|
|
New car lines
publication date: Feb 10, 2010
|
author/source: Robin Roberts
The Chevrolet Spark has been built to serve the burgeoning mini car segment, around the globe.
But it’s in Europe where Spark will find its true identity.
On sale in all major European markets, including the UK, from the first quarter of 2010,
The
focal point of the cabin is the motorcycle-style instrument ‘pod’,
which sits on top of the steering column and delivers all of the
essential information in a compact yet easy-to-read manner.
|  |
The
analogue speedometer is backed up by a digital tachometer, just like on
a sports bike, backlit by upmarket ice blue lighting when the
headlights are turned on.
The suspension follows a traditional yet effective
layout – MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion
beam axle at the rear.
Depending on market and trim level, Spark is
also available with a system known as VSES, standing for Vehicle
Stability Enhancement System.
High levels of occupant protection are
further enhanced by twin front airbags, side curtain airbags and
additional seat mounted thorax and abdomen airbags, seatbelt
pretensioners and a pedal retraction system, which pulls the pedal box
away from the car’s occupants in the event of a frontal collision,
reducing the risk of lower leg injury.
Two engines are on offer at launch - both petrol units with displacements of 1.0 and 1.2-litres.
Both
units are closely related and use a cast iron block and alloy head,
with a double overhead camshaft and four valves per cylinder. They
feature multi-port fuel injection and are both Euro V emissions
compliant.
The two engines use advanced features such as port
de-activation technology to improve exhaust gas recirculation, leading
to optimal fuel efficiency and idle stability, along with a timing
chain to ensure a lifetime of low maintenance and running costs.
All of this in such a compact package: at only 3640mm long and 1597mm wide.
Prices will be given later. | | | | The 2010 Geneva International Motor Show will be the world debut of the European specification Honda CR-Z hybrid coupe.
The European version features a 2+2 seating layout and an eight LED daytime running light accent under each of the headlamps.
CR-Z
customers will be able to enjoy the first car to combine a hybrid
system with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
By combining an efficient
1.5-litre petrol engine with Honda's unique IMA parallel hybrid system,
the CR-Z can offer lower emissions of all exhaust gasses, while
offering an entertaining and engaging driving experience. |  | To enhance drivability, the CR-Z has been fitted with a 3-Mode Drive
System (right).
This unique feature allows the driver to choose between three
driving modes, which alter the responses of the throttle, steering,
idle stop timing, climate control and the level of assistance provided
by the IMA system. |  | Sport buttons have become commonplace usually
offering a sharper throttle response, but Honda's 3-Mode Drive System
is different. The new system alters the behaviour of the hybrid
drivetrain and the power steering assistance as well as the throttle
mapping between the three modes.
The flexibility of the IMA parallel hybrid system means
that it can be used with a manual gearbox, allowing drivers to exploit
the broad spread of torque, while maintaining excellent fuel economy of
just 5.0 l/100km. | | | |
Download the Wheels Within Wales toolbar for your quickest way to keep in touch with everything that's happening on Welsh roads and in showrooms or use our RSS feed for the headlines you will not want to miss
|
|
|
.gif){kind=small}