Chevrolet Spark III (2009–2016): How to Remove the Bumpers

Production Years and Codename

The third-generation Chevrolet Spark, known under the factory codename M300, was produced from 2009 to 2016. This model replaced the Spark II (M250) and featured a more modern design and technical improvements. In some countries, production continued longer—for example, in India and Latin America, the model remained on sale until 2022 under the name Chevrolet Beat.

 

Names in Different Countries

Due to marketing differences, the Spark III was sold under various names:

  • Chevrolet Spark – in Europe, the USA, Canada, and South Korea (as the Daewoo Matiz Creative).
  • Chevrolet Beat – in India, Mexico, and Latin American countries (though the Beat was initially a concept car before becoming a separate model based on the Spark).
  • Holden Barina Spark – in Australia and New Zealand.
  • Chevrolet M300 – internal factory designation.

 

Model Overview

The Spark III was designed as a compact city car with an emphasis on fuel efficiency and maneuverability. Its design, developed by GM’s South Korean division, featured rounded shapes and a "smiling" radiator grille, making it easily recognizable.

Engines:

  • Petrol: 1.0L (68 HP), 1.2L (80–82 HP), 1.4L (98 HP).
  • Diesel (Europe only): 1.0L (64 HP).
  • In the USA, only the 1.4L engine was available from 2013.

Transmissions:

  • 5-speed manual.
  • 4-speed automatic (in some markets).
  • Easytronic automated manual (in Europe).

Dimensions:

  • Length: 3,640 mm.
  • Wheelbase: 2,375 mm.
  • Trunk capacity: 170–568 L (with seats folded).

 

Bumper Plastic Marking: >PP+EPDM-TD20<

How to Remove the Front Bumper

  1. Start by opening the hood.
  2. Under the hood, you will see six clips securing the top part of the front bumper. Remove these clips.
  3. Move to the lower part. Here, unscrew eight bolts that are fastened from bottom to top.
  4. For the sides, remove two clips on each side that secure the fender liners to the bumper, plus one screw on each side that attaches the corners to the brackets in the fenders.
  5. Release the clips in the fenders by pulling the bumper corners sharply toward yourself.
  6. With an assistant, remove the bumper by pulling it forward. Note the wires connected to the fog lights—disconnect the plugs.

Chevrolet Spark III Front Bumper Mounting Locations

Chevrolet Spark III Front Bumper Mounting Diagram

How to Remove the Rear Bumper

⇒Useful tips on how to remove the bumper and not break anything.⇐

  1. To access the top screws, remove the rear lights by unscrewing two screws on each side inside the trunk and releasing the clips in the fenders.
  2. Under the taillights, unscrew two more screws.
  3. From underneath the car, remove two clips inserted from bottom to top.
  4. Unscrew one screw on each side in the wheel arches, securing the bumper corners to the fender brackets.
  5. Release the clips in the fenders and, with an assistant, pull the bumper backward to remove it.

Chevrolet Spark III rear bumper mounting locations

Chevrolet Spark III Rear Bumper Mounting Diagram

Interesting Facts

  • Beat Concept Car – The Spark III debuted as the Chevrolet Beat concept in 2007, and its design remained almost unchanged in the production version.
  • Electric Version – In 2013, the Spark EV was introduced with a 132 km range, becoming one of GM’s first mass-produced electric cars.
  • Popularity in India – Sold as the Chevrolet Beat, it featured a 1.0L turbocharged three-cylinder engine and even participated in racing series.
  • Crash Tests – The Spark III received 3 stars in Euro NCAP (2010) due to weak pedestrian protection but scored higher in the USA (4 stars NHTSA).

 

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Fuel efficiency – 5–6 L/100 km combined.
  • Compact size – easy to park in the city.
  • Affordability – low price and cheap maintenance.
  • Eye-catching design – stood out against competitors like the Toyota Aygo.

Cons:

  • Cramped interior – rear seats are only suitable for children.
  • Poor noise insulation – noticeable road noise at highway speeds.
  • Basic suspension – too stiff for rough roads.
  • Unreliable automatic transmission – the 4-speed automatic is sluggish and prone to overheating.

 

Conclusion

The Chevrolet Spark III (M300) is a typical budget car offering practicality and low running costs. Despite modest specs, it found its audience in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. In post-Soviet countries, its popularity declined due to growing competition, but used models remain in demand thanks to their simple design.