Retouched Chevy Spark to be launched in India by end of 2012

Hatchbacks are increasingly being sought after as the vehicle of choice for small families. Easy to maintain and fuel efficient, they don’t cost an arm and a leg and are perfect for modest income families. In some good news for fans of hatchbacks and the Chevy Spark, the small car is set to be introduced in India with a new facelift by 2012 end. General Motors is currently working on giving the hatch some upgrades though no details surrounding the mechanics have been confirmed.

Updated Chevrolet spark

It’s believed that the new Spark will borrow styling cues from the electric-driven model showcased back in 2010. We can expect to see a reprofiled front fascia and rear bumpers, a honeycomb grille which should make it appear more upmarket, and new fog lamps. In addition, the soon-to-be-launched Spark will also be fitted with rearview mirrors and integrated turn lights. As for the interior, no details have been released though it will probably be made to look more upscale.

The upgrade is being performed at GM’s technical center in Bangalore. Updates to the rest of its legacy models - those that are being slowly phased out globally but are still being produced for the Indian market - will also be carried out at the same center. The new Tavera Neo 3 was also upgraded at the Bangalore center.

The Chevrolet Spark is a compact car that’s also sold under the Daewoo Matiz name. Since its launch in 1998, the car has undergone many changes and at least two facelifts. Unlike the earlier models, the present generation has a more upmarket look and feel. In 2011, General Motors unveiled its electric version of the Spark which is set to go on sale by 2013. No word has been given on the range of the EV though the decision to introduce a new electric vehicle follows trends by other automakers to launch eco friendly automobiles.