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Mini Car Myths Debunked
2013 Chevrolet Spark challenges common myths
Chevy Spark Forum - Mini cars have been populating international streets for decades, and are now building a solid presence in the United States. The segment is characterized by some misconceptions that the newest entries, like Chevrolet’s all-new Spark, can confidently refute.
The 2013 Chevrolet Spark, a four-passenger, five-door hatchback, was designed to challenge what’s possible in the mini-car segment. Here’s a look at how Chevy’s newest addition to its small car line-up is tackling some of the common misconceptions surrounding today’s mini-cars.
Myth: Mini cars aren’t Safe
Reality: Spark features the same advanced safety technologies available on the rest of the Chevrolet passenger car lineup
The Spark protects both driver and passengers with 10 standard air bags, including dual-stage frontal air bags, seat-mounted side air bags and side curtain air bags that extend over the front and rear seating rows. A strong body frame made of high strength steel makes up more than 62 percent of the Spark’s underbody and 42 percent of its upper body.
Myth: Mini cars are cramped and uncomfortable
Reality: Spark’s interior is spacious with room to fit four adults comfortably
The Spark offers more space for people and stuff than its competitors in the mini car segment. Its cargo area of 11.4 cubic feet behind the rear seat is 20 percent more spacious than the Fiat 500 and 225 percent more than the Scion IQ. With the rear seats folded down, drivers have 31.2 cubic feet of space. That is enough space to hold aSamsonite laptop backpack, DKX 25” rolling luggage bag, 30” Hardside Upright suitcase and Calloway golf bag.
Myth: The smaller the vehicle the better the aerodynamics
Reality: Mini-cars are not as aerodynamic as they appear
You can change a lot, but you can't change physics and despite popular belief, mini cars aren’t as aerodynamic as you may think. Mini cars short and tall design creates higher aerodynamic drag. However, engineers designed the Spark to maximize a driver’s urban lifestyle, making it maneuverable, easy to park and achieving the lowest estimated fuel cost of any Chevy small car, except for the Volt electric car with extended range capability.
Myth: Mini cars handling and vehicle performance leaves something to be desired
Reality: Spark doesn’t just look fun to drive, it actually is
Electric power steering and MacPherson strut front suspension are designed to deliver taut, tight handling characteristics that better connect the driver with the road and provide outstanding overall stability. Spark also has a tight turning circle of only 32.5 feet (9.9 meters), which enhances its maneuverability in urban areas.
The Spark is the only mini car covered by a five-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty, which includes roadside assistance and courtesy transportation. In addition to powertrain coverage, Spark is backed by a three-year/36,000-mile comprehensive warranty and a six-year/100,000-mile rust-through warranty.
Myth: The design and features of mini cars are boring
Reality: Spark dares to stand out in a crowd with the newest color trends and latest technology
With a color pallet that includes Salsa Red, Jalapeno, Denim, Lemonade and Techno Pink, the Spark seeks to attract attention.
The Spark is the first Chevy without a factory-installed CD player, which was ditched in favor of the Chevrolet MyLink system – standard on 1LT and 2LT models. The MyLink system is designed to integrate with the driver’s Smartphone via Bluetooth or USB. Once connected, the system becomes an extension of the user’s device, giving them access to stored music and applications such as Pandora internet radio, Tune-In and Stitcher. MyLink also includes the recently introduced BringGo application – an embedded smartphone app that delivers full-function navigation.
Launched in Korea in 2009 and now available in almost every country in the world, the Spark’s journey to the U.S. market is in response to the recent popularity of mini cars among U.S. consumers. The Spark has sold more than 600,000 vehicles globally, and is gaining momentum with American drivers. It was the fastest-selling vehicle in July 2012 with an average four days-to-turn – the time from its arrival on a dealer lot to sale to a customer.
For more information on the 2013 Chevy Spark, please visit www.chevrolet.com/Spark
2013 Chevrolet Spark Features Video
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Click here to see more Chevrolet Spark launch photos from the L.A. Auto Show.
Available Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system includes seven-inch color touch screen
Choice of vibrant exterior and interior colors makes Spark stand out in a crowd
Fuel-efficient, affordable and maneuverable for young city dwellers
Integrated safety system including 10 air bags and OnStar
Chevy Spark Forum - The 2013 Chevrolet Spark mini car, to be revealed Wednesday, November 16th at the Los Angeles International Auto Show, is the only car in its segment to offer a seven-inch color touch screen radio capable of displaying smart phone-based navigation, media and contacts for hands-free calling.
A sporty four-passenger, five-door hatch updated for United States and Canadian consumers, Spark is designed to excite first-time buyers and city dwellers with its bold styling and colors, affordability, the safety of 10 standard air bags, fuel efficiency and maneuverability.
Though compact, Spark offers more passenger and cargo room than other mini cars such as the Fiat 500, Smartfortwo and the Scion iQ. Equipped with the 1.2L four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission, Spark will offer competitive fuel economy.
