The 2011 Chevrolet Spark: Ultra-Compact Hatchback

After much waiting and anticipation, Chevrolet revealed the North American version of its futuristic compact car, the Spark, at the North American Auto Show in Detroit. The 2011 Chevrolet Spark is an ultra-compact hatchback expected to go on sale in late 2010.

The reveal was a big move for Chevy, which has been under plenty of scrutiny recently for management and a supposed lack of inspired auto designs. But with the debut of the Spark, there’s most definitely a buzz. The Spark is anticipated to be on par with the Chevy Aveo.

Spark’s Features

Among the features for the Chevy Spark is a distinctive, angled front end with angular headlights. It looks like a competitor to the Toyotas Yaris or other super sub-compact hatchbacks. Inside, there are bucket seats and a nicely modern cockpit.

Expect the engine to be a peppy 1.0-liter four-cylinder that gets 66 horsepower, or an “upgraded” 1.6 liter four-cylinder that gets 78 horsepower. That means it should be extremely fuel efficient. In fact, GM estimates that the Spark will get at least 40 miles per gallon on the highway.

Other features included in the Spark are airbags for the front and side, curtain airbags, antilock brakes, electronic stability control, and upgraded seatbelt technology. Although it hasn’t gone through government crash tests yet, analysts expect it to perform well.

Changes Across the Globe

European consumers will get a chance to see the Spark in action before North American drivers. The Spark goes on sale there in late 2010, and that European version debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in 2009. The North American version will be essentially unchanged from the European one, likely a move by General Motors to keep things simple and streamlined while it works to improve global operations.