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Sparking off the big small fight

FACE-OFF Can the new Chevrolet Spark best the Xing, which is the current ruler of the small car segment. Ouseph Chackofinds out

SANTRO IN TOP GEAR It is cheaper, user-friendly and has a responsive engine that will keep it reigning supreme

With the Santro Xing enjoying the top position in the small car segment, it was only a matter of time before it would face a new rival. Surely enough, GM’s Spark is here and is all geared up to take on the Santro. We pit the two against each ot her to see which emerges winner…

The two cars follow different design philosophies. The cheeky styling and proportions of the early Matiz remain on the new Spark’s monospace design, with the new version sporting edgier and more contemporary looks. When compared with the Xing, the Spark has the fresher, more appealing looks though. Since it was introduced in 2003, the Xing’s styling has remained unchanged; the new Xing successfully disguised the old Santro’s gawky ‘tallboy’ stance making it look more attractive and even acceptable to most.

On the inside, the first thing that grabs attention in the new Spark is the fact that the instrument console is placed right in the centre of the dashboard and the warning lights are mounted ahead of the steering wheel. The speedo, temperature and fuel gauges are housed within the console but there is no tachometer. Despite the atypical placement, everything falls with clarity into the driver’s line of vision.

Four passengers can be seated with ease; the adequate legroom at the rear is a pleasant surprise and the seats are well bolstered. The rest of the cabin is attractive as well, though the driver’s seat lacks underthigh support as the seat slopes forward awkwardly. The two-tone grey-and-black cheap-looking plastics and a centre console that messes with the driver’s leg need improving though.

In comparison, the Xing’s interiors are not as appealing or imaginative as the Spark. The placement of the accelerator pedal and rear window switches is a bit clumsy and takes away from the car’s ergonomics. The sliding air-con controls are outdated. The Spark is wider than the Xing but both cannot quite accommodate five passengers.

On the upside, the Santro scores big-time with its seating. You do not have to bend down to get in and out of the car and the high seats, even at the rear ,offer a great view of the road and enhance passenger comfort.

The Spark doesn’t have the immediate response or pulling power of the Santro but the smooth and linear manner in which the power is delivered accentuates the efficiency of the engine. The Spark’s 995cc, two-valves-per-cylinder engine outputs an impressive 63bhp. Less impressive is the torque — 9.21kgm at a high 4200rpm. This engine is refined and sets the standard of refinement in small cars. It will easily keep up with the city traffic in second and third gears. It’s only when you need to overtake that you’d have to really work the gears. Fortunately, the gearshift is light, but unfortunately, the long throw doesn’t give you a precise feel.

The Santro Xing’s larger 1086cc Epsilon engine outputs an identical 63bhp as the Spark. The three-valves-per-cylinder motor produces more torque at a lower engine speed than the new Chevrolet. The instant throttle response makes driving in traffic child’s play. Complementing this lovely engine is the Korean’s slick gearbox. The gears have a short and accurate throw that adds to the driving pleasure. Pulling power in third gear is particularly good, which gives the Santro good driveability in town. A short-travel clutch and a dead-pedal complete the Santro’s easy-to-drive package.

The Santro’s ride quality is not one of it’s talents. The stiff suspension gives the ride a hard edge especially at the rear. As speeds increase, the ride gets choppier. Hit a bad patch and the rear end gets skittish, threatening to step out of line. Despite this, the Santro is a nice car to drive. The steering is light, quick and accurate allowing you to steer the tall boy into corners with confidence. The cabin insulation is good, damping out tyre and wind noise. The brakes have good bite and little fade.

The Spark wins this important criterion delivering 12.3kpl versus the Santro’s 12.1kpl in the city and 16.9kpl on the highway versus the Santro’s 16.2kpl.

In this segment, the Santro remains king. It is cheaper, user-friendly and has a responsive engine that will keep it reigning supreme. However, it has only just about beaten the Spark. In the end what made the Xing win is its more practical nature.

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Chevrolet Spark

How much?

Rs. 4.09 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai)

Engine layout:

995cc, 4 cylinders

Max Power: 63bhp at 5400rpm

Max Torque: 9.2kgm at 4200rpm

Top Speed: 151kph

0-60: 6.02secs

0-100: 15.93 secs

CFE: 14.6kpl

Fuel tank capacity: 38 litres

Boot capacity: 170 litres

Length: 3495mm

Width: 1495mm

Height: 1518mm

Wheelbase: 2345mm

Weight: 840 kg

Ground clearance: 170mm

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Hyundai Santro Xing

How much?

Price: Rs. 3.95 lakh

(ex-showroom Mumbai)

Engine layout:

1086cc, 4 cylinders

Max Power: 63bhp at 5500rpm

Max Torque: 9.8kgm at 3000rpm

Top Speed: 150kph

0-60: 5.55secs

0-100: 14.66 secs

CFE: 14.15kpl

Fuel tank capacity: 35 litres

Boot capacity: 218 litres

Length: 3565mm

Width: 1525mm

Height: 1590mm

Wheelbase: 2380mm

Weight: 854 kg

Ground clearance: 172mm

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