2011 Chevrolet Spark Goes on Sale in Europe

The new Chevrolet Spark went on sale in dealerships across Europe, with the rest of the markets to receive the car in the upcoming months. Pricing in most countries begins at around $11,000 and is offered with a choice of two engines, as follows: a 1.0-liter configuration that develops 67 horsepower plus a 1.2-liter unit that releases 80 hp. A five-speed manual transmission is offered as standard, contributing to an average fuel consumption rating of 46 mpg (5.1 l/100km).

Chevrolet will also introduce the Spark in the United States, but this won't happen sooner than 2011. Overall, the car will be sold in approximately 100 markets by 2013, GM said.

An electric version of the Spark is reportedly in the works, but specific details are yet to be disclosed. It appears that GM is looking to develop the electric Spark with the help of Reva, the Indian manufacturer that formed a joint venture with the US-based company in September 2009.

"We have been pursuing opportunities for commercial application of alternative fuel options, including bio-diesel, jatropha arrangement with CSMCRI (Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute), electric, fuel cell, hydrogen etc, with many parties for quite some time," GM India’s vice-president of corporate affairs, P. Balendran, said back in September.

"Our efforts are ongoing and we have nothing to announce as of now. As soon as we finalise our plans for introduction of any alternative fuel solutions, we will announce the same," he added.