Chevrolet Spark 1.0 LT LPG

Spark 1.0 LT LPG Review

There are just handfuls of the compact cars in India that really have made some impact in the Indian Automobile industry and the Chevrolet Spark is one of them. Chevrolet Spark 1.0 LT LPG maybe small in size but it is very rich in features. Initially the Chevrolet Spark was launched in 2007 and since then it has lived up to its expectations. This is a top end version and has a LPG kit installed in it. With affordable pricing and great fuel efficiency this small hatchback would certainly lure many customers. Under the hood, it has the same 8V MPFI petrol engine that comes in the other Spark LT which is without the LPG kit. This is a smart tech engine which packs up good power and performance with it. The interiors are quite refreshing and comfortable, 5 persons can very easily sit in it. A wonderful audio player is also there along with the speakers for the entertainment purposes. On the safety side, this car has taken many safety as well as security precautions for the driver and passengers. The Chevrolet Spark 1.0 LT LPG offers a lot more in terms of the comfort and convenience section. Overall this is a very good compact car and quite suitable in Indian conditions.  

Exteriors

The Chevrolet  is available in many shades and colors, a total of 7 exactly. The colors are Summit White, Sandrift Grey, Misty Lake Metallic, Velvet Red, Linen Beige, Caviar Black and Switchblade Silver. There hasn’t been anything special or modified in terms of exterior features in the Chevrolet Spark 1.0 LT LPG, it features the same full wheel covers , tinted glasses, body color bumpers, and rear spoiler as the other variants does. The satin silver roof rails looks very sporty and also convenient too. The outside rear view mirrors are there which are black in color and the usual fog lights are present for extra visibility in low light or night time. This is a small hatchback compact car having the dimensions and weights as follows. The overall length, breath and width measures out to be 3495mm X 1495mm X 1518mm respectively. The wheelbase and the kerb weight are 2345mm and 885kgs respectively. The fuel capacity of the car is about 38litres.    

Interiors

The outer looks may be deceiving as it shows that it’s a compact car, but from inside it is very spacious for five people to sit on. The fabric seat upholstery looks great and is very comfortable to sit on and relax. The IP has a metallic finish given to it. And on the door trims fabric inserts have been inserted. Some other interior features include glove box, cup & bottle holders for front console, room lamp, seat back hooks, digital clock etc. The air conditioner cum heater performs well and is well circulated within the car. There are some other small things that offer a lot of convenience such as the remote tailgate and fuel filler opener, low fuel warning lamp, internally adjustable ORVM’s, digital temperature bar graph, etc.      

Engine and Performance

The peppy 1.0L petrol engine is installed in the Chevrolet Spark 1.0 LT LPG. It comprise of 4 cylinders and 8 valves along with it . This is a single overhead camshaft mechanism with MPFI . A new technology has been introduced in the engine which is the Smart tech power train that is indeed some innovative technology. The advanced sequential multi point fuel injection system and dual distributor less ignition system comes with 995cc petrol engine . The maximum power output of the Chevrolet Spark 1.0 LT LPG is 61.74bhp at the rate of 5400rpm and the maximum torque that can be generated is about 90.3Nm at the rate of 4200rpm with petrol as the fuel and 88.4Nm at the rate of 4200rpm with LPG. The transmission system comes with a 5 speed manual gearbox which can propel this compact car from 0 to 100kmph in just 15.1 seconds and can make it achieve 153kmph as it’ top speed. Perhaps the best feature if the car is its fuel efficiency. It provides a 17kmpl with petrol as fuel and a decent 13.2kmpl with LPG .          

Braking and Handling

The Chevrolet Spark 1.0 LT LPG has disc and self adjusting drum brakes as rear and front brakes. Plus the McPherson Struts with anti roll bar acts as front suspension and torsion beam axle as the rear suspension are very good and can easily handle and distribute the weight of the car. The front and the rear shock absorbers are gas filled and hydraulic respectively. The handling is very responsive too.   

Safety features

Now the Chevrolet Spark 1.0 LT LPG surely looks like a small car and less durable, but it can surely survive the crashes or any other accidents easily. The front and rear bumpers have been made impact proof (2.5MPH). Thank to the ECE – R32 this car is rear end collision safe. Plus for safer gas supply, copper fuel lines have been placed and a gas solenoid valve is there to cut off gas in case of emergency. Some other safety features include rear door locks for child, door ajar warning, centrally mounted stop lamps, etc.     

Comfort features

The Chevrolet Spark LPG comes with a 2 DIN music player that has lot of connectivity options such as MP3, AM/FM, Aux in and USB. The audio player also comes with 4 speakers. For rear seats, cushion folding is there for more comfort and convenience. Some other comfort features include power steering, antenna, front and rear power windows, central locking option, battery voltage indicator, passenger side sun visor, vanity mirror, etc. The rear defogger and the D/N rear view mirror are excellent features in the case of low light or night time as they significantly improve the lighting of the car. Some storage space is provided for driver to store small and important things. And to change the fuel type from petrol to LPG mode or vice versa, a very comprehensive push switch is provided which is just to the side of the steering wheel.        

Pros

·Very convenient and compact car.

·Great fuel efficiency and performance.

 Cons 

·Tall people suitability.

·Usage of plastics.