GM to dress Spark with new engine, features

General Motors has lined up a new engine and a host of refinements for the Spark "� the new avtaar of Matiz -- to be launched early next year.

Against the earlier three-cylinder, 0.8-litre model, the Spark will have a more powerful four-cylinder, 1.0 litre (1000 cc) L S-TEC engine in a completely redesigned body. Pitted against Zen, Getz and Santo, the new car will roll out from the Halol (Gujarat) plant in early 2007.

The launch will be followed by the sportier Avio UV-A, which is expected to hit roads in another two-three months.

General Motors Corporation spokesperson declined to comment on the technical features and aerodynamic changes in the car. He said, "It is premature to comment as the scheduled launch is almost a year away and the product specifications are yet to be worked out. Upgrades and other changes to suit Indian conditions are to be decided."

However, market sources said Spark is GM's bet in the mini segment category with targeted sales of 40,000 units in the first year.

With its modern, fresh design, clever utilisation of space, optimised engineering and favourable pricing, the Spark will be targeted to cut a major slice of the growing small segment pie, which is one-third of the total car market in the country.

GM plans to grab 10 per cent of the country's fast-expanding market for passenger vehicles by 2010. Its capacity is expected to reach three lakh units when the second unit in Maharashtra comes full scale with the likely investment of Rs 2,000 crore. The company has invested about Rs 14 billion in India so far.

It plans to revamp the Halol plant, whose capacity is expected to increase from the current 60,000 to 85,000 units by the next year.