LS 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 4cyl 5M)
LS 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 4cyl CVT)
LS 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 4cyl 5M)
LS 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 4cyl CVT)
LS 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 4cyl CVT)
LS 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 4cyl 5M)
LS 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 4cyl 5M)
LS 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 4cyl CVT)
LS 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 4cyl CVT)
LS 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 4cyl 5M)
LS 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 4cyl CVT)
LS 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 4cyl 4A)
LS 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 4cyl 5M)
LS 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 4cyl CVT)
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Find all cars near me?LS 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 4cyl CVT)
LS 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 4cyl 5M)
LS 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 4cyl CVT)
LS 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 4cyl CVT)
LS 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 4cyl CVT)
LS 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 4cyl CVT)
LS 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 4cyl 4A)
LS 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 4cyl 5M)
LS 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 4cyl 5M)
LS 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 4cyl 5M)
Overall Rating
The small, frugal, and affordable cars have been a big hit in the city for being practical and easy to maneuver in city traffic conditions, and hence there has been the onset of many new models in recent years.
The small, frugal, and affordable cars have been a big hit in the city for being practical and easy to maneuver in city traffic conditions, and hence there has been the onset of many new models in recent years. The Chevrolet Spark is one such product that is a solid choice for first-time buyers in the city thanks to its low cost, feature-loaded trims, high safety, and frugal nature.
Considering the low price tag of the Spark, one should opt for the 1LT trim, which features a better audio system, alongside a handful of other features and yet manages to keep the prices in check. The choice for the transmission depends on the individual buyer’s preference. All in all, the LT trim offers the best value for money in the lineup.
LS 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 4cyl 5M)
LS 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 4cyl 4A)
LS 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 4cyl 5M)
LS 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 4cyl CVT)
LS 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 4cyl CVT)
LS 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 4cyl CVT)
The small, frugal, and affordable cars have been a big hit in the city for being practical and easy to maneuver in city traffic conditions, and hence there has been the onset of many new models in recent years.
The small, frugal, and affordable cars have been a big hit in the city for being practical and easy to maneuver in city traffic conditions, and hence there has been the onset of many new models in recent years. The Chevrolet Spark is one such product that is a solid choice for first-time buyers in the city thanks to its low cost, feature-loaded trims, high safety, and frugal nature.
The Chevrolet Spark is offered in three basic trims and only a single engine option. The base trim does get plenty of features to keep things interesting, while going up the trim ladder, adds more functionality and technology. Only the top 2LT trim gets luxurious amenities like heated seats, leatherette upholstery, and a leather steering wheel.
Trims |
LS |
1LT |
2LT |
---|---|---|---|
MSRP (Man) |
$12,995 |
$14,765 |
$16,115 |
MSRP (CVT) |
$14,305 |
$15,820 |
$17,210 |
Key Features |
1.2L, 84 hp four-cylinder engine |
LS trim plus; |
1LT trim plus; |
|
Tire Pressure Monitoring |
Post-Collision Safety System |
Front Fog/Driving Lights |
|
4-speaker audio system |
6-speaker audio system |
Heated Front Bucket Seats |
|
Simulated Alloy Steering Wheel |
3 Months Of Paid Satellite Radio Service |
Leather And Simulated Alloy Steering Wheel |
|
Heated Mirrors |
Cruise Control |
Leatherette Upholstery |
|
Cloth Upholstery |
Remote Keyless Power Door Locks |
|
|
15-inch Painted Alloy Wheels |
|
|
We Recommend
Considering the low price tag of the Spark, one should opt for the 1LT trim, which features a better audio system, alongside a handful of other features and yet manages to keep the prices in check. The choice for the transmission depends on the individual buyer’s preference. All in all, the LT trim offers the best value for money in the lineup.
The Chevy Spark is powered by a small 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine which produces a nifty 84 hp and 83 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to either a 5-speed manual or a CVT automatic transmission, and the power is sent to the front wheels only.
The lack of grunt from the hood is clearly evident in the acceleration timings, but the performance is sufficient to be driven around within city limits, where it is intended to be used. The hatchback touches the 60 mph mark in 12.1 seconds and completes the quarter-mile in 18.6 seconds.
Model |
Chevrolet Spark LS |
Mazda 2 Sport |
Mitsubishi Mirage DE |
---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$12,995 |
$15,515 |
$13,805 |
Engine |
1.2L, Naturally Aspirated Inline-4 |
1.5L, Naturally Aspirated Inline-4 |
1.2L, Naturally Aspirated Inline-3 |
Drivetrain |
FWD |
FWD |
FWD |
Transmission |
5-speed manual |
5-speed manual |
5-speed manual |
Power |
84 hp @ 6,400 rpm |
100 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
74 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
Torque |
83 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm |
98 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
74 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
0-60 mph (sec) |
12.1 |
10.5 |
12.1 |
Quarter-mile (sec) |
18.6 |
18.1 |
18.8 |
Top Speed (mph) |
108 |
114 |
106 |
The Mazda 2 is considerably more expensive than the Spark, but it also packs in a larger engine that has a higher power and torque output, which results in superior acceleration speeds. The Mitsubishi Mirage is the most underpowered car here and hence is also the slowest of the lot.