Chevrolet’s exclusive MyLink infotainment system, which features the personalized connectivity of Pandora and Stitcher internet radio, will be offered on 1LT and 2LT models when Spark goes on sale in the United States and Canada in mid-2012.
In addition to MyLink, Spark is the only car in its segment to provide the added value of a five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty and the safety and security of OnStar.
“Spark is for buyers who want much more than a ‘cute’ small car – they want a car that can be personalized, is dynamic and fashionable, and delivers a lot of value for the money,” said Chris Perry, vice president, global Chevrolet marketing and strategy. “Spark’s vibrant exterior and interior colors make a fashion statement, but it is also affordable, safe, maneuverable and very fuel-efficient.”
The original version of the Spark is already on sale in Europe, Asia, Australia, Mexico and South America, where it has received several styling and safety awards.
Designed for those who live large and loud
Just as the Chevrolet Cruze helped strengthen Chevrolet’s position in the small car segment with its more-than-expected value, the Spark is designed to challenge preconceived notions of how an affordable mini car can look, feel and drive.
While the Spark looks like a three-door hatch, designers cleverly disguised the rear doors by integrating the handles into the C-pillar area. The technique gives Spark its sporty appearance without sacrificing four-door comfort and utility. An integrated spoiler over the rear hatch door enhances Spark’s dynamic appearance while also improving the car’s aerodynamics, for fuel efficiency.
Spark’s wheels-at-the-corners stance is further emphasized by standard 15-inch alloy wheels. Other exterior styling enhancements include a new grille and front fascia, a longer rear fascia, and modified headlamps and taillamps. Redesigned outside rearview mirrors also improve aerodynamics.
Uplevel features include matching rocker panel moulding, chrome brightwork at the beltline and liftgate handle trim, detail around the poke-through exhaust outlet and around the fog lamps.
Attention-grabbing exterior finishes include Salsa, Jalapeno, Denim, Lemonade and Techno Pink, as well traditional hues such as Grey Area, Black Granite, Silver Ice and Summit White.
Inside, the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system, included on 1LT and 2LT Spark models, provides a seven-inch color touch screen. With MyLink, Spark buyers can bring their customized music libraries into the vehicle and use their smart phones and Bluetooth connectivity to access both Pandora and Stitcher internet radio and navigation. When the vehicle is stopped, owners can project video and even personal photo albums onto the screen.
SiriusXM Satellite Radio also is available on uplevel Spark models
“This level of infotainment and connectivity was unheard of in this segment, until now,” said Perry. “We know Spark buyers do not want to give up personalization just because they drive a smaller car.”
Air conditioning and power windows are standard across the Spark lineup. Color-coordinated interiors feature a lower instrument panel – with a motorcycle-inspired gauge cluster – and lower center console for maximum visibility and storage. Decorative inserts in the front door and instrument panel add a premium touch, as does the ice blue ambient lighting and faceplates across the door pockets and dash. Heated leatherette seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel are included on Spark 2LT.
Efficient powertrain saves fuel, money
In the United States and Canada, the Spark will be powered by a 1.2L dual-overhead cam four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing that delivers an estimated 85 horsepower (63 kW). It is mated to a standard five-speed manual transmission for competitive city and highway fuel economy. A four-speed automatic transmission will also be available.
The dual-overhead cam 1. 2 L was developed using best practices from GM Powertrain technical centers.
It combines competitive performance with sophisticated technologies such as dual continuous variable cam phasing, electronically controlled thermostat and low-friction engine oil to give customers an engine that is low- m aintenance, with reduced emissions and outstanding fuel economy.
Ride and handling
Spark’s body-frame integral structure is tight and stiff for improved driving dynamics. The electronic power steering, MacPherson strut-type front suspension and anti-lock braking systems are designed to deliver taut, tight handling characteristics that better connect the driver with the road and provide outstanding overall stability. StabiliTrak electronic stability control is standard.
Spark is equipped with vented front disc and rear drum brakes with low-compressibility brake pads for optimal stopping performance and good pedal feel. Low-rolling resistance tires use a silica compound and revised tread design for a solid road feel and improved fuel efficiency.
Safety features include 10 air bags
Spark was designed with occupant safety in mind, and has won safety awards in both Europe and Korea.
Its safe design begins with a structure composed of 60 percent high-strength steel.
In addition to crash-avoidance technologies such as StabiliTrak and ABS, Spark is equipped with 10 standard air bags, including both driver and passenger front knee air bags to reduce the risk of lower extremity injuries in frontal crashes. Dual-stage frontal air bags, seat-mounted side air bags and side curtain air bags that extend over the front and rear seating rows are also standard.
Other safety technologies include rollover sensing system; three-point safety belts in all four seating positions; seat belt pretensioners in the front driver and passenger seats; the LATCH child seat attachment system; releasable pedals; adjustable head restraints; and a collapsible steering column.
Spark also is equipped with the OnStar safety and security system, which uses GPS and cellular phone technology to automatically call for help in the event of crash.
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