Chevrolets are entirely “economy” or “economy+” class cars.

Therefore, the answer to the question “where is the Chevrolet Cruze assembled?” or “where they collect Chevrolet Aveo” is unambiguous - in Korea on production facilities old Daewoo factory!

Although it is more than possible to understand the management of GM. From a sales management point of view, they made a very smart move by acquiring the almost bankrupt Daewoo company. But now in model range The manufacturer has cars of all classes and categories, from low-budget compact cars to supercars and business sedans, which in some cases have a truly astronomical cost.

This is very important from the point of view of strategic positioning of the brand.

Oddly enough, the consumer is more likely to turn to a company that cares about everyone, both those who can buy a premium car and those who are just about to buy their first “economy” from a foreign manufacturer, saying goodbye to a classic of the Russian automobile industry.

South Korean Americans

Residents of Russia and Europeans, when asked which country produces Chevrolet cars, give a clear answer: Korea.

This is quite natural, since the lion's share of cars currently sold on the Russian and European markets are indeed assembled on South Korean assembly lines and are essentially nothing more than a continuation of the line of budget cars that existed under the auspices of the Korean brand Daewoo.

The most popular and well-known models to our consumers bore and continue to bear the names Matiz and Nexia.

Although about 3 years ago budget cars economy class added an economy plus class model - the Chevrolet Lacetti, which received a new life after a slight facelift under the name Daewoo Gentra.

That is, the Chevrolet manufacturer is striving to expand into the Russian and European markets beyond the already familiar economy class, gradually accustoming the consumer to the fact that more expensive, and, therefore, comfortable and powerful cars are also available for sale.

What kind of cars from the Chevrolet brand are available on the Russian market today?

Budget small cars Spark, Cobalt, Lanos and Aveo (assembled in Korea)
- Comfort class sedan - Chevrolet Cruze, crossover Captiva and family minivan Orlando (also from the South Korean brand Daewoo)
- Niva Chevrolet- these are already products of a joint venture based on OJSC AvtoVAZ
- And finally, the true ancestors and pearls of the brand - the famous Camaro, famous not only among consumers, but also on movie screens, legendary model The Corvette is a sharp and impressive sports car, and the classic American Malibu sedan.
- Regarding the heavyweights, these are the TrailBlazer and Tahoe - American jeeps with huge engines and external dimensions. By the way, “Tahoe” - official car Secret Service under the President of the United States, which in itself sounds like an impressive recommendation.

So you don’t have to ask car dealership managers questions “where are Chevrolet Lanos, Captiva or Orlando assembled?” Now you definitely know that they are collected in South Korea.

We also note that cars assembled in the USA are strikingly different from cars of Korean or Russian origin. Everything is completely different, of a different quality, of a different level, and of course at a different price.

Do not under any circumstances refuse a test drive and remember that the hallmark of Chevrolet, that very original American one, has always been and remains heavy jeeps - TrailBlazer and Tahoe - try it yourself and we assure you, you will like it!

Conclusion

Today we will not focus much on models Chevrolet, presented in the United States, it is still officially practically impossible to buy them in Russia or Europe.

Moreover, you will definitely have difficulties with their repair if you decide to purchase such a car under the “gray scheme”, which we strongly do not recommend that you do.

The point is that everything production base for a certain market is built on the basis of a certain information system, which carries everything without exception VIN number and cars produced for a particular market.

And the VIN number of a car for a car manufacturer is a passport, an identification card of a car produced and sold. The VIN determines what components the car was assembled from, what warranty repairs were performed, what can be replaced and what cannot, and what and in what quantity should be kept in stock in case of scheduled or emergency repairs.

There are no American models on this list, because they should not be produced on this continent, and therefore repairing them in the event of a breakdown will be problematic. You will literally have to wait for spare parts from overseas, which means time, nerves and inconvenience all at once.

There is a feeling that in the coming years Chevrolet will carry out a restructuring of the product range for Russia and Europe, so perhaps electric cars and classic American sedans and minivans from the famous manufacturer will become available to us. In the meantime, we suggest you enjoy what you have, looking with hope into the future of the American manufacturer in Russia.

In some countries, a car known in our country as the Chevrolet Spark was sold under the name Chevrolet Spark.

2nd generation, 2005

In 2005, the second generation was introduced in South Korea, which it was decided to introduce to the European market under the name Chevrolet Spark (in some countries it was called Chevrolet Matiz). The compact hatchback, which retained the main features of its predecessor, was equipped with a three-cylinder engine with a capacity of 0.8 liters (52 hp) or a liter engine developing 66 hp. With. A four-speed automatic was offered as an option.

3rd generation, 2010

The third generation compact five-door hatchback Chevrolet Spark has been produced in Korea since 2010. On Russian market cars were supplied from a plant in Uzbekistan. In 2013 at American market The Spark EV electric car appeared, equipped with a 110-kilowatt motor and lithium metal phosphate batteries.

