Feel the sporty flair of a Chevrolet Spark

mind, which in my view are both incredible spanky cars.
After some soul searching I decided to look at both cars within the same article and I am sure that by the time you get to the end of this article you will have gone all gaga.
My focus this week is on the Chevrolet Spark at Haddon Motors Eastlea and the cute Fiat 500.
Until recently, you probably hadn’t heard much of the Chevrolet Spark unless you are a car fanatic like myself.
The first-generation Spark – the Daewoo Matiz, as it was originally called – was blatantly copied by Chinese carmaker Chery.
The resultant Chery QQ was so close to the Matiz/Spark that several body panels were interchangeable.
General Motors and the Chinese engaged in a brusising fight in court that was only quashed after the two parties reaching a settlement.
Although it would be hard to picture the previous Spark on African roads, the new car, now on sale in Europe, Africa and the Americas, is an entirely different make.
It has grown in all dimensions, but it still is a small vehicle. Most importantly, the new Spark looks like a real car.
Angular lines, big headlights, and a prominent bow-tie grille makes the Spark look far more substantial than its predecessor.
With a top-of-the-line LT model’s body kit, there’s actually a hint of sporty flair, although calling the lesser trims attractive is stretching it a bit.
The point is it’s a spunky vehicle that will surely turn heads as you cruise on the streets of Harare.
Despite the stylistic and dimensional changes, the main concept is the same. The Spark is still a tallish five-door hatchback, perfectly suited for city traffic and the tight confines of urban living, thanks to its short length.
The interior makes an attempt at being cool and mostly succeeds. Funky seating upholstery, body-colored trim, and a digital monitor inspired by computer games gives the Spark a contemporary look. The front seating position is perfectly satisfactory because even with medium-size adults sitting at the back seat passengers still have enough legroom.
There is also enough headroom. I firmly believe that this is a girly girly car.
At least the Spark is fun and useful in the city, and I believe the Spark will find a market in Zimbabwe because it is the cheapest car in its class from US$18 500 including duties and taxes.
With most vehicles owners now conscious on the need to buy cheaper and economic vehicles in terms of fuel consumption, the Sparky is definitely going to make its presence felt.
Another car that is definitely bound to make it is the Fiat 500 because it’s kind on the pocket and it’s cheaper to maintain.
The Fiat 500 has been compared to the Mini Cooper as they both occupy the lower stratum of the new car industry.
Perky and cute, with bug-eyed headlamps and a Cheshire cat-like grin, the two beg for nicknames.
At first glance, the 2012 Fiat 500 that goes on sale this month in dealerships across the world looks rather like the European model that was launched mid-2007.
That car, in turn, is a puffed up doppleganger of the original 500 – or Cinquecento, as its Italian owners prefer to call it.
The original 500 isn’t well known to most motorists, but it was solely responsible for getting destitute post-war Italy back on its feet beginning in the late 1950s. The base Pop trim comes with air conditioning and a modicum of power features.
Mid-level Sport adds its own fascias, a tuned suspension, some leather bits, fancy alloy wheels and a Microsoft-developed blue & me bluetooth interface.
Topping the range is the automatic-only lounge, which looks like the Pop but tosses in some chrome, some leather and a lot more features.
All feature the same quirky interior that borrows some of its style – like a high-mounted gear lever surrounded by window switches – from the larger Panda.
Two chair-like seats give a commanding view of the road; the driver gets a mini fold-down armrest. The back seat has enough room for two small adults, while the cargo area offers decent space given the compact dimensions.
The 500 is not cheap – the Pop starts at about US$25 500. The duties and taxes will have to be factored in by the relevant authorities.
The 500s are a dinky 1,4-litre four-cylinder that puts out a modest 101 horsepower and 98 lb-ft. of torque.
That doesn’t sound like much because, well, it isn’t much, but the 500 tips the scales at a reasonable 2 400 lbs, give or take depending on which transmission you choose – a basic five-speed stick or a six-speed automatic.
The 500 offers a pretty decent ride and control on both rutted blacktop and wavy concrete roadways.
Its small proportions and an acceptably low torque curve make it feel as zippy and fun as it looks.
For most buyers, the 500’s cuteness and its urban competencies will strike a chord, as will its bargain basement pricing.
So buckle up and enjoy. Till next week. Happy motoring.
l Fact D Jeke is a motoring enthusiast who has attended auto shows, rallies and has written for various publications in the region for the last decade. She can be contacted via e-mail on [email protected]