Chevrolet has much riding on its new A-segment car with sales expected to account for a third of total volume.

In showrooms in spring 2010, the five-door car starts at £6,945 with the top model priced at £9,845.

The Spark, which replaces the Matiz, was voted for by the public out of a choice of three small cars.

Its base level competitors include the Kia Picanto and Hyundai i10 with higher end rivals including Citroën C1, Toyota Aygo and Fiat Panda.

Chevrolet said the Spark has a much more youthful image than its predecessor with “great design and good value for money”.

Mark Terry, Chevrolet UK managing director, said the main customer focus will be post-graduates and buyers in their mid-twenties and older.

However, its traditional older customer base from the Matiz will also like the new model: Terry said Chevrolet research shows its youthfully-designed product also appeals to a more mature buyer.

Somewhere between 6,000 and 7,000 Sparks will sell in its first year with this expected to rise further.

“We know customers either love it or hate it,” added Terry.

“Value for money then kicks in.”

The car is available in two engines, a 1.0-litre 67bhp and a 1.2-litre 80bhp, and has six airbags, achieving a four-star Euro NCAP rating with a max-imum five stars for child protection.

Dealers can upsell three options: electronic stability control (£350), metallic paint (£365) and rear parking sensors (£150).

The mid-range model, the Spark LS, is expected to be the most popular trim level and has the option of either engine as well as remote central locking, 14-inch wheels, front fog lamps and body-coloured door handles, mirrors and rear spoiler.

The range-topping LT, which comes with the 1.2-litre engine only, includes 15-inch alloys, climate control, an exterior body kit and six-speaker stereo.