Chevrolet Spark/Matiz (1998-2005) How to Remove the Bumpers

Production Years and Names in Different Countries

The first generation of the Chevrolet Spark was introduced in 1998 and was produced until 2005. However, this car was originally developed by the South Korean company Daewoo and was named the Daewoo Matiz. After Daewoo's bankruptcy and acquisition by General Motors, the model continued to be produced under the Chevrolet brand, especially in export markets.

Depending on the country, the car was sold under different names:

• Daewoo Matiz (South Korea, Europe, Asia, Latin America)
• Chevrolet Spark (some European countries, the Middle East, Mexico)
• Chevrolet Joy (China)
• Suzuki Alto (in India, where the model was produced under an agreement with Suzuki)

Model Code and Platform

The first Spark (Matiz) was based on the Daewoo M100 platform and had factory codes M100 (1998–2000) and M150 (facelift 2000–2005). The car was developed with the participation of the Italian design house Italdesign, and its design was created by Giorgetto Giugiaro.

Model Description

Design and Dimensions:

The Spark I was a compact five-door hatchback, just 3.5 meters long. Thanks to its rounded shapes and miniature size, it looked friendly and modern for its time.

Engines and Transmission:

• Gasoline Engines:
  • 0.8 L (51 HP) – the base engine, underpowered for dynamic driving but fuel-efficient.
  • 1.0 L (64 HP) – the more popular option, better suited for city driving.
• Transmission:
  • 5-speed manual (main option)
  • 4-speed automatic (rare, mainly for Asian markets)

Suspension and Handling:

The front suspension was a MacPherson strut, and the rear had a semi-independent beam. The car was designed for urban use: light steering, a small turning radius, but it felt unstable at high speeds and on rough roads.

How to Remove the Front Bumper

1. Open the hood.
2. Under the hood, unscrew four screws, release the fasteners in the fenders, and remove the cover. Disconnect the turn signal wiring connectors.
3. Under the cover, remove four clips and unscrew two screws securing the top side of the front bumper.
4. Remove three clips from the underside, inserted from the bottom up.
5. Turn the wheels to the side.
6. In the wheel arches, unscrew three screws on each side that secure the fender liners to the bumper.
7. Move the fender liners aside and unscrew two screws on each side, inserted from the bottom up, securing the sides to the fenders.
8. Now all fasteners are removed; you can pull the bumper forward to remove it.

How to Remove the Rear Bumper

1. Open the trunk lid.
2. In the trunk opening, unscrew two screws securing the top side of the rear bumper.
3. From inside the trunk, approximately under the rear lights, unscrew two nuts securing the bumper brackets.
4. From the underside, remove two clips inserted from the bottom up.
5. Through the wheel arches, unscrew two screws on each side, inserted from the bottom up, securing the sides to the fenders.
6. Pull the bumper backward to remove it, then disconnect the electrical connectors.

Advantages of the Chevrolet Spark I

• Compactness – an ideal city car, easy to park even in tight spaces.
• Fuel Efficiency – average fuel consumption of 5-6 L/100 km.
• Affordable Parts – due to mass production, parts were inexpensive.
• Durability – the simple engine and design ensured longevity even with poor maintenance.

Disadvantages of the Model

• Weak Performance – especially with the 0.8 L engine, accelerating to 100 km/h took about 16 seconds.
• Cramped Interior – only children could sit comfortably in the back seat.
• Poor Soundproofing – noisy on highways due to thin metal and weak insulation.
• Unreliable Automatic Transmission – the 4-speed automatic often failed.

Interesting Facts

• Italian Roots – the design was developed by Italdesign, and the prototype was presented in 1993 as the Lucciola.
• One of the Cheapest New Cars – in the early 2000s, it could be bought in Russia for $6-7 thousand.
• Long Production Run – in India, the Daewoo Matiz (as the Suzuki Alto) was produced until 2014!
• Electric Version – in the 2000s, a Matiz EV was tested but never went into mass production.

Conclusion

The Chevrolet Spark I (Daewoo Matiz) is a typical representative of budget city cars from the late 1990s to early 2000s. It wasn’t known for power or comfort but gained popularity due to its affordability, simplicity, and practicality. Despite its modest specifications, this car can still be seen on the roads in many countries, a testament to its durability.