Unveiled: 2012 Chevrolet Spark

General Motors has unveiled the production version of the Chevrolet Spark this week at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. It’s inspired by the Chevrolet Beat concept that was voted most popular out of three GM concept “mini” cars making the show circuit a couple of years ago.

Developed in South Korea, the Spark will be sold overseas with a choice of a 1.0- or 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine. The wheelbase will be a little over 93 inches and the car measures 143 inches in length, making it notably smaller than the Honda Fit (with its 98-inch wheelbase and 162-inch length). Cargo space is enhanced by the 60/40-split rear seats and a variety of interior storage compartments. Roof rails will be optional.

Safety features will vary by market, but expect front- and side-air bags, antilock brakes, and electronic stability control.

The Spark goes on sale in Europe in early 2010, and it is expected to be offered in the United States in 2011.

See more Spark photos in our new car preview.

--Liza Barth

Comments

[Radi0logy]

Could someone explain to me why Europe gets American cars before America? I'm not understanding this.

[Cale]

The European divisions of Ford and GM have been designing cars to meet the needs and desires of European customers for many years. Almost all the models they sell are designed and built in Europe. Bringing these cars to the US has not been attractive until the most recent spike in gas prices because of the higher cost of European labor, shipping and/or the cost of retooling domestic plants to make them. With our lower cost of gas and few incentives to encourage diesel models, customers in the US remained loyal to larger cars. That all changed as more US buyers, now demanding more fuel efficient cars, see that poor fuel economy(and a reliance on energy imports) are undermining our national interests.

[R. Keyes]

"Radiology" wants to know why Europeans get American cars before Americans do. Well, first of all, it's not American - it's Korean. Second of all, GM came an 'international company' years ago, so they only thing that's American is the heritage of the Chevy brand, which is named after Louis Cheverolet, a French race car driver.

[Phinance]

Keyes,

I think Radiology has a valid point. Even if it was developed in South Korea, how much would the Big 3 have benefited from bringing smaller cars they offered in Europe over to the US, like the Fiesta for example?

The car actually looks...cool.

[Girl Car]

Nice car, I'd like to see it in real life.
And question to Keyes, if a car like toyota (Japanese Brand) was made in the US - would it be considered an American car?

[mgbrit]

R.Keyes.
Louis Chevrolet was Swiss, not French

[I. Daedalus]

Any idea about how much of the Spark eminates from U.S.? At this point I'd feel better buying these if a little more income from them stayed on this side of the Pacific. Is GM, ever going to actually learn to build small, efficient cars?