2021 Chevrolet Spark
Overview
Well aware of the Spark’s popularity among city dwellers, Chevrolet wisely decided against tinkering with success when planning the 2021 model. The 2021 Spark remains a fun, inexpensive, 4-door hatchback that zips through traffic and makes parallel parking such a snap that you can snag the first parking space you spot, however tight, all while keeping your gas bills low. Appropriately enough, it radiates a sparky look, with unique upholstery designs and vibrant exterior colors, such as Orange Burst, Raspberry, Passion Fruit, Caribbean Blue, and Silver Ice. The Activ trim bumps up the fun factor with such sporty touches as increased road clearance, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and roof rails. The Spark comes in four trims: the LS base model, which includes an impressive number of infotainment features; the 1LT, adding power windows, power locks, alloy wheels, and remote keyless entry; the 2LT, offering an extensive safety package; and the Activ, designed for an SUV look.
The Perfect Drive for …
The urban commuter, especially young adults juggling tight budgets and the desire for a zippy looking ride. Even the fully loaded trims sell for under $19,000. The Spark sips fuel, with a 30 mpg rating in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.* The tight turning ratio, short wheelbase and short overhangs (exterior parts that extend beyond the wheels) translate into amazing maneuverability, whether you’re trying to fit into a tight parking space or you’re weaving around slowpokes. Responsive steering adds to driving pleasure on both highway and congested city streets. The responsive manual transmission goes a long way toward compensating for the small engine.
Drive and Handling
The 2021 Spark comes with a 1.4-liter, 98-horsepower engine with four cylinders. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard for all trims, with the option of a continuously variable automatic transmission. With a 9-gallon fuel tank, the front-wheel drive Spark has a range of over 340 highway miles, keeping the gas stops relatively infrequent as well as inexpensive.
The Spark’s designers never envisioned the vehicle as a high-torque speedster, and acceleration is about what you’d expect for a subcompact with a small engine. Once the hatchback has merged onto the highway, however, it handles the speed limit well, with a solid road feel. The tight suspension—MacPherson struts in the front and compound crank suspension in the rear—makes for nimble mastery of curves. In addition, an upgraded “touring” suspension package is standard in the Activ. The Spark’s low center of gravity and short wheelbase contribute to the road-hugging feel, as does its electronic stability control system, Stabilitrak.
Key Features
Interior Space
Despite its subcompact size, the Spark doesn’t feel claustrophobic. It can hold four people comfortably. The front seats, however, afford ample legroom, and their slightly elevated position, as well as the upright, SUV-style posture of the driver’s seat, translates into excellent visibility. Generous head clearance enhances the roomy feel up front. The overall cargo space is a modest 11 cubic feet, but you’ll jack that number to more than 27 cubic feet when you fold down the rear seats.
Safety Standards and Options
In its evaluation of the strength of the passenger compartment (side and front), the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Spark a “good” rating, the top grade. Standard safety features on all Sparks include 10 airbags, a rear vision camera, tire pressure monitoring, Stabilitrak, electronic traction control, and anti-lock brakes. Optional features include automatic emergency braking at low speeds, forward collision alert, lane-drift warning, and rear parking sensors.
Alternative Options
If you’re looking for a small vehicle with a traditional sedan silhouette, the Chevrolet Sonic might be the car for you. If you and your family need more space for your on-road (and maybe some off-road) adventures, the Chevrolet Trax is the perfect combination of crossover capability and fuel economy.
For more information about the Chevrolet Spark or any of the other amazing models in the 2021 Chevrolet lineup, contact Heritage Chevrolet Buick Owings Mills online or visit our showroom at 11234 Reisterstown Road, Owings Mills, MD 21117.
Image Credit: Chevrolet
*EPA-estimated 30 MPG city/38 highway with 5-speed manual transmission or available CVT.