Chevrolet Spark in India?

The much-loved Daewoo Matiz will be launched at the Geneva auto show in March 2005 as the Chevrolet Matiz. The Matiz will join the other Daewoo cars re-badged as Chevrolets from the general Motors stable.The new Matiz retains the overall appearance and looks of the older Matiz, but there are some changes which Chevrolet describes as "modern design, clever use of space, excellent value and reliable, robust engineering." We are not so sure - the Daewoo Matiz was much loved for its smooth, clean rounded and cute looks in India and abroad. The new 2005 Matiz (or will be finally be known as Spark?) will looks a little cluttered to our Matiz-loving eyes.Chevrolet says that "the Matiz retains a number of the classic styling cues that have given the car its well-known smiling face, such as its headlights and grille design, and its five-door accessibility and overall interior package with plenty of storage space."The Matiz is only only 3.5 m long, as good for commuting in the cities as it always was. Official information so far available says that the Matiz will be available in two trim levels - SE and SX.The new Chevrolet Matiz will have a choice of two engines – an 800cc, three-cylinder, 40kW unit and a one-litre, four-cylinder, 50kW. Both the engines will meet Euro 4 emissions standards. Chevrolet also says that in both the Matiz engines, fuel comsumption will be improved by almost 15 % compared to the old Matiz. Airflow and noise levels have been improved in the 2005 version through the use of new materials and low-friction valve gear, with roller cam followers, also contributes to smoother, quieter running. The new Matiz is also more slippery though air - weight has been reduced, and drag coefficient (Cd) is now at 0.344 from 0.399. The expected fuel consumption for the 800cc model, according to Chevrolet, has improved from 6.13 to 5.2 litres/100km.What we are wondering is - what happened to the Chevrolet Spark moniker? The Matiz was supposed to be renamed Spark in its new avatar. But now it looks like Chevrolet has decided to go ahead with the Matiz name, probably to cash in on the Matiz brand name.There is no far no news on whether and when the Chevrolet - Daewoo Matiz will be available in India. But we expect the announcement to be made at the Geneva auto show or immediately afterwards.General Motors in India desperately needs a small car to compete at the lower end of the segment with the Maruti Alto, Santro Xing, the Indica and the Palio. What better vehicle than the Matiz whose disappearance was much mourned in India? Let's hope Chevroelt will bring this car in the ffirst half of 2005 itself.