Beneath its jazzy styling, the 2011 Chevrolet Spark is an orthodox front-drive design like the Matiz and Aveo, with a strut-type front suspension, a simple twist-beam rear axle, coil springs at all corners, and a front-disc/rear-drum braking system. The Matiz has lately been offered with two engines: An 800cc (0.8-liter) 3-cylinder making some 50 horsepower and a 1.0-liter 4-cylinder putting out 65. The Beat concept used a 1.2-liter turbocharged four of undisclosed power, but we'd look for the production Spark to use a non-turbo version. Probable outputs are 75-80 horsepower and that many pound-feet of torque, which sounds modest but should be adequate with the lowish weight. Transmissions should comprise a 5-speed manual and there will likely be an optional automatic with four forward gears, possibly five.

As the bow-tie brand's smallest and least expensive car, the 2011 Chevrolet Spark won't be lavishly equipped, but antilock brakes, curtain side airbags and GM OnStar assistance should be standard even with base LS trim. An uplevel LT model would doubtless add air conditioning, nicer trim and a better audio system. Likely options should include power windows/locks/mirrors, cruise control, alloy wheels, satellite radio, and a sunroof. Traction control and even a stability system may also be available.

The Beat concept was portrayed as a pint-size "hero" car for young, urban hipsters. We wouldn't be surprised if the 2011 Chevrolet Spark is also pitched that way, although advertising is sure to stress fuel economy too. Of course, GM is gambling that gas will be back to $4 or more by the time Spark is ready to roll. But if the company has its timing right, this little car could bring in crucial "plus" business for helping to pay back those government loans--reason enough, perhaps, for taxpayers to hope it succeeds.

Most entry-level cars are carefully planned to meet a low target price, which tends to rule out any features that add to production costs. The 2011 Chevrolet Spark will be no exception. On the other hand, GM will undoubtedly take pains to avoid anything that might make a cut-rate impression. After all, quality sells, even in the budget class.

2011 Chevrolet Spark Buying Advice

With its bold styling, city-friendly size and likely high fuel economy, the 2011 Chevrolet Spark seems tailor-made for fashion-conscious, eco-minded urbanites watching their budgets. The main question is, how small can you go? As one of the more minimalist cars on the American scene, the Spark wouldn't be many people's first choice for a long trip, and it may not have the guts to cope comfortably with faster city/suburban traffic. On the other hand, it will be larger, roomier and probably quicker than the trendy Smart ForTwo and the reportedly imminent Toyota iQ, both of which cost somewhat more. Other class candidates, such as the Honda Fit and Ford's new 2011 Fiesta, compete more with Aveo, which is being redesigned for 2011 and could be the better small Chevy for some buyers. The bottom line? Consider the Spark if you're planning to buy in late 2010. Otherwise, we see no reason to wait for it, however promising it may seem now.

2011 Chevrolet Spark Release Date: GM says the Spark will go on sale in 2010, but hasn't been more specific than that. However, as the European launch is apparently slated for early that year, sources expect the U.S. version will arrive sometime in the fourth quarter as a 2011 model.

2011 Chevrolet Spark First Test Drive: The above timing implies U.S. media previews in summer 2010. But we should know all about the Spark well before that, as the world press launch would probably happen a few months before the European sales kickoff, meaning late this year or very early in 2010.

2011 Chevrolet Spark Prices: Sparks are expected to cost less than comparable Aveos, but how much less is hard to predict when we don't know GM's price target. Further clouding the picture are likely interim fluctuations in currency exchange rates caused by the global recession, plus the fact that South Korea isn't the low-cost manufacturing base it once was. Having said all that, we think that Spark will price a few hundred bucks below 2009-model Aveo hatchbacks, something like $11,500 for a base LS and $13,700 for an uplevel LT.