Like the first generation Matiz/Spark, the second generation of the compact Mini immediately attracts attention through its modern design, clever space utilisation, favourable price and solid engineering.
 
Characteristic of the more adult look of the current model is the dynamic wedge form and the short overhangs. The design also picks up some of the emotional elements that had given its predecessors their unmistakable smiling face. Alongside the massive bumpers and large air intake, the front of the Matiz/Spark is also dominated by the striking round headlamps. The front headlamp design is matched at the rear by its signature round tail lights.

The most striking feature in the interior of the new Matiz/Spark is the completely redesigned cockpit. The operating elements are divided into two parts. Firstly, in the driver''s direct area of view, we have the control and warning light unit, and secondly, strikingly positioned at the centre of the dashboard and easily visible to all Matiz/Spark passengers, are the gauges – a combination of analogue and digital displays.

Depending on the upholstery and exterior colour, their background comes in blue, green or orange.
Thanks to the intelligent packaging and wheelbase of 2,345 mm, the five-seater offers a comparatively large amount of space and a feeling of roominess. The trunk volume is 170 litres according to the VDA standard. The back seat’s back rest can be divided in the ratio 60:40. If the complete bench is flipped up, the capacity rises to an impressive 845 litres.

The interior also offers a number of shelves, trays, bottle and can-holders.
With its compact body dimensions (length x width x height/including the standard roof rails: 3,495 x 1,495 x 1,500/1,518 mm) and its small turning circle of 9.20 m, the Chevrolet Mini is not only extremely manoeuvrable, it also fits into any parking space.

The Matiz/Spark also offers its passengers good protection in the event of an accident, based on the stable passenger cell. There is also a full package of passive safety features. Depending on the country and equipment variant, this includes driver, passenger and side airbags, three-point belts and head restraints for all five seats, electrically operated belt tensioners and belt force limiters at the front, an energy-absorbing steering column and knee padding.

The Matiz/Spark also chalks up a number of points when it comes to active safety. Apart from the standard four-channel anti-locking system, the torsion beam rear axle also plays a major role here. It guarantees much greater precision in wheel control and more agile handling. In front, a McPherson strut design is used.

Buyers have a choice of two engines: A 796 cm³ three-cylinder gasoline version with 38 kW/51.5 bhp and a four-cylinder unit with 1.0-litre capacity and 48 kW/65 bhp. The engines have been optimised and, combined with the weight reduction and the improvement in the drag coefficient from 0.399 to 0.342, fuel consumption has been cut by up to 0.9 litres per 100 km. The actual consumption figures in the MVEG average: 5.2 litres Matiz/Spark (Matiz/Spark 0.8) and 5.6 litres (Matiz/Spark 1.0) of regular-grade gasoline per 100 km.

Both power units are delivered as standard with a five-speed manual transmission. A four-speed automatic transmission is offered for the three-cylinder unit. Equipped with the smaller engine, the front-wheel drive car will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 18.2 sec and has a maximum speed of 145 km/h. The 1.0-litre four-cylinder Matiz/Spark naturally is faster and has a top speed of 156 km/h and a sprint time of 14.1 sec.

All the Matiz/Spark models come with a generous range of features, including ABS, power-assisted steering, safety package, electrically operated windows at the front and central locking with remote control, as well as air-conditioning, audio systems with CD and MP3 player, and electrically operated rear windows.

Kalos/Aveo: Attractive compact car with finely honed details          
The Kalos/Aveo (length/width/height: 3,880/1,670/1,495 mm) is the most popular model in the Chevrolet range. It is available as a five or three-door model (with an even more dynamic design). There are three main reasons for the model''s remarkable success: Its attractive design, excellent space utilisation, and exemplary value.

As a result of the unusual, almost van-like height of the vehicle and one of the longest wheelbases of its class (2,480 mm), the bright and friendly interior is very roomy. The Kalos/Aveo has three-point belts at all five seats – a protective feature that is not yet taken for granted in this sector. Fitting a child Seat to the rear seats is child’s play thanks to the exemplary Isofix anchorage system.

The backrest of the rear seats of both hatchback versions can be divided and folded in the ratio 1/3 to 2/3, which also permits the transport of longer objects such as skis.
The modern wheel suspension of the Kalos/Aveo – individual McPherson struts at the front, torsion beam at the rear – plus the sophisticated chassis geometry with its long wheelbase and wide track provide both driving safety and passenger comfort.

The engineers designed the chassis specifically for European conditions on the UK test site at MIRA (Motor Industry Research Association). The standard power-assisted steering system is speed dependent and therefore combines precision steering with high manoeuvrability. Four-channel ABS and front passenger and side airbags are also available to offer a high standard of safety.
Two gasoline engines with 72 and 94 bhp are available. Top of the line is the 1.4 16V with an output of 69 kW/94 bhp, dual overhead camshafts and four-valve technology. This modern power plant can be ordered for all body styles, it has a variable switch intake system that ensures particularly high air throughput at low engine speeds, therefore also ensuring a high torque level. Like the basic 72 bhp engine, this unit also satisfies the Euro 4 emissions standard.