"The Chevrolet Spark has an important role to play in GMSA's local production programme that will raise the company's locally manufactured volume to 50 000 units in line with the government's automotive production development plan," says Malcolm Gauld, GMSA's vice president of sales and marketing. "It has an equally important role to play in providing an entry level step up into the wide and exciting range of Chevrolet vehicles available to South African buyers.
"The transfer of the manufacture of this latest generation Chevrolet small car to South Africa has allowed us to far better exploit the opportunities that this affords in tailoring vehicle specifications to specific local requirements and in containing costs in an important market segment. This was best evidenced by the downwards realignment of the pricing of the Spark for the locally manufactured 2012 model range with tangible cost savings passed on to buyers of the new Spark," Gauld says.
"The Chevrolet Spark 1.2 Campus joins the Spark 1.2 L and Spark 1.2 LS in the range as a true entry level option. It retains all the latest styling and technology virtues of the L and LS models but cuts back on some of the non-essentials and styling options offered on the L specification level. The result is a trendy small car that ticks all the boxes in terms of technology, safety, styling and performance and is offered as an exceptional value for money proposition with a recommended retail price of just R99 900 including VAT."
Safety features include ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution and driver and passenger front airbags with de-activation for the passenger system. Security features include a transponder immobiliser system and key activated central locking.
Convenience features include a manual air conditioner, power steering, height adjustment for the driver's seat, tinted glass all round, rear window defogger, cup holders and interior courtesy and map lights. Styling includes colour coded door handles, bumpers and exterior rear view mirrors. All Items that are above the traditional concept of entry level specification.
From a performance perspective the new Chevrolet Spark 1.2 Campus has the same proven drivetrain as the Spark 1.2 L and LS models. The 1.2 litre four-cylinder in line engine with 4-valves per cylinder and dual overhead camshafts produces 60 kW @ 6400 r/min with 108Nm of torque at 4800r/min. This is transmitted through to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission.
Top speed is a healthy 164km/h with acceleration from rest to 100km/h achieved in 13.3 seconds - both very respectable numbers for a small car. In an economic environment where there is continuous upward pressure on fuel prices the Spark 1.2 Campus provides welcome relief with its miserly fuel consumption. In an urban cycle, fuel consumption is 7 l/100km, while in extra-urban motoring conditions this dropped to just 4.5 l/100km with a combined cycle fuel consumption of 5.4 l/100km. Combined CO2 emissions are below the 130g/km threshold at 129g/km.
The Chevrolet Spark 1.2 Campus is covered by a 5 year/120 000km warranty with roadside assistance for the full warranty period. Anti-corrosion warranty protection is provided for a period of five years with no kilometre limit. Service intervals are 12 months or 15 000km. An optional 3 year/60 000km service plan is available.
