Update: we missed the distinction between Imperial and U.S. miles per gallon. Article updated to reflect this.
As Chevy gets ready to launch the 2013 Spark in the United States with a 1.2 liter engine for just under $13,000, the Bow Tie brand’s Indian arm recently rolled out a Spark that burns diesel… and it gets 25.44 KMPL. That’s 59.84 miles per gallon (UK), and 49.82 miles per gallon (US).
The Spark Diesel, which actually wears the Beat nameplate in India (because the ancient Daewoo Matiz is called the Spark there), is powered by an all-new turbo-charged three-cylinder 1.0 liter XSDE SMARTECH Common Rail diesel mill that’s exclusive to the Indian market (for the time being). The engine has a power output of 58.5 PS (58 horsepower) and 150 Nm (110.62 lb.-ft.) of torque. The three-banger has an aluminum alloy DOHC setup with light-weight, graphite-coated low friction pistons.
The Beat/Spark Diesel also features something called Launch Support Logic and an Intelligent Launch Support System, which we’ve ascertained to mean Hill Hold Assist, as well as electronic power steering, which minimizes accessory drag on the engine. The vehicle has a starting price of 4,47,663 RS, or $8,700 using current conversing rates.
The GM Authority Take
Sure, 58 horsepower and 110 lb.-ft. of torque sounds measly. But then we realize that it’s nearly 50 miles per gallon we’re talking about here, without the use of a battery.
And this is only the beginning, since Chevy has an electric version in the works, as well as a variant powered by liquid natural gas (LPG). So here’s the question: should GM make any of these available in the States?
Comments
Ahem.
59.84 miles/gallon(UK) = 49.8272232 miles/gallon(US) = 4.7206039 liters/100 km
Got your gallons wrong.
Gah! Noted and fixed!
the EPA has different testing methods for MPG than Europe (European Combined Cycle) and presumably India (or whichever energy commission covers vehicle fuel sippy-ness there)
so a basic unit conversion doesnt necessarily translate accurately from the Euro-Cycle to the US Imperial MPG and Canadian L/100km.
Why buy a hybrid ? Great city car 10gal tank /500 miles per fill up awesome !
Also no telling how the rating is calculated in India versus the USA
Fairly certain they use L/100km primarily and MPG IMP secondarily.
The Cruze diesel has to be at LEAST 45 mpg to impress me.
Coincidentally, we have a report on that coming in the near future 🙂
I had a 1981 VW Rabbit diesel that weighed about the same and consistently got 50 – 55 MPG US. What gives?
Your Rabbit didn’t meet any emissions requirement, didn’t have modern crash safety and (if it was like my 82 Jetta diesel) no amenities were comparable to modern vehicles.
Also, your 52hp diesel didn’t have 150 nm of torque; I’m not sure of the performance numbers of this Spark, but 0-60 in my Jetta was – well – I don’t think it’s reached 60 mph yet from the last time I launched it 20 years ago. : )
Hi Alex – nice article. MY old VW Rabbit had an intake drone that mandated earplugs for everyone in the car, but it was a blast to flog along the backroads. The Spark/Beat would be a low-buck Prius-stomper if GM/Chevy would bring it over. The EPA excuse doesn’t fly, as Mahindra certified their 2.2L TDI Hawk engine, and I’d put a $100 bill that GM has better engine test facilities than Mahindra. If we can buy a $60K 10-15 MPG GM diesel pickup, we damn sure oughtta be able to drive a already-in-production-by GM 50 MPG $15K grocery getter.
the reason the carmakers only market expensive diesels to US is the quality of our fuel is what EU people call MDO marine diesel oil, and it wouldnt pass the emmissions requirements there either. Clean up your fuel and the diesel would pass emmisions without being so sophisticated.