It is always hard to write an impression of a car like this. This type of ultra-compact, budget ride always has a stereotype attached to it. Most conversations involving a car like this will also include terms such as roller-skate, or tin can, or piece of crap. It's hard not to feel like a bully just writing a report on this little machine. But if you look past the stigma of being a disposable excuse for a car, you might discover a charismatic little personality underneath its tin.

Normally a car of this nature is a disgrace to the automotive world but the Chevrolet Spark seems to be able to hold its own in South Africa's competitive market. And no, your eyes aren't deceiving you. This is a re-badged and face lifted Daewoo Matiz. But before we get too carried away here, let me explain why I think a car like this works. First of all, these little pocket-sized automobiles have been around for quite a while. Remember the Fiat 500? That tiny Italian tyke shuttled people around the streets of cities that existed long before cars did. And how about the Mini? That little legend is still alive and kicking to this very day! They weren't about comfort, they were about convenience.

There is a reason why overpopulated cities such as Tokyo and Rome commonly use scooters as transport. It's an abundance of traffic and a lack of space. And just in case you didn't notice, Jo'burg is one of those cities. And our neighbouring cities are too. And for that reason, car designers have been busy developing these affordable little packages for the entry level-market and the buyer who isn't afraid of being tempted away from higher specced cars in favour of low running costs and affordability.

And it's really not a bad car either. It does everything it's supposed to do. Our test model, the LS, is equipped with power windows and air-conditioning. What a pleasure. And the materials used in the interior are not bad. The Spark has quite a solid feel for something of this genre. The one litre, four banger under the tiny bonnet revs remarkably smoothly and silently. It's just an abnormal amount of wind noise that fills the redesigned cockpit. Our particular model is even fitted with a driver-side airbag, although I don't know why. If it ever deployed I think the car might just pop.

The Spark is far from perfect though. The first thing I noticed about driving this car was the clutch feel. The best way for me to describe it is that "freshness seal" that pops on a mayonnaise jars' lid. It also isn't very quick. In fact it can barely get out of its own way. And this is the more powerful choice. There is still an 800cc, three cylinder available. But those things don't really matter here. This is an A to B car. And it does it so effortlessly, making anyone feel like Schumi as they weave their way through the traffic. I think it wears the bowtie well. Think about it.