2020 Chevrolet Spark

Overview

The 2020 Spark proves that not every cheap car has to feel like it, thanks to Chevy packing a lot of value into it. Driver comfort is sufficient and the engine revs with a bit of enthusiasm, something that is otherwise absent in this price bracket. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is standard on the 7.0-inch central touchscreen, but driver-assistance features such as lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control aren't available. Rear-seat passengers will never complain of too much space; while it is a hatchback, which would indicate a decent level of versatility, the Spark has but 11 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat in use.

What's New for 2020?

In the very cost-effective approach of "If it ain't broke, don't fix it," Chevy didn't change a thing for the 2020 Spark.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Every Spark has a feeble four-cylinder engine that drives the front wheels through either a five-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Thankfully, the gearless automatic managed power well without droning engine noise. While the version we tested was responsive at low speeds around town, be prepared to wait as it moseys up to higher speeds. The Spark struggled from zero to 60 mph in 10.7 seconds and needed 7.6 seconds to go from 50 to 70 mph, which simulates passing at highway speeds. This diminutive hatchback is definitely not designed for long road trips, but it's effective and quiet in the city. The Spark is easy to thread through slow-moving traffic, with quick lateral movements and stable motions. Its short wheelbase aids maneuverability in tight spaces without compromising ride quality. Still, the Chevy was bouncy on uneven surfaces, and the harshest bumps were barely isolated. However, rattles and road noise were more subdued than in rival economy cars. The Spark's steering felt direct and communicated the road surface to the driver's hand. It was also relaxed at highway speeds and made changing lanes easy without feeling twitchy. The firm brake pedal had strong responses that helped scrub speed quickly and consistently.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Despite its teensy size and teeny engine, the Spark doesn't earn fantastic EPA estimates. In city driving, it's rated at 29 mpg with the manual transmission and 30 with the automatic. Highway estimates are 37 mpg on Activ models and 38 on the others. These figures are better than the Fiat 500's but are outdone by the Mitsubishi Mirage's rating of up to 36 mpg city and 43 highway. The automatic Spark LT we tested on our 200-mile highway fuel-economy route returned 37 mpg, 1 mpg shy of both its EPA rating and the last 500C we tested.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Spark avoids the shoddy interior quality that is common on cars this cheap. Although most plastics are hard, they fit together evenly and have attractive textures. Desirable features are mainly limited to leather trimmings and heated front seats. The driving position is upright like a crossover's, with a fold-down armrest that keeps things comfortable. The large front doors and raised seat height make climbing into the cockpit easy. Unfortunately, the narrow front seats have flimsy cushions and no lateral support. The back seat is undeniably cramped; the front seats must be slid forward to comfortably fit an adult. We fit three carry-on bags behind the Spark's back seat, which offers 11 cubic feet of cargo space. That increases to 27 cubes with the rear seat stowed, allowing it to swallow 15 bags total. However, this was a very clumsy transformation. It required moving the front seats forward, so the bottom cushions could flip up before the seatbacks could fold down. Even then, the cargo floor was nowhere near flat. Likewise, loading luggage involved lifting it up and over the rear bumper. Inside, the Spark has cubbies in the center console and a useful shelf above the glovebox, but there's only a plastic tray between the back seats.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Even the entry-level Spark has a standard 7.0-inch touchscreen with a 4G LTE mobile hotspot, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. The infotainment screen is primarily controlled by touch, but a useful rotary volume knob and redundant buttons are conveniently located. A pair of USB ports and a 12-volt outlet are situated below the center stack.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration hasn't crash-tested the Spark, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety didn't name it a Top Safety Pick. While the tiny hatchback is available with some driver assists, the most notable options are reserved for the most expensive model. Key safety features include:

• Available forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Available lane-departure warning
• Available rear parking sensors

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Spark's limited and powertrain warranties are unspectacular compared with the Mirage's 10 years or 100,000 miles. However, the Chevy is a much better car overall. It also includes five years or 60,000 miles of roadside assistance.

• Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance covers one visit for the first year