The car is offered in two versions: with a 1.2-liter engine producing 82 hp. With. And manual transmission gears or with a liter engine (68 horsepower) and a four-speed automatic transmission. The most affordable version in Russia was sold at a price of 452,000 rubles. At the end of 2015, the model left the Russian market.

Chevrolet Spark continues to be produced at the GM-Uzbekistan plant in Asaka.

4th generation, 2015

Fourth generation compact Chevrolet hatchback Spark has been produced in Korea since 2015. The car is sold in Asia and America, and on the European market an analogue model is offered under the name Opel Karl. The model is not officially supplied to Russia.

The Chevrolet Spark is equipped with a three-cylinder engine with a volume of 1.0 liters (75 hp) or a four-cylinder engine with a volume of 1.4 liters (99 hp). Buyers are offered versions with a five-speed manual transmission or a CVT.

In the US, car prices start at $13,000. The model's competitors in the American market are, for example, hatchbacks

Chevrolet Spark is the name under which the restyled generation of Daewoo Matiz came to the Russian market. An urban miniature front-wheel drive car of the “A” segment was developed in 1998 by the South Korean division of General Motors. Spark (added, otherwise some impersonal offer was) replaced the Daewoo Tico model on the market, inheriting from it a 0.8-liter 3-cylinder engine, suspension elements and a manual gearbox. Both cars are based on the global car platform of the Japanese model Suzuki Alto, which was bought by representatives of Daewoo after the model was discontinued in Japan in 1988.

Italian designers from ItalDesign-Giugiaro S.p.A worked on Spark’s appearance. Spark owes its appearance to a misunderstanding - initially the Italian car studio carried out work commissioned by Fiat, which conceived a new concept car. While the bodybuilders from ItalDesign were poring over the minivan, the Fiat people themselves came up with and implemented the idea of ​​the new Fiat Siecento model. As a result, the developments of Giorgetto Giugiaro's team were bought by representatives of Daewoo Motors and developed based on them production model 5-door 5-seater hatchback with factory index M-100. Car production began in 1997 in South Korea. Daewoo Matiz M-100 turned out to be so successful that for some time it was the best-selling Daewoo model on the European market. Since 1998, car production began in Poland, and a year later in Romania and India. In 2000, Daewoo Matiz experienced its first global restyling, after which Uzbekistan bought a license to produce a modified model with the factory designation M-150 in a large-assembly manner from ready-made components.

In 2001, the American automobile concern General Motors bought a controlling stake in the passenger car manufacturing division of the bankrupt South Korean company Daewoo Group. After rebranding, Daewoo Matiz was supplied to markets under the Chevrolet Matiz and Pontiac Matiz G2 brands, and since 2005 as Chevrolet Spark.

In 2005, the car underwent a second global restyling. The changes affected appearance Chevrolet Matiz, interior decoration interior, the main technical characteristics have been improved. The 1.0-liter R4 engine has completely replaced its predecessor - the 0.8-liter R3 engine, which does not meet European environmental safety standards. After some time, in the Chevrolet Spark 2007 model, turn signal repeaters were moved to the external rear-view mirrors.

It is the second generation (factory index M-200) that is known to the wider world community under the Chevrolet Spark 2006 brand. The 2006 Chevrolet Spark entered the Eastern European market mainly from South Korean and Polish assemblies. In Russia, the 2007 Spark was imported mainly from abroad. Sales of Spark 2008 assembled by Uz Daewoo officially started at dealerships in 2008.

In 2009, the Chevrolet Spark was again radically modified. In the same year, the model under the factory designation M-300 was put into serial assembly, and the pre-restyling Chevrolet Spark 2007 was discontinued from main production.

The new generation of Chevrolet Spark cars has a long and interesting story. This is not the first A-class car that the Koreans have started producing. The second generation of this model has been sold all over the world since 2010, and it is worth noting that the car is popular among Europeans. Why? Watch this Spark, and everything will become clear to you right away!

Russians first became acquainted with the second generation Spark car at the Moscow Motor Show. Then, first of all, everyone was struck by the appearance of this nimble city hatchback. So, let's get to know him better.

Atypical appearance

It is worth noting right away that the Chevrolet Spark has an atypical appearance for A-class cars. He does not look kind, sweet and funny at all, he is quite aggressive and will not allow himself to be offended.

Thanks to huge full-wing headlights, a sweeping wedge-shaped profile and a large signature “fake” golden radiator grille, the car looks more mature and serious than its predecessors. But still, it can’t help but cause a smile, because its expressive appearance does not change the 1.0- or 1.2-liter engine under the Spark’s hood.

Video review of the Chevrolet Spark:

To create the impression of a predator, the designers equipped the Chevrolet Spark with fashionable camouflaged rear door handles, a cheeky little spoiler and stampings on the sides.

The designers changed the dimensions of the car: they increased it in length and width.

Despite all the exterior design, the manufacturing company’s designers were still able to preserve the brand’s corporate style. In addition, thanks to a more pronounced design, the Chevrolet Spark can no longer be called an exclusively women's car.

