Baby Chevrolets now spark even brighter

There's bags of space for whatever you need to carry.

Also a newcomer name is the budget appealing entry-level Spark Campus, stripped of costly niceties but still armed with the same 1.2-litre 16-valve DOHC fuel-injected petrol engine that powers the rest of the new range. It also has the same five-speed manual transmission and suspension and it kicks out the same 60kW/108 Nm as its more expensive siblings.

What it doesn't have are fog lamps, chrome window trim, colour coded roof spoiler, roof rails, chrome exhaust tip or sports deal package. Nor does it come with powered mirrors or windows, rear windscreen wiper, no radio, no front-loading CD, steering wheel controls or rear park assist.

But where it doesn't save the cents is in the safety department where, like all the other models, it is fitted with ABS brakes with EBD, airbags, collapsible steering column, high level brake lights and ISOFIX child seat anchors.

A good choice for the first-timer, or last-timer

It also has the same Spark 5-year/120,000km warranty and three-year/60,000km optional service plan, the same suspension, the same wheels and a full size spare wheel like the rest of the small Chev clan.

Doesn't look much like a panel van, does it?

In a nutshell, at just R106,100 it is ideal for both first and last time new car buyers - but R30,400 cheaper than the most expensive Spark 1.2 LT and R7,500 less than the model above it, the Spark 1.2.

However, no doubt the real show stealer is the Spark Pronto van which, if you are a VAT-exempt business, will cost you just R89,035 (with VAT included, R101,500).

Based on same platform as the Spark passenger cars, the Pronto is already in use in Korea and Mexico where it is growing in popularity, thanks to its 275kg payload and 876 litre capacity, frugal fuel usage and car-like look and feel.

Parking's a doddle

Ideal for small businesses such as couriers, service reps and florists, to name but a few, the Pronto also has roof rails designed to accommodate a roof rack. Its size makes it extremely congested city friendly and parking it is a doddle.

Driver and front passenger protection include airbags and ABS brakes with EBD.

The Pronto's load bay takes up the space occupied in the sedans by rear seats and boot and access is via rear side doors or a hatch at the rear.

Low sill and large door make for easy loading and unloading.

At the launch drive through the busy heart of central Durban and along arterial by-ways the Pronto trotted on gamefully with very little to differentiate it from its four-seater siblings.

We also drove the jazzed-up LT version, dressed with racing style decals and snazzy black painted wheels. The LT is the top of the range model and wears a price tag of R136,500 but the power output, transmission and suspension are identical to the less expensive models, so the extra cost provides eye candy but no extra performance or extra fancy kit other than two extra speakers, rear power windows, and side airbags.

Try a sportier look, if you like

I am sure that if you speak nicely to your Spark dealer he could be persuaded (if you part with R3,021 and some labour costs) to fit a Sports Decal package on one of the three lower-ranked models. It's certainly worth trying because it adds a touch of sporty fun - and while you are at it, check out the cost of a set of black painted wheels as well...who knows, you could become the owner of the coolest Campus in town!

The Pronto is ideal for small businesses such as couriers, service reps and florists, to name but a few.

click to enlarge

The Spark range was launched in South Africa in July 2010 and since then it has sold more than 14,600 units, excluding the Spark Lite model. General Motors SA is confident the extra glitter, plus the addition of two new model choices, will "spark" off renewed interest in the little Chevrolet.

The Spark and Spark LS models have been the best-sellers in the range and will remain so in the updated version with the Spark Campus and the Pronto adding a little extra shove to the sales scrum.

Specifications

2013 Chevy Spark Review

Road Test: 2013 Chevrolet Spark

Short Take: 2013 Chevy Spark Review