2LT 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 4cyl CVT)
2LT 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 4cyl CVT)
2LT 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 4cyl CVT)
2LT 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 4cyl CVT)
2LT 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 4cyl CVT)
2LT 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 4cyl CVT)
2LT 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl CVT)
2LT 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 4cyl CVT)
2LT 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 4cyl CVT)
2LT 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 4cyl CVT)
2LT 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl CVT)
2LT 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 4cyl CVT)
2LT 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 4cyl CVT)
2LT 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl CVT)
2LT 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl CVT)
2LT 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 4cyl CVT)
2LT 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 4cyl CVT)
2LT 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl CVT)
Into its third year of production, the Chevrolet Spark has made a name for itself, where its distinctive design is the key to its success. Being a small car, Spark’s major expectation lies in its fuel efficiency, and the Chevrolet does perform decently as per segment standards.
WIth no big changes, the 2015 Chevrolet Spark carries over itself from its predecessor. However, for 2015, the Chevrolet Spark noew gets 4G LTE and WiFi connectivity through GM's OnStar services. At a starting MSRP of $12,270, the 2015 Chevrolet Spark is one of the best hatchbacks in the States.
The Spark is the smallest Chevrolet car with not-so-small promises. Courtesy of its youthful design, spacious cabin, plentiful features and easy driveability, making it a good value proposition. However, its mass-appealing amalgamation is heavily contested by the likes of Fiat 500 and Mitsubishi Mirage.
The Chevrolet Spark is available in three different trims, namely the LS, LT 1LT, and LT 2LT. Each trim as standard comes equipped with a standard engine setup, which is an inline-4 unit, and is available as a front-wheel-drive variant only. It is available with two distinct transmission options and hosts basic features like a rear spoiler, power steering, and smart device integration.
Trim |
LS |
LT 1LT |
LT 2LT |
---|---|---|---|
MSRP (Manual) |
$12,270 |
$14,040 |
$15,540 |
MSRP (CVT) |
$13,580 |
$15,095 |
$16,535 |
Key Features |
Rear Spoiler |
Adds or replaces features of ‘LS’ |
Adds or replaces features of ‘LT 1LT’ |
|
Intermittent Wipers |
Cruise Control |
Heated Front Seats |
|
Navigation from telematics |
Steering wheel controls |
Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel |
|
Daytime Running Lights |
Satellite Radio |
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors |
|
Anti-theft System |
Keyless Entry |
Heated Mirrors |
|
Remote Trunk Release |
Alarm |
Keyless Entry |
We Recommend
The Chevrolet Spark is available in three different trims, each of which may not seem adequately equipped as per pricing. Even so, we recommend buying the top-rack variant to get the maximum returns from your vehicle. Its additional features like a leather-wrapped steering wheel, integrated turn signal mirrors, and heated mirrors add an element of plushness to your Spark.
The Chevrolet Spark is powered by a 1.2L inline-4 engine which is good for producing 84 hp of power and 83 lb.-ft of torque. It comes mated to either a 5-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission. As standard, the Chevrolet Spark is available with a front-wheel-drive option and is capable of clocking 10.9 seconds in the 60 MPH acceleration test. While its other performance figures are not known, as per general notion, the Spark is sluggish in its approach.
Model |
Chevrolet Spark |
Fiat 500 |
Mitsubishi Mirage |
---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$16,535 |
$17,700 |
$15,395 |
Engine |
1.2L I-4 |
1.4L I-4 |
1.2L I-3 |
Drivetrain |
Front-wheel-drive |
Front-wheel-drive |
Front-wheel-drive |
Transmission |
CVT |
5-speed manual |
CVT |
Power |
84hp |
101hp |
74hp |
Torque |
83lb.-ft |
98lb.-ft |
74lb.-ft |
0-60 MPH (seconds) |
10.9 seconds |
10.5 seconds |
11.6 seconds |
Quarter-mile (mph) |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Top speed (mph) |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
In comparison, the Mitsubishi Mirage makes use of an inline-3 engine unit. All three cars are channeled as front-wheel-drive variants only, while the Fiat 500 uses a 5-speed manual transmission and is the highest in terms of power and torque output. The Fiat 500 is the fastest car in the segment and can clock 10.5 seconds in the acceleration test, while the Mitsubishi Mirage takes 11.6 seconds to achieve a similar feat.
The Chevrolet Spark has an impressive fuel economy, but it falls short of some of its competitors. It manages to average 30 MPG in the city and 39 MPG on the highway. Combined, it is capable of averaging a mileage of 34 miles per gallon of fuel. Its fuel tank has a total capacity of 9.2 gallons and can cover a total distance of 276 and 358.8 miles in the city and on the highway respectively, which is the lowest in the segment.
