Chevrolet Beat Concept to be called Spark- 40mpg and 5-Seater

After revealing pictures of the Chevrolet Beat production version last week, GM seems to have more surprises in store. At the Detroit Auto Show, General Motors revealed that its all-new Chevrolet Spark would go on sale in the United States by 2011 and would reach South Korea & Europe in early 2010.

The Beat concept small car which was showcased at the New York Auto Show in 2007, has been selected to become a global car- The Spark.  Sources at Chevrolet confirmed that the production car will make its world debut at March’s Geneva Motor Show. The five-door compact small car will be sold as a world car to replace the current Matiz.

The Beat was originally intended for emerging Asian markets and Europe, where small cars reign supreme, but  GM recently changed its mind by bringing the Spark to the U.S. too, due to fuel price crisis and dull sales. The edgy sub-compact had previously been ruled out for American sale due to safety regulations, but the required modifications to make it comply with local laws appear to have been implemented.

The Spark, which claims suggest returns an amazing 17 kpl (40mpg) will be able to seat five. GM’s President said that the Spark “will bring great style, roominess and versatility to the segment of extremely fuel-efficient small cars in the U.S.”

Chevrolet Beat in India

The 2010 Spark is likely to be powered by a 1.2L 16-valve DOHC Four Cylinder petrol engine, which will be available in both naturally-aspirated and turbocharged forms.

In the case of the Indian market, the 2010 Spark would not be a replacement to the existing Chevrolet Spark which belongs to the small car segment. Chances are, the 2010 Spark will be renamed only in the Indian market (just like how the A-Star concept retained it's name in India) and will be launched in the premium hatchback segment. It will coexist with the current Spark, which has been the numero uno seller for GM.