The major reason for buying a compact city car is the low running costs associated with them, and the 2014 Spark performs just as expected in this regard. The EPA rates the Spark for 31 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway, while the combined city and highway fuel economy is rated for 34 mpg. The 9.2-gallon fuel tank is on the smaller side, and hence one can expect only about 250 miles of city driving on a single tank of gas.
Model |
Chevrolet Spark |
Mazda 2 |
Mitsubishi Mirage |
---|---|---|---|
MPG (City) |
31 |
29 |
34 |
MPG (Highway) |
39 |
35 |
42 |
MPG (Combined) |
34 |
32 |
37 |
Fuel Capacity (gal) |
9.2 |
11.3 |
9.2 |
Range (City / Highway / Combined) (miles) |
285 / 359 / 313 |
328 / 396 / 362 |
313 / 386 / 340 |
The Mitsubishi Mirage is the most frugal amongst the cars present here, and despite having a small gas tank, identical to the Spark, it offers a much higher driving range. The Mazda 2, on the other hand, has higher fuel consumption and hence employs a much larger gas tank to compensate for it.
The cabin of the Spark has a simple and modern design and includes colored accents in the mix which makes the interior more lively and trendy. The hard plastics are mixed with good quality textured materials which helps enhance the experience.
Although the seats are quite comfortable, they do not offer much support, and the upright seating stance isn’t the most comfortable as well. But what it does is opens up more space at the back, but it is still better suited for shorter or younger passengers.
Model |
Chevrolet Spark |
Mazda 2 |
Mitsubishi Mirage |
---|---|---|---|
Seating Capacity |
4 |
5 |
5 |
Front Row (Head / Shoulder / Leg) (in) |
39.4 / 50.7 / 42.0 |
39.1 / 52.8 / 42.6 |
39.1 / 51.7 / 41.7 |
Rear Row (Head / Shoulder / Leg) (in) |
37.3 / 49.7 / 35.2 |
37.0 / 51.2 / 33.0 |
37.3 / 51.0 / 34.0 |
Cargo Capacity with Rear Seat Upright (cu-ft) |
11.4 |
13.3 |
17.2 |
Cargo Capacity with Rear Seat Folded (cu-ft) |
31.2 |
27.8 |
47.0 |
Despite its compact dimensions, the Chevy Spark has the best cabin space amongst the cars present here. The Mirage and the Mazda 2 both have similar cabin space, one benefiting the front row passengers and the other for the back seat boys, but it is the Mirage that has the largest cargo capacity in this comparison. Chevrolet follows Mitsubishi with a cargo capacity of 31.2 cubic feet. Major interior features include-
The MyLink infotainment system is something that adds to the modern and upmarket vibe of the cabin.
The interface is pretty smooth and has sharp graphics with logical and intuitive menus, but it does tend to miss out on touches every now and then, which makes it pretty frustrating while on the move. Major infotainment features include-
The Chevy Spark does have a very sparkly and lively design and looks very stylish for a city car. It is not mundane in any way possible as the large headlights with split front grille and tall stance provide a very practical yet stylish look to the car.
The roof rails and the smartly integrated rear door handles add to the quirkiness of the car. The hatchback weighs 2,269 lbs and stands 6.7 inches above the ground.
Model |
Chevrolet Spark |
Mazda 2 |
Mitsubishi Mirage |
---|---|---|---|
Curb Weight (lbs) |
2,269 |
2,306 |
1,973 |
Length (in) |
144.7 |
155.5 |
148.8 |
Width (in) |
62.9 |
66.7 |
65.6 |
Height (in) |
61.0 |
58.1 |
59.1 |
Ground Clearance (in) |
6.7 |
5.1 |
6.3 |
Wheelbase (in) |
93.5 |
98.0 |
96.5 |
The Spark is the most compact car in this comparison, and despite having the shortest wheelbase, it offers the most cabin room. The Mitsubishi Mirage is surprisingly too light for its size, while the Mazda 2 is the largest of them all. Mazda 2 also rides the closest to the ground, while it is the Spark that has the highest ground clearance to offer. Major exterior highlights of the Spark are-
One might assume that the Spark might not provide adequate safety considering the affordable nature of the car, but they could not be more wrong. The Spark has been rated with a 4-star overall rating out of a 5-star rating from the NHTSA, while the IIHS has named it the ‘Top Safety Pick’ in the crash tests conducted by them. It is a well-designed car that also features a handful of safety features, and some of them have been listed below.
The Chevrolet Spark works as a wonder when used as a city car for small families. It is pretty spacious for its size, has high fuel efficiency, provides a safe space for the family, and has a stylish design as well. If you don’t have tall people sitting at the back and don’t plan on using it on long highway trips, the Spark does the job absolutely fine.