Model |
Chevrolet Spark |
Fiat 500 |
Mitsubishi Mirage |
---|---|---|---|
MPG (city) |
30 |
31 |
37 |
MPG (Highway) |
39 |
40 |
44 |
MPG (Combined) |
34 |
34 |
40 |
Fuel Capacity |
9.2 gallons |
10.5 gallons |
9.2 gallons |
Range (City/highway) |
276/358.8 mi |
325.5/420 mi |
340.4/408.8 mi |
In comparison, the Fiat 500 manages similar efficiency as the Chevrolet Spark, however, the Mitsubishi Mirage is the most-efficient car on the block and can average a combined mileage of 40 miles per gallon of fuel. Its fuel tank has a similar capacity as the Chevrolet Spark, while the Fiat 500 has the most voluminous tank of 10.5 gallons in the segment.
The Chevrolet Spark’s cabin is not its strongest suit. Once you set foot inside the cabin, there are elements that could irk some buyers. The body-colored dashboard accents render an inferior look, and the ride quality is not the best in the class. The stiff suspension causes the ride quality to deteriorate, and the clumsiness in the drive does feel like a letdown.
The Chevrolet Spark has a total seating capacity of four passengers, which is also the segment standard. The front seats have ample space and feel comfortable, and so is the case with the rear-seat passengers. The cargo capacity on offer is 11.4 cubic feet, which is adequate for a car in its segment.
Model |
Chevrolet Spark |
Fiat 500 |
Mitsubishi Mirage |
---|---|---|---|
Seating Capacity |
4 |
4 |
4 |
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
39.4/50.7/42 |
38.9/49.4/40.7 |
39.1/51.7/41.7 |
Second Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
37.3/49.7/35.2 |
35.6/46.4/31.7 |
37.3/51/34 |
Cargo capacity to (Cu. Ft) |
11.4 |
9.5 |
17.2 |
In comparison, all three cars have similar seating capacity. While front seats have an equal amount of space, in terms of rear-seat space, the Fiat 500 lacks considerably and so is the case with its cargo capacity of 9.5 cubic feet. The Mitsubishi Mirage remains on top of all other cars in the segment, having a trunk volume of 17.2 cubic feet. Some salient interior features of Chevrolet Spark include:
The infotainment system isn’t the best in the segment. Though it is easy to use, the lack of standard features does feel like a letdown. With the base variant, Chevrolet offers an AM/FM stereo, auxiliary audio input, and a 4-speaker sound system.
As one moves higher up the trim ladder, the Spark does start to feature some hi-tech specifications like a 6-speaker sound system and USB connection. Some other infotainment features include:
The Chevrolet Spark is distinct in its design and stance. The large head and taillights look complex yet easy-going and happy-go-lucky. In its stance, the Chevrolet Spark has smallish looks and its flat-faced rear design causes the Spark to lose out on some vital cargo space. The rear spoiler and front grille look imposing, while the 15-inch alloy wheels make the Spark look proportionate in its stance.
The Chevrolet Spark weighs 2,368 lbs and is the heaviest car in the segment. It is 144.7 inches long and sports a wheelbase of 93.5 inches. Its height and width measure 62.9 and 61 inches respectively, making it the tallest car in the segment. While its ground clearance is not known, the Spark is able to perform decently as per segment standards on uneven patches.
Model |
Chevrolet Spark |
Fiat 500 |
Mitsubishi Mirage |
---|---|---|---|
Curb Weight (lbs) |
2368 |
2366 |
2029 |
Length (in.) |
144.7 |
139.6 |
148.8 |
Width (in.) |
62.9 |
64.1 |
65.6 |
Height (in.) |
61 |
59.8 |
59.4 |
Ground Clearance (in.) |
N/A |
4.5 |
6.3 |
Wheelbase (in.) |
93.5 |
90.6 |
96.5 |
In comparison, the Mitsubishi Mirage is the lightest car in the segment weighing 2,029 lbs. In addition, it is the longest and widest car in the segment and has best-in-class ground clearance of 6.3 inches. Its wheelbase of 96.5 inches is the longest, while the 90.6-inch wheelbase of the Fiat 500 is the shortest. Some standout exterior highlights of the Chevrolet Spark are:
The NHTSA ranks the Chevrolet Spark impressively in its crash test ratings. It manages to score a 4-star rating, which is decent as per standards. Basic safety features that the Chevrolet Spark makes use of include brake assist, daytime running lights, and traction control. Other safety features available with the Spark are:
The sub-$20,000 purchase is by far the toughest, for there are a large number of cars on offer across many segments. The Chevrolet Spark is a probable candidate that features in every buyer’s list. However, if you were to ask us, we’d suggest otherwise. Each aspect in which the Chevrolet Spark is compared to its contemporaries, there is another car on offer that does it better. While the Chevrolet Spark’s performance is decent, we feel the Mitsubishi Mirage and Fiat 500 are more all-rounded.