Salon like salon

A mini-car is considered a luxury car, so most drivers and passengers believe that the interior of such a car will also be budget-friendly. This statement does not apply at all to the car being tested. The Chevrolet Spark dashboard is made of high-quality plastic; in more expensive trim levels there is a bright insert that surrounds the front part of the cabin.

The salon is designed in a daring style. The compact “motorcycle” instrument cluster, which is located on the steering column, immediately catches your eye. It is divided into two parts: a round speedometer and a rectangular display with a graphic tachometer and a set of indicator lamps. The Chevrolet Spark showed that controlling the climate in climate-controlled cars is very simple thanks to the presence of a small screen and convenient buttons. The air-conditioned versions of these cars are controlled by the most common mechanical “twists” with pictograms.

All versions of the Chevrolet Spark have the same audio system. It generates sound of good quality. You can connect an external device using one of the provided connectors - AUX or mini-USB.

The interior designers of the Chevrolet Spark adhere to the proprietary principle of symmetrical zones for the passenger and driver. The latter will especially like the plump steering wheel with a slightly recessed center console.

Unfortunately, the digital part instrument panel overloaded and uninformative. Cons - lack of indications of average and current fuel consumption.

The seats are modestly shaped, but that doesn't make them any less comfortable. You can easily fit in them and have fun throughout the entire trip, no matter how long it takes. The only inconvenience can be caused by the synthetic upholstery of the seats. She's slippery. In the Chevrolet Spark, the seats are not height adjustable; you can only change the angle of the cushion.

There is enough legroom for both the passenger and the driver. Part of the back of the sofa, which is spacious for a car of this class, folds down and forms a flat floor.

The trunk opens using a lever located in the cabin near the driver's seat. The car will be pleased with the presence of a large number of pockets and niches. There are five cup holders, pockets on the backrests, doors and even a mesh pocket on the side of the passenger seat.

The height of the car is positively reflected in the view from the window. High rise allows you to clearly view the space above the roofs of ordinary passenger cars. This allows the driver and passengers to navigate the area and monitor what is happening outside without leaving the car.

Rear views have both an obvious plus and a slight minus. Thanks to them large sizes the driver can clearly see what is happening behind him, this especially helps when maneuvering in reverse. However, such dimensions give the rear-view mirrors a disadvantage - they make noise at speeds above 80 km/h.

Dynamics of the “baby”

You can purchase a Chevrolet Spark with a volume of 1.0 or 1.2 liters. This car is only available with a five-speed manual transmission. The clarity of her work leaves much to be desired. You won't always be able to engage reverse and first gear the first time.

Spark engines are quite powerful for their size. Dynamics will begin to produce positive impression only after going into third gear. The Spark test drive showed that you will feel most comfortable in the dynamic flow of city cars.

The dynamics of the car can also suffer from the air conditioning being turned on, which takes away the power from the engine to carry out its main purpose. The Chevrolet Spark also sounds special. The car can easily growl menacingly in the lower rev range and burst into motorcycle howl at high revs.

The manual transmission is not very informative, and its lever is very close to the driver.

They form a good impression. The car is equipped with front ventilated disc brakes and rear drums. Everyone who has tested the Chevrolet Spark characterizes them as tenacious. The car slows down with enviable intensity from almost any speed.

The Chevrolet Spark suspension is tuned for comfort, not speed. It copes well with uneven roads and potholes. The car quickly jumps over speed bumps. However, it is quite rolly and rolls noticeably when cornering at speed.

In general, the technical characteristics of the Chevrolet Spark are very competitive among A-class cars.

Specifications Chevrolet Spark 1.2

Car make:	Chevrolet Spark
Country of origin:	Korea
Body type:	Hatchback
Number of seats:	5
Number of doors:	5
Engine capacity, cubic meters cm:	1206
Power, l. s./about. min:	82/6400
Maximum speed, km/h:	162
Acceleration to 100 km/h, s:	12,9
Drive type:	front
Checkpoint:	5 manual transmission
Fuel type:	gasoline AI-92
Consumption per 100 km:	city ​​7; track 4.6
Length, mm:	3595
Width, mm:	1597
Height, mm:	1551
Ground clearance, mm:	143
Tire size:	155/70R14
Curb weight, kg:	950
Total weight, kg:	1355
Fuel tank volume:	35

There is no better place for the city

As a summary, we note that in the A-class it is difficult to find a car that is more suitable for driving on city roads than the Chevrolet Spark. It is stylish, maneuverable, made of quality materials, comfortable and large enough for its class.

Video about the characteristics of the Chevrolet Spark:

The main disadvantages of this car include:

• lack of platform for the left foot,
• uninformative mechanical,
• insufficient directional stability.

What about the advantages, the advantages of the Chevrolet Spark are as follows:

• high landing,
• good visibility,
• high-quality internal and external finishing,
• high maneuverability.

It cannot be said that the price of a Chevrolet Spark is very different from the cost of cars of this class. You can be sure that you will not overpay!