Let’s play word association. Say “minicar” and you’ll probably answer smart fortwo, Scion iQ, or Fiat 500 (since they’re they only ones available in the US). Say “Chevy” and Silverado, Suburban or Impala probably come to mind because everyone knows that GM only makes big cars and trucks.
Believe that and you deserve to be associated with the word “misinformed”.
Chevrolet has been pumping out great small cars for the past three years in the form of Cruze, Sonic and now the 2013 Spark minicar. It’s about a foot and a half shorter than a Honda Fit. Spark could possibly be the best urban runabout sold in the states if you consider the word “value”. It’s more roomy, refined and useful than fortwo and iQ, thousands of dollars less than 500. Spark starts at 13 grand with shipping. The 2LT model Chevy has dropped off stickers for $15,800.
Spark has sold over …show more content…
Many think it’s a hybrid or electric car (nope, but there will be a limited-production electric version soon). There are wisecracks about finding it in a cereal box (buy a couple cases if you find that to be true). The nuclear Jalapeno paint draws a surprising amount of compliments and the inevitable Kermit the Frog comparisons.
Not aimed at the Corvette crowd, Spark gets its spark from a 1.2-liter Ecotec four-cylinder that manages 84 horsepower @ 6400 rpm and 83 lb-ft @ 4200 rmp. It runs pretty smooth considering .
This fury is tamed by an optional four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual I’m driving. Important- Don’t be afraid of the manual. A hill holder feature means Spark doesn’t roll backwards on steep hills. The clutch is very forgiving, it’s pretty tough to stall Spark out. Throws are on the long side but the shifter has a nice engagement and feel about it. It’s more fun to drive than the automatic and delivers substantially better fuel economy. The EPA numbers are 32 city/38 highway for the manual, 28/37 for the auto
Believe that and you deserve to be associated with the word “misinformed”.
Chevrolet has been pumping out great small cars for the past three years in the form of Cruze, Sonic and now the 2013 Spark minicar. It’s about a foot and a half shorter than a Honda Fit. Spark could possibly be the best urban runabout sold in the states if you consider the word “value”. It’s more roomy, refined and useful than fortwo and iQ, thousands of dollars less than 500. Spark starts at 13 grand with shipping. The 2LT model Chevy has dropped off stickers for $15,800.
Spark has sold over …show more content…
Many think it’s a hybrid or electric car (nope, but there will be a limited-production electric version soon). There are wisecracks about finding it in a cereal box (buy a couple cases if you find that to be true). The nuclear Jalapeno paint draws a surprising amount of compliments and the inevitable Kermit the Frog comparisons.
Not aimed at the Corvette crowd, Spark gets its spark from a 1.2-liter Ecotec four-cylinder that manages 84 horsepower @ 6400 rpm and 83 lb-ft @ 4200 rmp. It runs pretty smooth considering .
This fury is tamed by an optional four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual I’m driving. Important- Don’t be afraid of the manual. A hill holder feature means Spark doesn’t roll backwards on steep hills. The clutch is very forgiving, it’s pretty tough to stall Spark out. Throws are on the long side but the shifter has a nice engagement and feel about it. It’s more fun to drive than the automatic and delivers substantially better fuel economy. The EPA numbers are 32 city/38 highway for the manual, 28/37 for the auto