The story of the Chevrolet Spark begins with the South Korean group GM Daewoo in 1998. This compact city car, with its rounded styling reminiscent of the French Twingo, has gone through numerous variations and names depending on the country and era in which it was sold.
General Motors, which has owned the Chevrolet brand for over a century, initially imported the first generations of the Spark into France under the Matiz name. It wasn't until 2009, with the arrival of the third generation, that the car became known as the Chevrolet Spark as we know it today. Since 2015, a new version has been on our roads, based on the Karl platform from German brand Opel.
Chevrolet offers four trim levels for the Spark. The top-of-the-range version benefits from a refined exterior design, along with features designed for driving comfort such as electronic stability control and parking sensors.
Like any car, the Spark is not immune to faults, and even though the gearbox is a robust component built to stand the test of time, it can show signs of wear. In this article, we explain how to look after your gearbox and what steps to take if something goes wrong.
Under the Bonnet of the Chevrolet Spark
As a small city car, the Chevrolet Spark comes with a modest engine range that is more than adequate for everyday use. The Spark I offers a choice of two petrol engines, with outputs ranging from 68 hp to 81 hp depending on the engine capacity chosen. For the same capacity, there is also an LPG version, with lower output: 65 hp and 75 hp respectively. The Spark II has just two petrol engines, both with increased power. The LV7 1.4L version reaches 98 hp. Unsurprisingly, drive is front-wheel, as on most vehicles in this segment. This means the power produced by the engine is delivered to the front wheels of the Spark. The gearbox paired with this drivetrain is a five-speed manual on the Spark I. The same applies to the Spark II, though a CVT gearbox is available as an option. The CVT, which stands for Continuously Variable Transmission, works, as its name suggests, on the principle of continuous transmission. There are therefore no fixed gears as such.How to Look After a Chevrolet Spark Gearbox?
Good Habits Behind the Wheel
A few simple habits can help extend the life of your gearbox and reduce the likelihood of problems arising. First and foremost, check that your Spark has no oil leaks by periodically inspecting the ground beneath the vehicle. Transmission oil, also known as gearbox oil, plays a crucial role: it lubricates the entire system and ensures heat dissipation. An insufficient level could cause lasting damage to your Spark. When driving, aim for a smooth style by anticipating hazards ahead, avoiding unnecessary gear changes and going easy on the clutch system. In the same vein, avoid resting your hand on the gear lever so as not to put unnecessary pressure on the gear teeth, and select neutral during brief stops such as in traffic jams. Your left foot will thank you – and so will the transmission!Spotting the Tell-Tale Signs
Despite all your precautions, your Chevrolet gearbox may still show signs of weakness. It is vital to pay attention to these, because the sooner you identify and address the problem, the less chance there is for potential damage to spread to other components of the transmission system. Among the most common warning signs are:- Whistling noises when engine revs increase, which generally disappear when the clutch is depressed. This points to worn bearings;
- Crunching or grinding when moving the gear lever is characteristic of advanced wear on the synchromesh rings;
- A slipping sensation on pull-away, a stiff clutch pedal, or excessive vibrations when in neutral point to a problem with the flywheel or clutch;
- A burning smell inside the cabin is often a sign of low gearbox oil.
