LEAGUE OF SMALL CARS |
| Maruti Alto Engine: 796 cc, Petrol Mileage: 15.2 kmpl Variants: 3 Price: Rs 2.32–2.95 lakh |
| Maruti WagonR Engine: 1061 cc, Petrol/LPG Mileage: 14 kmpl Variants: 5 Price: Rs 3.24–4.11 lakh |
| Maruti Zen Estilo Engine: 1061 cc, Petrol Mileage: 14.5 kmpl Variants: 3 Price: Rs 3.20–3.76 lakh |
| Tata Indica Engine: 1193 cc, Petrol 1405 cc, Diesel Mileage: 13.4 kmpl (petrol) & 15 kmpl (diesel) Variants: 10 Price: Rs 2.53–4.11 lakh |
| Hyundai Santro Xing Engine: 1086 cc, Petrol Mileage: 14.2 kmpl Variants: 4 Price: Rs 2.70–3.78 lakh |
| Fiat Palio Stile Engine: 1108 cc, Petrol Mileage: 12.6 kmpl Variants: 3 Price: Rs 3.50–3.90 lakh |
General Motors (GM), the world’s second-largest carmaker, has added a spark to the Indian market. Its latest launch — Chevrolet Spark — is an improved version of Daewoo’s Matiz and marks GM’s entry into the A2 segment (this segment includes the Santro, Alto, Zen and Indica).
Priced at Rs 3.09 lakh (ex-Delhi) for an entry-level offering, the Spark is said to offer 14.6 km a litre.
“Spark is very refined with good performance and fuel economy. It is well built and stylish as well. The downside is a small boot and dreary interiors,” says Hormozd Sorabjee, editor, Autocar India.
Spark comes in four variants: 1.0 E, 1.0 (base), 1.0 LS and 1.0 LT. Prices peak at Rs 3.89 lakh. An optional model for 1.0 LT featuring an anti-lock braking system and alloy wheels, but dearer by Rs 35,000, is also available.
GM’s move into the A2 segment isn’t surprising. Out of the 7,52,916 passenger cars sold in India in 2006-7, the A2 segment accounted for 66%. Though growth has dipped slightly over 2005-6, it is still cruising at a healthy 12%.
The starting grid at the Great Indian Automart is becoming crowded as Renault-Nissan, Honda and Volkswagen are rumoured to be eyeing this segment. If it is true then for car buyers, it looks like one smooth ride ahead.
